Long Island proms then and now
Does the splendor of today's Long Island proms match up to those of yesteryear?
Take a look at the big hair, fancy cars and lively dance moves then and now and decide for yourself.
Do you spot a picture of yourself here or wish to share your own LI prom photos? Email rachel.weiss@newsday.com.
Eating dinner with friends then
Credit: Farmingdale Public Library
These Farmingdale High School juniors dined together, sipping on Coca-Cola and eating off paper plates, at the 1974 prom.
Eating dinner with friends now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
Farmingdale High School students enjoyed Italian cuisine and Shirley Temples at their junior prom in 2017.
Dancing shoes then
Credit: Port Washington Public Library
This Farmingdale High School student rocked a pair of white pumps while partying at her school's junior prom in 1985.
Dancing shoes now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
At Farmingdale High School's prom in 2017, this student ditched the heels for some light-up sneakers on the dance floor.
Prom setting then
Credit: Connetquot Public Library
Before Connetquot High School's junior prom cruise tradition came along, the 1989 festivities were held in the gymnasium. A blurb in the 1990 yearbook reads: "Expressions of unity exploded from even the quietest of our classmates. More than expected volunteered to make our drab gymnasium a sophisticated ballroom."
Prom setting now
Credit: Heather Walsh
Southampton High School hosted a vibrant and colorful junior-senior prom at the Southampton Arts Center in 2016.
Prom prep then
Credit: Connetquot Public Library
Connetquot High School students Nicole Cicerone, Debbie Quaglio and Michelle Buonocore are pictured here designing a jukebox decoration for the 1989 junior prom.
Prom prep now
Credit: Ed Betz
For the 2010 prom at Earl L. Vandermeulen High School in Port Jefferson, a life-sized game of Clue was constructed in honor of the classic board game theme.
Pre-prom primping then
Credit: V. Richard Haro
Behind every glamorous prom look, there are a bunch of last-minute tweaks and adjustments that made it possible. Here, Roosevelt High School student Franchetta Starks gets ready with her mother's help on June 6, 1991.
Pre-prom primping now
Credit: Instagram / artonorato
At the Eastport-South Manor High School pre-prom party, Ally Albano got a last-minute gown tweak by fashion teacher Greg Barbera on June 9, 2015.
Group shot then
Credit: East Meadow Union Free School District
These happy East Meadow High School couples stopped to capture this pre-prom moment in 1997.
Group shot now
Credit: Tara Conry
East Rockaway High School students said "cheese" at a pre-prom party on June 24, 2015.
Riding in style then
Credit: John Keating
Sayville High School students Joanna Tobin and Eric Koenig arrived via limousine at their senior prom on May 21, 1993, at Islandia's Radisson Hotel.
Riding in style now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
Farmingdale High School students pose before entering Villa Lombardi's in Holbrook for their junior prom on April 22, 2017.
Fixing your date's boutonniere then
Credit: North Babylon Public Library
The classic "boutonniere fix" photo op has been around for decades. This sweet moment was captured in the 1980 North Babylon High School yearbook.
Fixing your date's boutonniere now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
Sacred Heart Academy student Natalie Aksnes tried to secure her date's boutonniere during the 2016 prom festivities at the Woodbury Country Club.
Grand entrances then
Credit: Oceanside Public Library
Snowmen greeted Oceanside High School students at their junior prom in 1960, inside the school's gymnasium.
Grand entrances now
Credit: Newsday / Thomas A. Ferrara
When prom season rolls around, Earl L. Vandermeulen High School goes all-out. In 2015, parents and members of the Port Jefferson community opted for a Willy Wonka theme, and students were dazzled by candy-colored scenery as they arrived.
Men's prom attire then
Credit: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library
R. Marcus Harris sported a Mickey Mouse vest and matching bow tie at the 1996 Bay Shore High School senior prom.
Men's prom attire now
Credit: @Aelindner
Student Khalil Newton in golden accents at the 2016 Uniondale High School prom.
