Prom is a highly anticipated and exciting social event for high school juniors and seniors.
From dress shopping and booking hair and manicure appointments to getting fitted for a tuxedo and buying the perfect corsage, preparing for prom is a big (and often expensive) deal for many young people and their parents.
Although prom in its precise definition is short for promenade dance—a formal dance party for high school students held toward the end of the school year—there are several other activities that typically take place on prom night, including group photo sessions, dinners and afterparties.
Present-day prom differs significantly from early versions of the event, which dates all the way back to the late 19th century. The history of prom is rich in many obscure but interesting and culturally significant details that have shaped it into the event it is today.
The Late 19th Century: Debutante Balls
Contemporary prom has its roots in debutante balls. These glamorous events served as coming-of-age ceremonies for young women from wealthy families. Participating in a debutante ball meant a teenage girl was ready to be introduced to society and meet her future husband. As dating in the late 19th century was unheard of, attending a debutante ball gave young women the opportunity to merge themselves into polite society and meet eligible bachelors.
Although marriage is no longer at the center of this centuries-old tradition, debutante balls continue to take place all over the United States. Their purpose nowadays is for young women to network, make lasting friendships (with both men and women), celebrate adulthood and give back to the community.
The 1920s: The Introduction of Proms in High Schools
Until the early 20th century, proms were sophisticated tea parties reserved for male college students and their affluent families. In the 1920s, proms began transitioning to high schools where they became a much more causal and inclusive event for teenage boys and girls on the brink of graduation. By the 1930s, it was customary for high school seniors to attend prom under strict supervision of teachers and parents. While college proms celebrated wealth and social status, the goal of high school proms was to teach young men and women their assigned gender roles.
The 1950s: Proms Become an Integral Part of the High School Experience
In the 1950s, prom became an integral part of every student’s high school experience. The post-war economic boom made it possible for proms to move from high school gyms to more sophisticated locations like hotels and country clubs.
During this time, no high school prom was complete without the culminating event--choosing the king and queen of the prom. These two longed-for titles were reserved for the most popular students at the school.
1970s and Onward: Inching Toward Racial Inclusion
It wasn’t until the 1970s when African American students were allowed to attend prom alongside white students. However, ongoing racial tensions perpetuated the segregation, resulting in parents of white students organizing exclusive parties for their children. In response, African American parents did the same for their kids.
As years passed and societal views evolved, more and more high schools began holding integrated proms welcoming students of all colors and cultural backgrounds.
Nowadays, young people from all walks of life get to attend prom. The event allows high school students to have fun, celebrate milestones and spend quality time with friends and family before graduation.
Stunning Prom Venue in Fairfax, Virginia
If you’re concerned about some of the racial or gender insensitivities of proms from decades past, or the conformist roles they played in establishing gender norms, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there is nothing inherently wrong with the idea of young adults and soon-to-be-adults celebrating the end of a significant chapter of their lives. Modern proms can be fun, inclusive events that are safe and welcoming to every student.
CrystalView in Fairfax is the perfect venue for hosting high school prom and other memorable events.
Our luxurious interior paired with delicious catering and state-of-the-art entertainment is what sets us apart from other venues.
To learn more about CrystalView or to schedule a tour, call (703) 218-4444 or send us a message.
FAQs
When did high schools adopt proms? According to History.com, segregated white high schools introduced proms in the 1920s to show teenagers how to behave cultural norms and stereotypes of their gender — for example, women being subservient to men — and race.
What is the purpose of high school prom? ›
Prom, short for promenade, is a semi-formal dance usually held toward the end of high school. It's a celebration and final send-off for graduating students before they embark on their next journey. Typically, prom takes place in late spring and is often considered a rite of passage for teenagers.
What is the history of the word prom? ›
The word "prom" is short for promenade, which means a formal, organized march. The first proms were held in the late 1800s and early 1900s in Northeastern colleges and universities. These early proms were formal events that were intended to teach young men and women proper etiquette and manners.
What is prom short for? ›
Although prom in its precise definition is short for promenade dance—a formal dance party for high school students held toward the end of the school year—there are several other activities that typically take place on prom night, including group photo sessions, dinners and afterparties.
What does prom mean to a girl? ›
A promenade dance or promenade, commonly called a prom in American English, is a dance party for high school students. It may be offered in semi-formal black tie or informal suit for boys, and evening gowns for girls. This event is typically held at or near the end of the school year.
Can you go to prom without a date? ›
Prom is basically a bunch of teenagers playing dress-up for the night — and maybe doing a little dancing on the side. Make sure your child understands it's common nowadays for groups of friends to go to dances together. Dates are no longer required. This is true even for formal occasions like prom.
Why prom is a big deal? ›
As mentioned, the proms have their own rite-of-passage roots, being the event where young folks are essentially introduced to adulthood and to promote social etiquette.
Is prom worth it? ›
For those who can afford it and want to participate, prom can be a memorable and enjoyable experience. However, for those who cannot or do not want to participate, that decision should be respected. Students should not be made to feel bad if they would rather not spend the money on this high school event.
Is it OK not to go to high school prom? ›
For many teens (my son included) there are many more memorable days and nights in high school than prom night, and not wanting to go is neither abnormal or uncommon.
Is prom just a US thing? ›
Poland's tradition also falls into this timeframe and is called “studniówka” or “100 days thing”. England and Australia's proms are the most similar to the United States. Prom has actually gained popularity in recent years in England specifically because of the craze over the celebration in the US.
In two places in Georgia, the "black prom" was open to attendance by all students. Only the "white prom" was racially exclusive. School alumni at schools which held segregated proms sometimes hold segregated class reunions as well.
What is the proper meaning of prom? ›
Prim means polite, straight-laced, even twee. Many characters in Jane Austen novels are prim and proper. Prim describes someone who is so concerned with being proper it becomes almost fake. If you go to the beach on spring break wearing a Victorian bathing costume, you're being prim.
How old is prom age? ›
The age range for attending prom is generally between 17 to 18 years old, as it's primarily aimed at high school juniors and seniors. However, some schools may have different policies or may allow underclassmen to attend as guests of upperclassmen.
Why is prom important? ›
For the senior class, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it's frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students.
What is prom full for? ›
Full form of PROM is programmable read-only memory. Read further to know the uses and benefits of programmable read-only memory. PROM full form is programmable read-only memory. It is a type of non-volatile computer memory.
What is the origin of the senior prom? ›
Short for "promenade,” proms are modeled after the debutante balls of high society and have evolved from semi-formal end-of-the-year dances held in school gyms to become a billion-dollar industry encompassing limousines, flowers, photography, special attire and over-the-top invitations.
Why is prom such a big deal in America? ›
For the senior class, prom night serves as a symbol of four years of learning, friendship, and school spirit, and it's frequently the last time the entire class is all together before graduation. Prom, along with graduation, marks the conclusion of high school and the beginning of adulthood for students.
Why are proms called proms? ›
'Proms' is short for Promenade concerts – informal and inexpensive concerts with an opportunity for Promenaders ('Prommers') to stand and listen.
What is the meaning of prom day? ›
a formal party held for older students at the end of the school year, at which there is dancing: Who are you taking to the Senior Prom? SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Celebrations, parties & special occasions. afterparty.
