Daughters for sale?! The Dark History of Debutante Balls & Prom

[@troxrox]

2 weeks before my senior prom, my boyfriend broke up with me and invited someone else. I returned the $500 dress that matched him and my mom got to work making me an edgy dress out of denim and black lace (so 2000s of me lol). I felt SO COOL! Definitely rebellious and stood out like I wanted. I kissed his best friend at the prom after party and my ex left crying ✨

[@latinavillalobos9334]

Superfluous.

[@kayleemaland9900]

This is everything ❤

[@alanasmith7008]

We stan 🙌👏👏

[@HappyBirddi]

You dropped this gurl 👑

[@Punchy555]

The story we didn't know we needed!!!!!!!!!! Hope you are thriving girl

[@mha6520]

There is a lady in our town who collects and buys used formal wear including shoes and jewelry and then opens her home like a giant store and gives it to anyone who shows up. It is AMAZING

[@ChennaJCook]

My mom has a friend who volunteers with a prom wear drive for lower class kids. The kids borrow them and return them after the dance. My prom dresses went there.

[@marstrull]

That’s so cool for the lady to do that

[@courtneybrown9462]

My daughter went to an arts high school, the students in fashion design made prom dresses for those less fortunate as a project, the school paid for the supplies. No school in our district had sharper prom wear😅

[@sol-leks6122]

That's so sweet❤

[@judycianci3944]

PROM! BORING! and to expensive for what. I went out with a couple of girl friends and we had a blast.

[@jinglejacs]

One of my favourite sayings is "Money doesn't bring you happiness but, it makes being miserable a lot more fun" lol

[@scottmccraw7207]

I’ve always said “Money doesn’t buy happiness but I’d much rather cry in a mansion”

[@themom0925]

I've met a few "rich" people in my life. The vast majority were not happy.

[@divinityomine6935]

It doesn't buy the emotion of happiness but it can buy everything id need to finally be financially stable, fed, and comfortable; and therefore happy.

[@ChiliCandyTx]

Money doesn’t bring you happiness, but it also doesn’t bring you unhappiness.

[@nincure]

Haha I love it. I'm gonna start saying that. Another one I like, something like "money doesn't buy you happiness, but people have never seen me in the front row at a concert with my favorite band" something like that! And, truth 😂

[@raqueltello8443]

I learned in a psychology class that low income people tend to splurge on certain “unnecessary” things (like an expensive prom dress) because it brings happiness and momentary reprieve to a difficult situation.

[@ThePlayfulPonderer]

Yeah it's called the lipstick effect and we purposely design and manipulate the supply, demand, marketing, and logistics to propagate revenue and tiered ecosystems 🙄 it's not new or a secret 🤷

[@freethinkinmelanin6795]

Technically most everyone splurge on unnecessary things (like an expensive prom dress) it’s only seen as something bad to waste money when you can’t afford it I guess.

[@vikkirodriguez650]

Growing up, my mom was a single mom and she worked really hard. We didn’t have a lot of money, but when it came to my prom, all of my family members kinda came together to make sure I had what I needed. One brought me a dress. My other cousin bought me some shoes. My other cousin took me to Claire’s. Oh my goodness and I got to pick out my own jewelry that was fancy to me, and my mom made my corsage and my sister did my hair and make up. I still have my dress. It’s beautiful.

[@urbabygirl4993]

Sounds like you have an awesome family 💛

[@warmgreytenpercent]

Reading this comment made my day ❤ I hope you wear that dress again if you want to, love that your family came together

[@vikkirodriguez650]

@@warmgreytenpercent I still have it. I graduated in 2005 but I still kept it. I think it was like $120. I remember thinking that that was the most expensive thing I have ever seen.

