After students at last year’s spring dance found themselves pirouetting alone in a near-empty room, Palo Alto High School’s Associated Student Body is looking to turn things around with this week’s Masquerade Dance.

During the dance — which will last from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday in the small gym of the Peery Center — attendees can relive masquerade ball scenes from movies like “The Phantom of the Opera” and “The Dark Knight Rises.”

“ASB was not planning to have a spring dance this year due to the lack of attendance from previous years,” said junior Shannon Zhao, a social commissioner on ASB. “However, the freshman class officers really wanted to have another dance because underclassmen do not have a chance to go to Prom, unless they’re asked.”

The dance is open to the entire student body, and not limited to underclassmen, Zhao said. It’s also unique because it’s the first time a dance has been held for free to students with an ASB card. For those who don’t have one, tickets cost $5.

Snacks will be available to attendees, according to Zhao. Masks are optional, and some will be offered for free at the dance on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Adora Zheng, the freshman class president, expressed excitement for the dance.

“People should come because the DJ will be really good, the food is going to be great — we’re going to have a chocolate fountain and Cream is going to come cater — [and] tickets are really cheap,” Zheng said.