Since each year is broken down into four distinct classes, for example, seniors are separated into the classes of 4.A, 4.B, 4.C., and 8.0, they each get their own Maturitní Ples. In preparation for, and advertisement of, each Maturitní Ples, each class hires someone to make an official video relating to the chosen theme for the prom.
A Maturitní Ples isn't just a celebration for the graduating students, but everyone involved in their upbringing and education. As the proverb states, "It takes a village to raise a child", and this was most evident during these celebrations. Prom tickets are sold to families, friends, schoolmates, and teachers. A ticket averages 160KC ($8) for each prom.
This year's prom themes included time traveling, hippies, the Olympic games, and black & white. Here are the class' videos:
*Please note, I had to edit and cut out some of the Olympic video as the file was too big.
The proms, and many major events in Strakonice, are held at the Culture House in the center of town. Upon entering, there was a big lobby where a photographer awaited to take pictures of individuals and groups who were dressed to impress. Below are some photos of me with my colleagues and friends that were taken at the various proms.
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| Me, Romana, Jana Mira |
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| Me, Romana, Jana |
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| Jana, Liba, Pavel, Milena, Me, Romana, Jana Our student, Fanda |
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| Monika, Jana & Me |
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| Rudolf & Me |
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| Me & Liba |
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| Jana, Romana, & Me |
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| Jana & Me |
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| Me & Milena |
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| Monika, Me, & Jitka |
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| Jana, Me, Milena, Jana |
The students selected the band and/or DJ for their event as well as some entertainment throughout the night. Many opening acts consisted of dance groups from around the Czech Republic, including country line dancers, hip hop dancers, and salsa dancers. Other entertainment included a magician, a bartender who did tricks, and people who performed on special jumping stilts. I only took pictures at one of the proms for the purpose of this blog (while for the others I completely enjoyed the moment). This was one of the opening acts, a hip hop dance group with a tiger in the center of their pants.
After the opening act, the honorary students made a grand entrance with dramatic music and dance formations. Unfortunately, I don't have a video of the entrance, but here's a succession of pictures from one.
Afterward there is a special ceremony, where each student is introduced with some facts and pictures from their childhood presented on a larger projector screen. There is a red carpet that each student walks down and meets the Headmaster and Head Teacher at the end of it. Here they receive a sash, rose, and glass of champagne (as the drinking age is eighteen here), and a professional picture is taken.
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| Head Teacher & Headmaster |
Classmates surround the red carpet and high five a student as their name is called and they walk down the aisle. Simultaneously, family and friends throw coins at the student and pop confetti as a sign of congratulations. (PS. I've seen some of the students get hit with the coins, and I feel like it's pretty painful, but this is the tradition).
The Headmaster and Head Teacher get sashes at the end with a glass of champagne as well.
Speeches are then given by all and a congratulatory toast is had.
By toast, what I really mean is, a quick chugging contest. There's no enjoying the champagne. The students drink it quickly, because they then use their empty glasses to collect the coins that were thrown at them during the ceremony.
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| Toast |
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| Coin Collecting |
Then other schoolmates (who have volunteered to help for the night) start to roll up the red carpet, sweep the floor, and clean up all the confetti.
Now, the real dancing can take place. Formal dances are held at the beginning of the night. First, there is a dance with teachers, then a dance with parents. Afterward, anyone can join.
You see, everyone here is formally trained and must attend classes when they are fifteen years old to learn all of the traditional ballroom dances. It's like a rite of passage, and on the last day of class, there is a special night for parents and students to practice together and see how far they have come (before the Maturita Ples season, which is in winter, begins).
Well, guess what? I'm American. I never learned any of these dances. However, I was taught country square dancing and line dancing in high school, but that wasn't of much help here. My friends taught me the waltz and polka on the spot and I felt like an idiot. I was literally the only person there who didn't know these dances, but I caught on quickly and my partners were patient :) In the end, I had tons of fun! This is honestly one of the most amazing traditions and I wish Americans would adopt it. The dances are beautiful and everyone is in sync. It's just lovely.
Afterward, the dance party begins with various forms of entertainment throughout the night. The last special aspect of the evening is the "Midnight Surprise" by the students, which in most cases is some sort of dance performance relating to their theme. This is the Hippie, 4.B class, who had a synchronized dance to songs from the 60s and 70s.
After the midnight surprise, many parents and older individuals leave the prom as it turns into a disco, or club, for the remainder of the evening. The prom eventually ends at 3AM (when it starts at 8PM), but of course, then the students continue partying into the morning at an after party somewhere. By the way, there was also a photographer and videographer for the entire prom, so families can have keepsakes and memories for years to come.
The only downside to this entire evening is that food was not included, though there are some entrees and snacks you may purchase at your leisure, especially with all the alcohol consumed by students, teachers, and parents alike. In my opinion, Czech prom by far surpasses American prom. I loved the formality of it all: the special sash ceremony, the ballroom dances, and how everyone was included in this special event, such as parents, friends, teachers, and schoolmates. Plus, the Czechs sure know how to party!
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