In the United States, a prom (short for "promenade") is a formal dance held at the end of the second-to-last and last year of high school, called junior prom and senior prom respectively. In British English and Australian English such an event would be called a ball, although in Australian government schools and in Canada it is also often called a formal. In Australia, the term "prom" has also come into sparse usage from North America and in Britain it is becoming widespread, also due to North American influence. In contrast, "The Proms" (short for "promenade concerts") are a venerable series of London summer concerts.
Boys are usually attired in tuxedos with bowties, sometimes with brightly colored cummerbunds or vests. Girls usually wear formal gowns or dresses adorned with a corsage given them by their date, and often dress to shock or be noticed in low cut dresses, shiny or brightly colored fabrics, unusual cuts, or formal pants outfits.
Common prom activities include dining, dancing, and socializing. In some cases, high school students accumulate funds for their class prom through fundraisers over the four years they attend their high school. High schools near large cities may rent ballrooms at expensive hotels or, to be unusual, venues such as a pleasure cruise boat and many students group together to take limousines to their proms. Often costs are cut by using the school gym, which challenges the decorating committee to somehow mask the gym odor and drab surfaces. Rock music and hip hop are commonly played.
The prom night is laden with significance and anxiety to many students about being invited, finding a date, what to wear, how much to spend, how to find the money, and whether to drink alcohol, take illicit drugs, or engage in sexual relations on the night of this pinnacle event. Some high school students feel the prom is the most romantic night of their lives. They may go in a group that includes a person they have known for years; other times, students just try to find a date that they like. Many find it to be just as fun to attend with friends, not worrying about the dating aspect of the prom. Because of the age of the attendees, parents, teachers, or others usually act as chaperones for the prom and after-prom activities. The use of chaperones is intended to prevent the occurrence of violence or alcohol/drug abuse.
Some universities and colleges have proms as well, depending on the size of the graduating class in a faculty or department.
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