Homecoming and other dances were always free. the school district would try anything to get kids to come to these things. They usually sucked. 

I remember the only dance I really ever went to, some friend hooked me up with this hot chick. Turns out she was on her period, and holding someone's waist while dancing is "perverted". I just kept to drinking after that.

Our prom was a little pricey, but nother compared to what i'm seeing here.