A promenade dance, commonly called a prom, is a dance party for high
school students. It may be offered in semi-formal black tie or
informal suit for boys, and dresses for girls. This event is typically
held near the end of the senior year (the last year of high school).
Proms figure greatly in popular culture and are major events among
high school students. There may be individual senior (12th grade) and
junior (11th grade) proms or they may be combined.At a prom, a "prom
king" and a "prom queen" may be revealed. These are honorary titles
awarded to students elected in a school-wide vote prior to the prom.
Other students may be honored with inclusion in a prom court. The
selection method for a prom court is similar to that of homecoming
queen/princess, king, and court. Inclusion in a prom court may be a
reflection of popularity of those students elected and their level of
participation in school activities, such as clubs or sports. The "prom
queen" and "prom king" may be given crowns to wear. Members of the
prom court may be given sashes to wear and photographed together.At a
prom, a "prom king" and a "prom queen" may be revealed. These are
honorary titles awarded to students elected in a school-wide vote
prior to the prom. Other students may be honored with inclusion in a
prom court. The selection method for a prom court is similar to that
of homecoming queen/princess, king, and court. Inclusion in a prom
court may be a reflection of popularity of those students elected and
their level of participation in school activities, such as clubs or
sports. The "prom queen" and "prom king" may be given crowns to wear.
Members of the prom court may be given sashes to wear and photographed
together.Similar events, which may be locally inspired by debutante
balls, take place in many other parts of the world. In Canada, the
terms "formal" and "Grad" are often used, while in Australia and New
Zealand, the terms school formal and ball are most commonly used for
occasions equivalent to the American prom, and the event is usually
held for students in Year 12, although the bestowing of the regal
titles does not occur. Many schools hold a formal graduation ball for
finishing students at the end of the year in place of or as well as a
formal. In Ireland a debutante ball or debs may also be held. In
Poland, high schools organize a "studniówka". The term "prom" is
becoming more common in the United Kingdom and Canada because of the
influence of American films and television shows, such as Grease.In
the early days of high school proms, the nighttime dance served a
function similar to a debutante ball. Early proms were times of
firsts: the first adult social event for teenagers; the first time
taking the family car out after dark; the first real dress-up affair;
and so forth. Proms also served as a heavily documented occasion,
similar to a milestone event such as first communion or a wedding, in
which the participants were taking an important step into a new stage
in their lives. In earlier days, the prom may have also served as an
announcement of engagement for the 'best couple' after the prom court
had been crowned and recognized. Prom Top Movies & Young Movies