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Prom

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 11:28 am
by drsved
It's that season. I assume it comes from promenade?

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 11:56 am
by Perry Lassiter
The American Heritage Dictionary agrees with you. I remember when I took dancing lessons in jr high, we began the proms with a stylized promenade, which was walking, not dancing. When the ritual was over, boys and girls ended up paired, and the dancing began. Square dance callers include " promenade" as one of their calls.
Welcome to the forum. Visit often and "speak your piece"!

Posted: Wed May 02, 2012 2:20 pm
by Philip Hudson
Welcome drsved. The High School Prom is a rite of passage. There are other dance parties called proms. Without a qualifier, the single word prom means High School Prom in the USA. Another rite of passage is a Debutante Ball. Sometimes these affairs get pretty "snooty" and "upper class." The Mexicans have a deb type party called a quinceañera, for fifteen-year-old girls. This is common in Texas, also. The emphasis of these parties is on the girl or group of girls being fêted. The young men are mostly there for background. My favorite film depiction of a prom is from "It's a Wonderful Life". In that classic movie, the gym floor slides open and the dancers are treated to an unexpected dip in the swimming pool that is under the floor.

Rites of passage form an important part of our culture.