Even before the rise of social media, prom night has been a long-awaited event by many. From iconic promposals, getting dressed up with friends, to the awarding of Prom King and Queen, prom has had a rich history throughout the years. With the significant development of prom over the decades, understanding how the current customs and practices we have in prom today came to be is necessary in order to truly appreciate this tradition. Therefore, in honor of our approaching JS prom, let’s take a look at prom through the decades:
1800s - 1890s
The first proms were believed to have taken place in the 1800s at northeastern colleges and universities in America for students in each graduating class. These parties had the aim to encourage young ladies who were a part of the elite and wealthy to “come out” or be introduced to polite society and its eligible suitors.
In the 1890s, the term “prom” was utilized instead as a shortened version of the term “promenade,” which referred to formal dances. The attire of the men was typically composed of a jacket, waistcoat, and trousers, while gowns of this time were typically in Victorian fashion—corsets, layered overskirts, high necklines, and slight trains. Men and women were also partnered as they would have to dance waltzes to classical music during the night.
1920s - 1980s
In the 1920s, the first high school-officiated proms took place as proms became more widespread across the United States. Though only seniors could attend, they still enforced the same rules as the proms in colleges. In addition, just like the wedding ceremonies at that time, the exchange of corsages and boutonnieres to be worn by the female and male students, respectively, became a new tradition practiced by the attendees of proms.
Through the 1930s and 1980s, proms became more lavish and intricate. Although the high school gym was still a suitable venue for sophomore dances, junior and senior proms eventually relocated to hotel ballrooms and country clubs. Boys were now obliged to invite girls, and competition intensified as there were now awards for the best dressed, best-looking date, and best mode of transportation.
Prom also started to spread around the world—including the Philippines. At this point, high school students started to attend the Junior-Senior Prom. During that time period, it was a common occurrence that students would borrow or rent their suits or dresses since prom was yet to be perceived as an over-the-top event.
2000s - 2019
A notable highlight of this period was the popularity of a practice called the “promposal,” essentially a staged request for when you wish to go to prom with a date. Additionally, as a result of the new technology and media platforms created, people shared their experiences online as attendees to prom.
Furthermore, during this time period, several well-known films that include adaptations of prom were also produced and popularized all around the world. Such movies include Mean Girls and High School Musical. While each film was distinct in its own way, they all focused on a teen’s life as they go through everyday life in high school—including social cliques, friendship, and romance. In general, the prom scenes particularly in these films depicted prom as this big, momentous party with over-the-top decorations, student dance-offs, and a crowning ceremony for the Prom King and Queen.
2020s
If the global COVID-19 pandemic had not happened, MGCNLCA, along with other high schools, would have held their yearly prom for their students. However, pandemic restrictions and quarantine guidelines prevented the continuation of this tradition. Virtual proms—proms held through online platforms—thus became a highly common alternative. However, in certain areas where it was approved by officials to have face-to-face prom, an updated list of protocols was to be integrated into prom while still amidst the pandemic.
MGCNLCA last year held a virtual turnover ceremony over Zoom, which included many of the previous aspects of the MGCNLCA JS prom, such as the official turnover from one Student Government President to another, alongside the awarding of several prom titles.
Now, after the two-year hiatus because of the nationwide lockdown, JS Prom is back! MGCNLCA is preparing for prom once again.
As of writing, MGCNLCA JS Prom 2022 will be held in the school gym with attendees practicing the necessary precautionary measures. With the theme “Standing the Test of Time,” Grade 10 and 11 students are expected to wear formal cocktail attire and will not be required to stay for dinner.
Once an experience exclusively for the upperclassmen in society, prom has now become an irreplaceable tradition in a high schooler’s life. By attending this rite of passage, not only do students get to drop all their schoolwork and let loose for a night but also learn essential life skills such as etiquette and social skills. Hopefully, MGCNLCA students will soon have the opportunity to attend prom without the restrictive safety protocols once again!
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