The first high school proms were not recorded in high school yearbooks until 1930s and 1940s but historian believe proms existed at least 10 years earlier.  While prom was known as nothing but a fancy dance, this special event and its significance has certainly evolved over the years.

During the Victorian era in the United States, members of the upper class, frequently held grand balls where guests were announced before they entered the ballrooms. Debutant balls were also common among the upper class younger folks. Young girls and their escorts wore only the finest apparel and strict etiquette was a must at these balls.

The first proms came about as middle-class parents admired and sought to duplicate these grand debutante balls for their own teens.   The prom was created as a less expensive, less elaborate event where their children could meet for entertainment while gaining knowledge of social etiquette.

Proms are usually held at the end of junior and/or senior year. The word prom is the short for the French word, promenade and there are quite a few definitions: a formal dance (black tie); gathering of high school students; a march of guests into a ballroom to announce the beginning of a formal event or ball.  For some teenagers, school proms are usually their first formal affair. Parents and educators believe that this affair is an important lesson to teach students social skills

In prior years, prom was a humble home town affair in the school gymnasium and the music was provided by a local band or a record player. Girls wore their best Sunday dress and boys simple wore a jacket and a tie.   This changed after 1960s and especially after the 80s when prom became a serious affair. Proms have evolved into expensive, elaborate themed productions with numerous national companies focusing on developing and providing elaborate theme packages and party goods, exclusively for high school proms.

For some girls, the dress is either the time to shock or be noticed. Dresses range from low cut, shiny or brightly colored fabrics or unusual cuts. They purchase fancy designer gowns or their gown is custom designed; they purchase new shoes and accessories and hair and make up are an additional expense as well.  Today boys will rent tuxedos rather than just a jacket and tie.

Stretch limousines are hired to drive the prom-goers to some of the finest banquet halls for an all-night dinner and disco extravaganza. Today alcohol, drugs and sex are now a concern for chaperons. Other things have changed as well, while traditional etiquette calls for the boy to ask the girl to the prom, girls have become more assertive and some will ask a boy to be their prom date. Non-traditional couples are also becoming more commonplace at proms

 For seniors, prom is the realization that they are leaving high school and becoming an adult. For some students, prom is the ultimate high school event and a meaningful way to commemorate high school friendships. For some high school students, prom is the most romantic night of their lives. However, many are choosing to attend proms in groups making the night less of a date event.

 But for many teenagers, the prom can be a stressful traumatic event. They are concerned about their image and their reputation and just fitting in with their peers or the popular kids. They worry if they will have a date; they worry if they will fit in; and for some, will I be crowned Prom King/Queen.  The event can be especially devastating experience for socially awkward teens.

From the moment a teen enters high school, they begin dreaming and looking forward to junior and senior prom. While prom will continue to be an important event in our teenager’s lives, in many ways I am sure you would agree that its symbolic status and meaning are slowly moving away.