Bristol students who want to ditch US-style school proms
Two friends from Bristol want schools to ditch the Americanised prom and bring back the traditional leavers' party.
The perfect ball gown, professionally styled and blow-dried hair, spray-tanned skin, and that all-important stretch limousine are fast becoming must-haves for teenagers at the school prom.
The craze for American-style end-of-term prom dances has swept the country over the past few years, with parents forking out thousands of pounds to give their kids the perfect night.
The cost of attending these events can run into hundreds of pounds, putting parents under significant financial pressure.
But the Brislington duo want to change all that. Friends Lauren Collett and Anna Jordan, both 14, hope their idea of bringing back the old school leavers' party, where people can wear what they want, will catch on all over the UK.
Lauren, a Year 10 student at Brislington Enterprise College, told the Evening Post: "We are trying to bring back the traditionalism of the 'old school leavers' party' to Bristol and get away from the trend towards the Americanisms of prom.
"Our idea is to take the expense, Americanisms and social exclusions out of school prom and just turn it into a freakin' sweet party."
Anna, also in Year 10, said less well-off students feel excluded because they can't afford the must-have dress and everything that goes with it.
The pair have many local bands willing to support their planned event and are looking for supporters who can help make their idea a reality.
If you can help, send them an email.
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by Musician, Frankfurt, Germany
Saturday, November 07 2009, 4:07PM
“Although the "Prom" is fairly well known here amongst school leavers, you don't have to have it, so it's not a big issue. You can pick up a dress for ¿20 at Karstadt for example. However, Anna and Lauren's stand is significant, because it shows two young people who are willing to say "no" to superficial Hollywood style consumerism, and who are brave enough voice their own ideas. I think it's great . Go for it you two!”
by Ben, Johannesburg, South Africa
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 10:05PM
“Briliiant! When I went to university in Cambridge, my college (King's) abandonned all the pomp and ceremony of Grand Balls in favour of a "freakin' sweet party" - which helped to make people from state comprehensive schools like me feel a little less out of place at an institution full of filthy rich people.
Good on Lauren and Anna (who happens to be my neice).
One last thing - traditions are ours to reinvent and reshape. I dont think there's anything wrong with adapting a North American institution and using it in Bristol, or Bombay or Brussels. The important thing is for everyone to be included, and for the event to have meaning for those involved. Proms beacuse Americans do it that way and we want to be like them- Yeuchh!. Proms because there's something fun or meaningful for people in Bristol - why not!
What is a prom? A promenade? Walking out into the world? Does that resonate or make you wanna throw? Needs some googling and talking. Anna? Lauren?”
by Bris school student, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 8:44PM
“I go to Bris, and me and my friends think that this "alternative prom" is ruining the whole idea of normal prom. If this gets took into place, no matter what is said, me and my friends will still wear dresses, turn up in limos and actually make a effort. This expericane only comes once in a life time so why change it. You actually dont need to get a expencive dress there are plently of cheap nice dresses out there.
Oh btw im year 10!”
by Laura, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 8:16PM
“I completly disagree with what they are trying to achieve, as I feel proms are an excellent way to celebrate everyones acheivemnts after many years of hard work. The dresses don't need to cost anywhere near £300, I would know this as my parents brought mine from Bakos Boutique in Westbury On Trym (which I would highly reccomend)where the wide range of dresses I seen were under £150 pounds this shows that if you go to the right places you can still look amazing and a more reasonable price. Suitable for all budgets!”
by matt, bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 5:06PM
“commenters whose comments are of the "don't be such a killjoy" kind have missed the point; the girls are proposing that everyone should be able to enjoy an end-of-school celebration, not just those who can afford it (or those who can convince their parents that their lives are not worth living without spending £300 on a dress)”
by Shazz, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 2:42PM
“We have 3 daughters, 16, 18 & 20, only our 16 year old wanted to go to their prom, but why spoil it for the ones that want it? She thoroughly enjoyed herself, she looked great in her prom dress, it's probably the only time the girls and boys will dress so glam, they all had a wonderful time.”
by Sarah, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 11:58AM
“Well done Lauren and Anna!
I think this is a great idea.
I guess you don't really need your Mum's help - I'm sure you can get this idea working all on your own.
but anything I can do...
If you want a lift to the party in a Daewoo Matiz.... just let me know!
Sarah”
by Mike Ford - Berate Slayer, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 8:45AM
“i refused to go to my School 'prom'.
No way am I getting involved in something that lame.”
by Sam, Bristol
Wednesday, November 04 2009, 8:01AM
“I left school 16 years ago and we had a 'prom', which basically meant a disco in the school hall but we still all dressed up - all the boys were in suits or tuxedos and all the girls wore nice dresses. We all had a fantastic night but it didn't cost lots of money for us or our parents. What is more important is who you are with not where you are and how bling your outfit is or how big a hummer you arrived in. I think these girls have got it right and I would have thought more people would be behind them, especially in the current financial climate.
Well done girls, stick to your guns and I am sure that you will have just as much fun!”
by Paula, Bristol
Tuesday, November 03 2009, 10:45PM
“When I left school we just had a disco in the school, some peoples parents put on parties at hired out venues later on but it wasn't a big deal. I had a formal leavers party after my A levels before we all went off to uni, which I felt was more significant. I think kids are building up the GCSE leaving day way too much!! Its ridiculous how much it all costs. Save it for A levels or Uni Graduation!”