Prom: Tradition and Dresses

A prom, short for promenade, is used to describe a formal dance held at the end of an academic year. The British version of this North American event would be Valedictory Ball, Leavers' Ball, Leavers' Dinner or informally Leavers' Do, closer to the Australian description In Canada the terms Grad or Formal are most common and the event is usually only held for those in their graduating year of high school or middle school.

While proms at smaller schools may be open to the entire student body, usually high schools hold two proms, a junior prom for those finishing their 11th grade year and a senior prom for those who are finishing their high school years. The name is derived from the late nineteenth century practice of a promenade ball. The end of year tradition stemmed from the graduation ball tradition.

Prom fashion only varies by the generation, however it is always a formal event. Boys wear a tuxedo or formal suit. Girls will commonly wear a gown as it is the most formal of all the American high school events. Prom dresses can vary from expensive high profile designer names covered in sequins and beads to short fun party dresses which are also acceptable. Prom dresses are usually selected based on the seasons fashion and the models personality.

Common prom activities include dining, dancing, the crowning of a prom King and Queen, and socializing. Part of the Prom tradition is for a mother and daughter to shop for the prom dress together. After selecting the Prom dress it is customary in American culture to fill the day with pampering mother/daughter activities such as a trip to the salon.

Some universities and colleges have proms as well, depending on the size of the graduating class in a faculty or department.