Prom Time – (PIP #69)

By Louise Peloquin

It’s that time of year again – prom time.

Who am I goin’ with?

What if I go with a bunch of BFF’s?

What if I go alone?

What am I gonna to wear – vintage, gothic, random?

Are proms still a hallmark of the American high school experience? They have certainly evolved. A hundred years ago, the rules were different.

L’Etoile – October 17, 1924

DANCE REGULATIONS

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The New Britain High School faculty puts the new regulations for future school dances in writing.

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     New Britain, Conn 17. – The New Britain High School faculty has just written a new code detailing student conduct in school dances.

Here is the code:

• – The young lady will not place her arm around her partner’s neck.

• – The young lady will not place her arm beyond her partner’s side; that is to say, her arm will not extend beyond the middle of her partner’s back. The young man’s right arm must be placed above his partner’s waist.

• – A posture making the young lady’s back a concave in appearance must be avoided.

• – The practice known by the name of shimmy is forbidden.

• – The type of dance limited to a small area of the dance floor is forbidden.

• – It is forbidden to do what is called “cutting in,” that is to say, taking a young man’s partner and continuing to dance with her for the rest of the number.

• – It will also be necessary to remind everyone that, during evening dances, no one is allowed, except by special request, to leave the building and to return.

     These instructions will be read to the students, then posted on the school bulletin board. (1)

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1) Translation by Louise Peloquin.