The Promenade

Tiffany Sun

March 28, 2025

Under the warm firefly glow of fairy lights on the steps of a mountain winery bathed in sunset oranges, or amidst the clinking of silverware and laughter while others ride past on stomach-dropping amusement park rides, one of the most popular and anticipated high school event takes place: prom.

A promenade dance party, more commonly known as “prom,” is a formal dance hosted near the end of each school year in high school. Through its history, it has become an important milestone in many high schoolers’ lives—some even see it as a rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood.

Prom is usually held in late spring—ranging from April to May—exclusively for juniors and seniors. Other dances, such as homecoming and winter formal, are open to all grades; however, prom is usually solely reserved for upperclassmen. Worth noting: high schoolers can bring dates from other schools and other grades to prom if they wish.

For some, prom is a chance to dress up formally (many girls go dress shopping months prior); others view it as a wonderful socializing occasion; while others see it as a chance to create lasting memories with their loved ones (whether that be a date or friends). All in all, everyone can agree that prom is a highly anticipated and fun event.

Numerous traditions have developed from prom and can be roughly categorized into pre-prom preparations and date traditions. For many girls, one of the best parts of prom is the planning and getting ready, which includes prom dress shopping with friends, hair styling, manicures, jewelry pairing, and getting ready at someone’s house together. Because high schoolers rarely get the chance to dress up formally, prom is exceedingly appealing, and many girls go all out with their preparations.

Apart from those traditions, many promposals also happen during the weeks prior to prom. Promposals are creative ways that people ask someone out. In many cases, this is in the form of a funny, sweet, and/or unique poster accompanied by flowers and little gifts. However, some unleash their creative liberties and end up enlisting friends in a performance or setting up a romantic date for the asking. After one has gotten a date for prom, couples often match their attire. For example, a guy might buy a tie in the color of their date’s dress. Furthermore, corsages and boutonnieres are more iconic and conspicuous elements that showcase who the couples are. Corsages are small floral arrangements commonly worn on the wrist or pinned to a dress. Boutonnieres are smaller, matching floral arrangements commonly pinned on the lapel or suit jacket of a tuxedo. Surprisingly, this tradition can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece, where lovers openly showcased their affection through wearing corsages.

Whether you’re going single, going with friends, or going with a date to prom, you are sure to create unforgettable memories from this formal dance, as it has become the highly anticipated trademark and jewel of high school life.