Prom night, it used to be a private night of merry making and celebration for high school graduates, but today it has become in the true sense a promenade and is now rivaling the carnival road march. Proms, or at least the entrances, are now one big show created and put on for all to see. The biggest show among those shows is Wesley College whose graduates never fail to amaze.
This year was no different as Friday night Wesley held its prom at the Radisson Hotel. Our 7NEWS team was there and Keith Swift reports on what has become the greatest show in Belize.
Keith Swift Reporting, Email - [keithkswift@gmail.com]
Its Friday night and there are literally hundreds of people lined up here in front of the Radisson Hotel. But they aren't here to see the carnival or a parade - this is Wesley's 2005 Prom and make no mistake Belize - this is the bonfire of the vanities.
There was an estimated 1,000 people outside of the Radisson. The crush of onlookers was unreal; people were simply everywhere: they were lined on the side of the street behind these ropes, others stood or sat on nearby fences, some looked on from the Radisson's second floor window, and there were the few who found that the best view in the house was from atop a tree. So how does it feel to be the center of attention?
Lisa Burgess, Prom Goer
"It felt, oh my God, there is no word to describe the feeling or the feeling out there…no word. The word is so much bigger than that."
And though they tried - the Radisson team of security officers who were assisted by 10 police officers could not contain the throng which would not be denied a gaggle at the prom goers. But by the end of the night it became clear that the couples were only a sideshow - the theatre of the main show was what this night was about: dancers, actors, impersonators all took center stage in the middle of cork street starting with "Cinderello."
And while some brought out dancers and actors, Lisa Burgess and her date brought out the entire band complete with drums and outfitted down to the footwear.
Lisa Burgess,
"My entrance was some strong buff men in throwback skirts and band for me because I came as a passion princess in a silver canopy."
Keith Swift,
How were you able to afford this?
Lisa Burgess,
"Well my mother said she didn't have any money but when this happened she said it had to be big and the money just came right so, I don't know if it came from God or whatever but it just came."
Leesha Pollard took that concept a step further with an entire troop of African styled dancers and drummers and there was even a shaka - all signaling the arrival of their princess who was being carried.
Leesha Pollard, Prom Goer
"I am portraying the African princess and based on my dancers and the drum it gives me the real courage to do it."
Keith Swift,
Was it expensive?
Leesha Pollard,
"Yes it was really expensive with the help of my family again it was a success."
And from the festive to the political - we came across this:
[People marching holding placards and chanting: 'solidarity for ever.']
No that isn't real riot gear and this isn't the riot squad, it's all part of Brea Neal's entrance. And despite the stinging message, she says it's all in the name of fun and being number one on prom night.
Brea Neal, Prom Goer
"I am just trying to make everybody laugh. I thought it would be a good idea."
And if you're looking for Brea's date well say hello to.
Sherman, Brea's Date
"I'm the Prime Minister. First of all this storm here is just a little breeze and it will soon blow over in a second or a minute."
Back to the fantasies, Ebony Wright was in a cake waiting for hers to come true.
Ebony Wright, Prom Goer
"This thing is really about a lost prince and it was his 18th birthday and he really wanted to find back his true love so he didn't know his true love is in a cake, he thought his true love was in a surprise box but she's not, she is in the cake waiting for him."
Keith Swift,
How much did it cost?
Ebony Wright,
"Not much really, not much."
The fairy tales didn't end there as Santa Claus made a rare June appearance. And then there was a modern day Hansel and Gretel partying in their candy shop on the way to prom. Tamika Swift is Gretel.
Tamika Swift, Prom Goer
"It's my first prom and I wanted to come out with a blast."
A blast and these graduates all say they weren't pressured to bring the biggest entourage, arrive in the nicest ride, or have the prettiest date. They say they went all out because this is the best night of their life and they wanted to make it the biggest.
Tamika Swift,
"I finished fourth form, high school, and that's the best thing."
Leesha Pollard,
"Its like every girl's fantasy, every girl's dream, and to me it's a reality but yet a dream."
Lisa Burgess,
"This means so much to me. I was waiting for this from first form and since I know that I've graduated, I waited for this night and couldn't eat or sleep until this night."
Natalie Tillet is the vice-principal at Wesley College and she cautions that Friday's out of control crowd might spoil the fun for everyone.
Natalie Tillet, Wesley College
"My only hope is that the public who comes out to view will be a little more orderly because they enjoy this type of activity and the students enjoy it but if they continue like this then we might have to discontinue it. Belizeans want somewhere to go so its time for them to look at wholesome activities that they can do and I guess this is one of them."
And as long as there is a show - people will be watching. And as long as people are watching - it's a show where - even if only for a few minutes - they are the stars, shining briefly but brightly tonight.
Keith Swift,
If you could describe the feeling in one word, what would it be?
Leesha Pollard,
"Fantastic."
If you are wondering what is the cost of these entrances well no one would tell us what they spent but for starters a ticket to the prom dinner alone costs $170. We do know that the going price for dancers was about $100 each and drummers were $50.
7NEWS produced for broadcast by News Director Jules Vasquez
Edited and Prepared for the internet by Keith Swift
