Prom night is as American as bacon and eggs. But how did this tradition come to be? Prom began as a way to reinforce manners and poise in young people.
Prom is short for “promenade,” which is what we called the first proms. In the late 1800s, Ivy League students attended a presentation week that included a dance in formal attire and a concert. Back then, prom nights served as a way to meet up with those of the opposite gender, as it was common to attend an all-male or all-female school or to have no formal education.
From the beginning, prom was an expensive event, and not everybody was able to attend. In the early 1900s, prom events reached high schools. These proms aimed to promote socialization and good behavior while serving as opportunities to mingle under the careful eye of chaperons. By 1930, proms were widely accepted throughout colleges and high schools alike, turning out to be one of the most important events of the school year.
Fast forward to the present day, where after a slow season in the 60s and 70s, prom is again all the rage. From taking grannies to prom to crowning a King with Down’s syndrome, prom is more inclusive and open to the new times. Maybe it will even survive another century! Get ready for this prom season with these easy tricks, and make your prom a magical night.