The more the American prom changes, the more it stays the same.The modern prom, reports Slate, “may be traced to the Ivy League and the annual tradition of a ‘presentation week,’ during which formal dress and dancing accompanied a promenade concert.”In the 20th century, the prom expanded to high schools, and is now a rite of passage for American teens everywhere.I sure hope this year’s promgoers have a better experience than I did in 1980.I didn’t know my date very well. She was in my photography class, pretty and, more important, available.She laid down the law prior to the big night.“I heard about you, a regular class clown,” she said. “You better not show up in a limo, wear a top hat or cane or do anything else to embarrass me.”I knew right away things were going to work out fine.On the afternoon of the prom, my friend Gigs and I - we double dated - took a drive to the prom hall to make sure we wouldn’t get lost later.Later that evening, we picked up our dates for photos and false enthusiasm.