LOS ANGELES, Calif. — This year, prom took place in the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. The dance theme was “Fast and Furious,” which complemented the venue, allowing students the opportunity to view various cars ranging from a Lightning McQueen replica to vintage automobiles, accompanied by costumes from the Fast and Furious movie.
Since the dance was located in Los Angeles, students had the opportunity to explore the city before or after the dance, as well as go to a restaurant with friends for dinner prior to the beginning of the dance.
Students first entered a parking garage where they would pass through security and check in. They could then go upstairs and have access to the two stories of the museum where prom was taking place.
The first floor included the dance floor and an entrance to the parking lot outside. In the parking lot, a section had been roped off and included tables, a projector streaming movies, photobooths and glitter tattoos. Behind the DJ booth was a projector of music videos from the songs playing.
The second story was where students could find a coat check and had more cars for students to view, along with a karaoke station with more tables for students to sit down, scattered throughout. Both in and outside the venue, students could find refreshment stations that included water, soda and lemonade.
“I felt like this was exactly as I pictured Prom,” said junior Elena Predolin “The venue was far, but I felt the whole event was well planned and enjoyable.”
Students were required to arrive by 8:00 p.m. in order to be admitted to the venue and had to stay until 9:30 p.m. when the prom court was announced. The court was announced by members of the Associated Student Body on the dance floor stage, and after announcing the names of court nominees, included a slide of nominees’ faces on a race track moving towards a finish line to announce the winner. This year’s prom king and queen winners were Trent Massey and Josephine Stevenson.
Once students were allowed to leave at 9:30 p.m., many students immediately left the dance; those who stayed saw a remarkably empty venue as the night went on, which was especially visible on the dance floor.
Still, many students enjoyed prom as it differed from other dances. This year’s prom had a unique interactive location and allowed students to separate themselves from activities like dancing as they could explore the museum itself or find a quiet corner to pass time with friends.
“I think it was fun, I enjoyed it,” said junior Ariya Mallard.