Homemade gown then
Credit: Islip Public Library
This student crafted her prom dress out of duct tape for the Islip High School junior prom in 2004.
Homemade gown now
Credit: @kayla_dwyer17
Ward Melville High School student Myla Parry was inspired by "Doctor Who" when it came time to create her prom look for the 2016 festivities.
Dance moves then
Credit: Bay Shore-Brightwaters Public Library
In the 1996 Bay Shore High School yearbook, the caption here reads: "Prom dancers joined in the latest dance craze, The Macarena."
Dance moves now
Credit: Ursula Moore
Bethpage High School students filled the dance floor at the 2016 senior prom.
Cell phone then
Credit: Islip Public Library
Nowadays, selfies and Snapchat are essential to high school prom activities. Decades ago, this Islip High School student used her flip phone only to make a call at the 1995 junior prom.
Cell phone now
Credit: Tara Conry
These Floral Park Memorial High School students found the perfect spot for a selfie while celebrating their prom at Bayville's Crescent Beach Club in 2015.
Funny face then
Credit: Bethpage High School
Bethpage High School students rocked out at their prom in 1994, and this class clown was quick to show off his best moves for the camera.
Funny face now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
George W. Hewlett High School held its prom at Chateau Briand in Carle Place in 2016. This student got up close and personal with the camera while the festivities were underway.
On the dance floor then
Credit: North Babylon Public Library
The prom-goers of North Babylon High School waved their hands in the air like they just didn't care in 1987.
On the dance floor now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
George W. Hewlett High School students struck similar poses on the dance floor at their senior prom in 2016.
Royal court then
Credit: Seaford Public Library
Back then, high hairstyles and elegant white gloves were crucial for high school prom. The royal court at Seaford High School's junior prom gathered to capture this moment in 1966.
Royal court now
Credit: Ian J. Stark
The 2016 prom court of Plainview-Old Bethpage John F. Kennedy High School included plenty of royal hopefuls.
Cozy couple then
Credit: North Babylon Public Library
Sharing a secret or stealing a kiss? This sweet moment from the North Babylon High School 1979 junior prom is truly timeless.
Cozy couple now
Credit: Tara Conry
This cute Roosevelt High School couple cuddled at the Crest Hollow Country Club in 2015.
Prom king and queen then
Credit: Newsday / Jim Cummins
Michelle Aranow and Robert Keenan were crowned prom queen and king of Sachem High School on June 8, 1985.
Prom king and queen now
Credit: Tara Conry
George Flanagan and Kristy Alongis were crowned prom king and queen of Bishop McGann-Mercy High School on May 13, 2015.
The king and queen's dance then
Credit: North Babylon Public Library
The prom queen and her date share a dance in the spotlight at the North Babylon High School prom of 1987.
The king and queen's dance now
Credit: Handout
St. Anthony's High School students Brendan Hargaden and Jeannette-Marie Lewis dance together after being crowned prom king and queen in 2013.
Prom beach fun then
Credit: Newsday/ Jim Cavanagh
Islip High School seniors took the slow train to Montauk for their prom, which was celebrated June 23 and 24, 1961. Here, Gerry Slavik and Larry Yaeger stroll along the Montauk sand.
Prom beach fun now
Credit: Tara Conry
Floral Park Memorial High School students Daniel Oleksiak and Janice Lee celebrated their prom at The Crescent Beach Club in Bayville on June 23, 2015.
High school friendship then
Credit: Farmingdale Public Library
These Farmingdale High School pals were all smiles at their prom in 1975. The theme of the night was "Beautiful People."
High school friendship now
Credit: Jennifer A. Uihlein
Wyandanch Memorial High School students Taheem Kelly and Adrial Bryan joked around at their senior prom in 2016.
Prom smooch then
Credit: Levittown Public Library
This Levittown Memorial High School couple shared a special moment during their junior prom celebration in 1980.
Prom smooch now
Credit: High Voltage Entertainment
This kiss was captured in the photo booth during the 2016 Wheatley School prom, held at Huntington's Oheka Castle.
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