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What were my parents up to at prom in April 1979?

In April 1979, prom attire was significantly different from today's standards.

Tuxedos often featured wide lapels, ruffled shirts, and even baby blue or powder blue color schemes - a far cry from the sleek, modern tuxedo styles we see today.

Prom music in 1979 was heavily influenced by the disco era, with popular songs like "September" by Earth, Wind & Fire and "Le Freak" by Chic dominating the dance floors.

Many high schools in the late 1970s still held prom celebrations in their school cafeterias or gymnasiums, rather than renting out elaborate ballrooms or event spaces.

Polaroid cameras were a must-have accessory for capturing prom memories in 1979, before the digital photography revolution transformed how we preserve these special moments.

The prom experience in 1979 was often more focused on socializing and dancing, rather than the elaborate promposals, professional photography, and after-parties that have become commonplace today.

In 1979, the average cost of a prom ticket was around $10-$15, a far cry from the hundreds of dollars some modern high schoolers spend on the event.

Limousine rentals for prom were not as ubiquitous in 1979 as they are today, with many students relying on their parents' cars or carpooling to the event.

The 1970s saw the emergence of the "prom queen" and "prom king" tradition, which was often determined through a popular vote process among the student body.

In 1979, the focus on prom fashion was more on classic, timeless styles rather than the elaborate, often extravagant gowns and suits seen at modern proms.

Many high schools in the late 1970s still enforced strict dress codes and rules for prom, such as requiring formal attire and prohibiting certain styles or behaviors.

The rise of the "after-prom" event, where students continued the celebration at private parties or venues, was not as common in 1979 as it is today.

In the late 1970s, the concept of "promposals" - elaborate ways of asking someone to prom - was not yet a widespread phenomenon, with most students simply asking their dates directly.

The music played at proms in 1979 was often a mix of popular hits, as well as classic rock and disco tunes, rather than the more genre-specific playlists seen at modern proms.

In 1979, there was a greater emphasis on the social aspect of prom, with students often attending in larger groups or with their established friend circles, rather than the more couple-centric experiences of today.

The decorations and theme of proms in 1979 tended to be more simple and understated, often focused on creating a festive, celebratory atmosphere rather than the elaborately themed events of the present day.

The role of chaperones and school administrators in overseeing prom activities was often more prominent in 1979, with stricter rules and guidelines in place to ensure student safety and appropriate behavior.

The experience of taking prom photos in 1979 was markedly different, with students often posing in front of simple backdrops or in their parents' homes, rather than the elaborate photo booth setups or professional photography services available today.

The concept of "pre-prom" events, where students gather for dinner or other activities before the main prom event, was not as widespread in 1979 as it is today.

In 1979, the prom experience was often more closely tied to the local community, with students attending proms alongside their classmates and neighbors, rather than the more individualized experiences seen in modern times.

The impact of popular culture on prom fashion and trends was less pronounced in 1979, with students often drawing inspiration from their own personal styles and the styles of their peers, rather than the celebrity-driven fashion trends of today.

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