I'm not sure kids skip dances out of a form a protest, unless protesting against lameness and a boring night counts.
My son went to his first high school dance back when he was a Freshman (he'll be a Junior when school starts back up again in August), and he's been to other dances at school as well. They're actually pretty popular as they can fill the entire gym. Whether they're informal or formal dances, the event organizers at his school are getting something right by pulling off successful dances that the kids really enjoy.
So, when he came out of the gym to meet me at my car in the parking lot afterward, I got a story about how a girl came up to him wanting to dance with him by shaking her booty right up against him. It was his first adventure into teens as a group waking up to sexuality in a fun atmosphere. Parents around here are more upset about these things happening, but dang I know some of those parents....and I remember how
they acted at school dances, too. They're wanting the school to crack down on such "lewd behavior."
But the kids love the dances. The restrictions go so far as to them going through a search of purses and bags and emptying pockets before entering to disallow weapons, alcohol, and drugs. They have a dress code they need to follow. And there are adult chaperones who make sure things don't get out of hand. So far, no complaints from the kids. They have something to do in a safe environment on the occasional Saturday night.
I don't see any of my son's friends walking out in protest anytime soon. There's a lot of freedom in these events, but a few boundaries that the students just cannot cross no matter what. Violate the dress code, they're escorted out. Some might see that as stupid and arbitrary, but overall, they want the substance of the event.
Anyway, I thought I'd throw that in there. School dances still exist. And even when a DJ has to play by the rules, they can still be wildly popular.