10 Little-Known Facts About the American Prom For Foreigners

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10 Little-Known Facts About the American Prom For Foreigners

Prom is a significant high school event that many people look forward to for years. It has a rich history, from its roots in Ivy League college social gatherings to its current form as a glamorous end-of-year celebration for high school students. Here are ten interesting facts about prom that reveal its evolution and some unique occurrences over the years.

1. Prom’s Origins Were Not in High School

Originally, prom wasn’t a high school event. Dating back to the mid-1800s, Ivy League college students attended prom to learn social etiquette and manners. The name “prom” was coined in 1928, but the tradition had been alive for decades among university students.

2. What “Prom” Stands For

The term “prom” is actually short for “promenade,” which referred to the practice of parading guests at a gathering. This term captures the essence of the event, where attendees are meant to be seen and celebrated.

3. The Birth of Prom Kings and Queens

The concept of Prom Queens and Kings started in the 1950s, post-World War II. As America’s economy flourished, teenagers began to embrace prom more enthusiastically, holding the event in upscale venues like country clubs and hotel ballrooms, sparking a competition for the best-dressed and most popular, hence the royalty contests.

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4. The Evolution of the Corsage

The corsage, originally a French term for “bodice,” began as a decoration pinned to a girl’s hip and has evolved to be worn around the wrist. This shift followed changes in fashion, particularly the styles of dresses worn to prom.

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5. Prom’s First Movie Appearance

The first film to feature a prom scene was “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 1946. This iconic movie shows a pivotal moment at a prom that includes a memorable dance scene which ends with the revelers falling into a hidden pool beneath the dance floor.

6. A Presidential Prom Visit

In 1963, while on his re-election campaign, President John F. Kennedy was booked to speak at a high-priced event at the Beverly Hills Hilton but ended up sharing the venue with a high school prom. He graciously visited the prom, enhancing the evening for the students.

7. Exclusion at Proms

Historically, proms were exclusive events that often barred minority students from attending. This practice persisted until significant civil rights advancements were made, yet some schools continued to resist integration at proms well into the late 20th century.

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8. Separate Proms in Some Cities

During the 1960s and 70s, certain schools responded to enforced integration by hosting separate proms for white students and students of color. This practice led to significant community backlash and alternative proms organized by affected families.

9. Breaking Barriers at Prom

In 1979, two young men from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, used their school’s rules to attend prom together as the first openly gay couple. This was a landmark moment, though it was met with mixed reactions within their community.

10. A White House Prom

In 1975, Susan Ford, daughter of President Gerald Ford, held her school prom at the White House, arguably one of the most unique prom venues ever. This special arrangement made her prom night a historic event.

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