"Pomp, Circumstance, and End of Year School Proms: An Unofficial Guide to Surviving the Glittery Chaos!"
JUNE 24, 2023
"SMILE PLEASE FOR THE BEANSTALK CAMERA!"
Ah, prom season—a time of glitter, gowns, and unforgettable memories. We have been asked to run photography for a couple of upcoming prom's in our local area of Suffolk. So, we are getting our Black Tie ready and looking forward to being nearly run over again by the ever more extravagant prom "taxis"!
But have you ever wondered how these extravagant events found their way into our UK education system? Join us as we explore the humerious origins of school end-of-year proms and contemplate whether we should wholeheartedly embrace them or make a swift exit!
The Quirky Beginnings
Legend has it that proms sneaked into the UK during a particularly foggy night. A mischievous American student, armed with sparklers and a penchant for dance, accidentally stumbled upon a British boarding school. As luck would have it, the headmaster mistook the startled teenager for a long-lost student and invited him to organise a grand end-of-year celebration. And voila! Proms were born.
The Rise of the Promzilla
Proms quickly spread across the UK, with students embracing the chance to don glamorous attire and strut their stuff. However, as the years went by, a new species emerged—the dreaded Promzilla! These mythical creatures had an uncanny ability to transform from mild-mannered students into ferocious, tiara-wielding divas with a single mention of prom. Their mission? To orchestrate the most extravagant, over-the-top prom imaginable, complete with helicopeters, live elephants and chocolate fountains.
The Battle of the Budgets
While Promzillas reveled in their dreams of opulence, the more sensible among us raised a financial eyebrow. The battle of the budgets began, with parents and school administrators squabbling over the cost of admission to these glittering affairs. Prom dresses became more expensive than designer wedding gowns, and tuxedos began to rival the price of a small European nation. Some wondered if it would be more sensible to send their children backpacking across Europe instead. Alas, practicality often succumbed to the siren song of sequins and disco balls.
The Awkward Dance Floor Moments
As proms gained popularity, so did the inevitable awkwardness on the dance floor. Picture this: teenagers attempting complicated dance routines they learned from YouTube tutorials, only to end up in a heap of limbs and crumpled corsages. Let's not forget the slow dances, where couples went from swaying gracefully to stepping on each other's toes and awkwardly whispering apologies. Yet, amidst the chaos, love sometimes bloomed, with students daring to ask their crushes for a twirl and experiencing an unforgettable "promposal" moment.
The Quest for Prom King and Queen
Ah, the crowning glory of every prom—the coveted titles of Prom King and Queen. It was a popularity contest like no other, with candidates desperately seeking votes from their fellow students. Campaign posters adorned every wall, bribes in the form of chocolates and promises of eternal friendship were made, and intense rivalries formed. In the end, the lucky winners were crowned, only to realise that their reign lasted for a mere few hours before they returned to their ordinary lives.
To Celebrate or Dodge?
Now that we've journeyed through the candid history of school end-of-year proms, the question remains—should we celebrate these extravaganzas or make a swift exit? Well, dear reader, the answer lies in embracing the chaos with a smile. Proms may be a little over-the-top, and they may leave a dent in our wallets, but they also provide an opportunity for laughter, friendship, and unforgettable memories.
So, whether you choose to don a fabulous gown or prefer to avoid the dance floor altogether, proms are a unique part of the educational experience and here to stay. They remind us to let loose, embrace our inner Promzilla or Promknight, and celebrate the end of a chapter with lots of laughter and a whole lot of sparkle.
Now go forth, you young students of life, and may your prom experiences be as hilariously memorable as the origins of these legendary events!
Disclaimer: The historical accuracy of this blog may be slightly exaggerated for comedic effect. Promzillas, Promkings, and mythical American students may or may not exist. Well...they do in our imagination 😊