By: Emma Riddick

Prom is a formal event held by a high school at the end of the school year for students who are juniors and seniors. Everyone gets dressed up in their best attire and attends the dance. You can bring a date, go in a group of friends, or go solo! Prom is a very big event for high school students, and everyone gets super excited for prom season. Apex prom just happened last week, and it was awesome.

The first proms started in the early 1800s. They were known as the Promenade. They were had with the main purpose for young men to show their newly found manners and social standing. After the late 1890s, Promenades moved to high schools for senior classes. Prom is a formal event, and you are expected to wear formal attire. Formal prom attire may be classified as a dress, tuxedo, dress suit (including a tie or bow tie), and dress shoes. 

The first prom took place at Smith College for Women. These events served as coming-of-age ceremonies for young women from wealthy families. The dresses that they wore are a lot different than dresses in today’s time. Attending this event meant a teenage girl was ready to be introduced to society and meet her future husband.

The purpose of prom now is very different from how it used to be. Now it is just a fun event to get dressed up and have a good time. Prom also takes place all over the world and differs from American traditions. I think it is really cool that one event happens all over the world and also has been taking place for this long.