The concept of a high school prom has existed in the United States dating back to the late 1800s and early 1900s. Although it’s a long-standing tradition for teenagers, throughout the years, the dance has taken on new meanings and traditions. The dance still keeps some of the same traditions, with the dance only being for Seniors and sometimes Juniors, depending on the school. The dance is known for being a later event in High School with only upperclassmen attending, and the dance takes place at the end of spring, typically in May.

But as the world progresses and new styles and trends occur, prom has advanced forward, and several new traditions have been added along the way. Many adults can now reflect on their high school experiences, particularly their prom, and how it has changed for the new generation.

“When I went to school, people just went up and asked each other, but now there are full proposals. Back then, guys wore full tuxedos and the girls wore ball gowns, and now the fashion has changed,” said Mr. McGee, who graduated from high school in 1983.

Now the fashion trends have shifted way more less formal with typically girls in cocktail dresses and men in suits. Men used to just typically wear a black and white tuxedo which now has shifted to colored jackets, vibrant ties, and unique shoes.

It isn’t just the dance that is different now, it’s the activities before and after that have also changed. “Back in the day, you would go up and knock on the door, and usually the parents would take a few quick pictures and then go to a really nice dinner,” said Mcgee.

Now, for most high schoolers, prom is a more casual thing. “My girlfriend is my date, and I didn’t really need to ask her since there was a mutual understanding that we were going to attend together. We plan to mainly just go take pictures, and we probably won’t end up doing dinner,” said junior Isaiah Bradley.

My friends and I opted for a more classic approach to prom. Since this is my junior prom, I didn’t want to do anything too extra for my prom plans, but I also wanted to still be part of some of the modern and new traditions. My group decided that instead of a dinner beforehand, we would go take nice pictures and then go out for ice cream or a treat after the dance ends. Instead of doing corsages for the girls in our group, we are instead choosing to all have small matching bouquets similar to the floral arrangements that are typical with corsages.

Although prom is constantly changing its course with new traditions, it remains a rite of passage for those who attend.