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Prom3 minutes

The grand entrance at the prom: How to make it a success

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In short
  • The traditional entrance at the graduation ball is performed as a ceremonial polonaise or in an orderly procession of couples.
  • All couples move to the same beat and maintain a constant distance of two steps from the couple in front.
  • The posture is upright with eyes on the audience and a friendly smile instead of constantly looking at your feet.
  • The entrance ends in a festively arranged formation on the dance floor for the official opening speech.

Shine together at the kick-off

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Shine together at the kick-off

The grand entrance sets the mood for the entire evening. With the right formation and a proud smile, you will master this moment with absolute confidence.

What you need for the move-in

  • Festive and well-fitting clothing
  • Broken-in dance shoes with no risk of slipping
  • Knowledge of the exact starting position
  • Good body tension when walking

The ceremonial entrance as the calling card of the ball

The festive opening is the emotional highlight of every student dance course. When the ballroom doors open and the couples enter in pairs, hundreds of proud eyes from parents, relatives, and friends are looking at you. When marching into the dance school, it is not about athletic peak performance, but about the collective presentation as a group. An upright posture and a synchronous tempo ensure that the formation looks seamless. Many teenagers are nervous before this moment, but with the right preparation, the excitement quickly fades. Those who learn to pay attention to the distance to the couple in front during rehearsals will master the entrance with flying colors. If you are still looking for some confidence beforehand, our guide on the first dance lesson in the student dance course will help you internalize the absolute basics of movement as a couple.

Master your steps, one by one

  1. Line up in the aisle

    Line up in the aisle in front of the hall in the order specified by the dance school. The gentleman offers his right arm to the lady, on which she rests her left hand lightly.

  2. Start moving to the beat of the music

    As soon as the opening music starts, the first couple begins to move. Start with your left foot on the first heavy beat of the measure and maintain this rhythm.

  3. Maintain the distance in front

    Throughout the entire path, make sure that the distance to the couple in front of you remains stable. This prevents traffic jams and ensures a harmonious overall picture in the room.

  4. Taking your position in the formation

    Once you have reached your destination, stand side by side and take your basic stance. Turn towards the audience and wait calmly for the signal for the opening speech.

Student dance courses near you

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The etiquette for comparing dance classes

Like this

  • Keep your gaze directed upright toward the audience
  • Always keep a distance of two steps
  • Move loosely to the beat of the music

Don't do this

  • Constantly staring at your own feet
  • Following the person in front of you too closely
  • Running frantically when there are small gaps

Your schedule for the perfect start

One week before

Preparation

At the ball evening

Arrival

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. During the polonaise at the graduation ball, all couples walk in festive unison one after another. They form geometric patterns, such as serpentine lines or arches, to ceremoniously fill the dance floor.

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