Prom '08 Under the Sea

Teacher's Prom! Apparently no one got enough of this in high school, or maybe no one got a prom they could enjoy, or maybe (as we suspect) people want an excuse to dress up (see past blogs on the Goth Party, 80's Party, Halloween, Party, just to name a few).

I SPY
Can you find the large sunflower boutonniere, Guate Guy, sweater vest, fake tux, and an ill-fitting double-breasted suit?

As you have probably noticed from our past posts, teachers at international schools like to have a good time--or rather, they like to dress up while having a good time! And most teachers follow the Mildren Commandment,

Thou shalt go all out for theme parties.

Another theme party was again in action on Saturday, Prom. We knew it was going to be a big deal for several reasons...

Exhibit A) We were notified of the prom party in early December...yes, nearly 3 months early. Why the early invite? So that when people were home over Christmas break, they could remember to bring a prom dress or formal wear back. From the original email:

I am giving you this advanced notice so you can "shop" for your dress or pull out an old one while at home or while here for the Holidays. Choose your style however you desire... some are bringing 80's back, others may go all out sequins... whatever floats your boat!

James and I didn't use our suitcase space for prom regalia, assuming we would just find our outfits here, which I did at a ropa store. He decided to do the 'classy and crafty' look and drew his tux on a tee. My look ended up a bit more townie than high school prom date. (For those readers, Canadians, or aliens out there, a townie refers to a person who sticks around their hometown when everyone else goes off to college. These individuals are highly prone to: dating people still in high school, working at dead-end jobs, and gossiping about, or to, people who have left town).

Finally! We get to go to Prom together.

Exhibit B) Certain teachers acted out elaborate ways of asking their date to the prom....bringing in their entire class to get down on one knee to ask another teacher, for example.

Exhibit C) Earlier in the day, a group of teachers went over to the prom place (by the pool) to put up themed "Under the Sea" decorations. These included but were not limited to a backdrop for pictures and tape for where to stand, a game site, (possibly spiked) punch, cupcakes, and large music stereos for the playlist.

Scott and Katie hold a classic Prom Pose

Exhibit D) No one referred to this as "a prom party." People referred to it as "Prom." So instead of hearing, "Hey, are you going to the prom party?" It was, "So, when can I pick you for Prom? Do you have a date to Prom?" With a capital P.

Exhibit E) People did, in fact, bring their prom dresses back...some as far back as their 9th grade prom, actually! It was great to see what girls were wearing in 1990...purple sequins, black silk, lace, bows, the whole works. It was even more great to see them still fit into their dresses (those who could were very proud of this fact and rightfully so!)

Kari and Amy ... stunning in sequins
(Kari's is an original $450 prom dress from the Good Old Days)

Exhibit F) There were nominations for Prom King and Prom Queen. People voted for the nominees at the party. An actual tallied vote! Subsequentially, our friend Kelly won Prom queen and our friend Julian won Prom king. Kelly for her awesome dress, which she found in the back of a Guatemalan dump truck, and Julian for his overall popularity. Hey, some things about prom never change! The girl with the best dress and Mr. Popular win!

Exhibit G) Girls went to our friend Kari's house to get ready early. Why? So we could updo our hair, spray it down, slather on the heavy makeup, and gossip about our boyfriends (husbands, too, but for the sake of Prom, he was just my "date"), and help each other squeeze into our bedazzled Best before the Big Night.

Prom itself was really great! There was good music and dancing (slow dances included), and every single person present was dressed up! It makes it more fun when 100% of people at a party play along, and not just 1/2 of people feeling weird and overdressed. This was in true teacher form! And, as always, the weather cooperated and we were outside by the pool in nothing but our formal wear...no jacket required. It's great to be with a community of such fun-loving teachers.