Reinventing prom during the pandemic is a challenge, but not impossible. Families and students across the country are creating unique at-home alternatives to help high school seniors cope with the cancellation of prom, a treasured high school milestone.
High school seniors are watching with disappointment as many of their senior year celebrations are canceled following school closures designed to protect students and stem the spread of the novel coronavirus. Many seniors missed performing in the last school play and taking the field for their final game. School districts around the country are trying to figure out how to safely mark high school graduation without the traditional cap and gown ceremony. The cancellation of prom has been particularly hard to process for many seniors who had already picked out their dresses and ordered tuxedos. Parents, students and celebrities are doing their part to make sure seniors don’t miss out.
A Mooresville, Indiana, student came up with a unique way to celebrate prom with her friends. From a safe distance, the student filmed her friends dancing in their driveways dressed to the nines in their prom dresses.
Actor John Krasinski helped seniors celebrate prom by hosting an online prom for students. Krasinski acted as DJ and singers, like Billie Eilish and two members of the Jonas Brothers, performed during the streaming event.
One Columbiana, Alabama, father invited his daughter, Marli Odgers, to dance in the living room. He laid out her dress on her bed with a note asking for one dance. The pair danced to “Bless the Broken Road,” by Rascal Flatts. The country music band praised the father’s efforts after seeing the viral video.
A Lafayette, Louisiana, family used Christmas lights and streamers to turn their living room into a high-class prom. The family of four dressed up and filmed some of their dance moves to remember the evening.
Fred Astaire Dance Studios understands the importance of high school dances and senior events. School dances offer a great venue for socializing, and they help teenagers build social skills, develop positive emotions and practice in-person communication skills. School dances also build community and provide kids with a safe environment to showcase their dance moves.
While school dances might be on hold, dancing at home can be a solace for the soul during this unprecedented time. Fred Astaire Dance Studios introduced an Online Dance platform with more than 400 online dance lessons combining physical activity and fun for people self-quarantining in their homes. Dancing is proven to help relieve stress and anxiety, which is especially important now.
Be ready to hit the dance floor when you receive an invitation to a virtual dance party. Contact your local Fred Astaire Dance Studios to schedule a future lesson or to learn more about online lessons.