[@lilmisskiss692003]

reminds me of Reba McEntire "Fancy" just not so dramatic lol

[@mrs.B22]

@@lilmisskiss692003I just laughed so hard at this ur heartwarming story reminds me of “fancy” minus the prostitution and adding prom! 😂 I know exactly what u meant tho

[@No-sv6mu]

My older sister bought a beautiful prom dress for $40 at Loehmans. 5 years later when it was my prom, I had the dress altered for $25 to fit me as I am much shorter. My mom still brags that she only spent $65 for both of us to have a prom dress, mom is 70 and my sister and are are 40 and 45 😂. The shoes were from my closet. My sister did my hair. The jewelry was left over from my cousins wedding. And I paid for my share of the limo and hotel room because I worked my senior year. And the BEST part: my prom date is now my husband of 15 years. We started dating at 17 and 18 years old. We are now 40 and 41❤

[@boufontleflamingoetta8433]

HOTEL⁉️ 😳

[@triciadakis3373]

I already knew that I was gonna graduate high school 6 months early so instead of going to my senior prom I went to my junior prom instead (the school I went to wouldn't let you attend senior prom if you graduated early) I didn't have a boyfriend at the time and my best friend (a female) had her kids REALLY YOUNG (1st kid at 14, 2nd at 16, & 3rd at 18) and has dropped outta h.s. and never got to go to her prom (she was 4 years older than me) so i took her aa my date to my jr prom... it was at the field museum (Chicago) and we took the train there and afterwards 2 of our guy friends (who were both in their early 20s) picked us up and we went to a hotel and drank a little (the guys were just friends, nothing happened just had an awesome time) I borrowed my dress and my friends sister did my hair and makeup!!! It was awesome!!! Even if I wouldn't have graduated early, I still wouldn't have been able to go to my senior prom cuz I was dating this guy who's 9 years older than me and he would have never been my date for prom!!! Lol... (That guy is now my husband and we just celebrated our 20th anniversary on the 24th of August!!!❤❤❤)

[@boufontleflamingoetta8433]

@@triciadakis3373 CONGRATULATIONS! That’s a great story. It does sound fun and I love that you included your friend and made a possibility for both of you.

[@triciadakis3373]

@@boufontleflamingoetta8433 thank you!!! It's a memory I won't ever forget!!!

[@rooooocifer]

My grandma was a Debutant! It was wild to know because it explained her personality so much. She died poor but the framework of being a Debutant lasted forever. Absolute class while making instant potatoes. A queen. I miss you grandma!

[@starlinguk]

My mother and her sister were, in the early sixties. Presented to the court, big dresses, blah blah. Terribly upper class family, naaaaaturally.

[@QueenBrandi8]

I was one as well in the late 90's.

[@themom0925]

My mom was supposed to be debuted. She got pregnant with me and was unable to attend. LOL.

[@Nemo0279]

She really said work smarter not harder with them potatoes 😂😂

[@steveespi5700]

Sounds too masculine

[@Kelsiebelsie]

Bailey! As a former Black debutante thank you so much for telling our story. It brought back so many memories. Love ya!

[@briannasmith9979]

Bridgerton makes so much more sense now. Queen charlotte & King George

[@cheileighpark5014]

I know right…when I saw that Bailey was going todo this dark history I was like BRIDGERTON. And yes it does make more sense. Especially the dresses and the huge ostrich feather

[@mguasan]

I was thinking the same thing!

[@sheanapettiford3005]

Me too😂

[@sheanapettiford3005]

Me too 😂

[@basilbailey47]

Except it sounds like King George was there? Not in the series obviously

[@chandapalacios6468]

My daughter got her dress from a thrift store. It was a little big, but she knows how to sew, so she took it in herself. I was so proud of her. I’m so glad I raised her to be thrifty!

[@KimberlyLepley-p9b]

Bailey! We accepted your challenge! My BFF and I watched earlier and paused to acquire our supplies. We couldn't finish the count but made it to 17 with some American honey (and a lot of water) Needless to say we had the best afternoon! My husband was a bit confused to find us obliterated trying to bow for imaginary royalties when he came thru the door. We absolutely LOVE you! Sha na sha sha na sha...!

[@PamelaLeftwich]

A fellow theme song 🎵 ♥️ lover here! ♥️ Shana shah!

[@ChronicLB]

​@@PamelaLeftwich💜💜💜 Shana Shahhhhh Love the theme song so much!!!

[@TheRealCiandria]

I wanted to partake I just knew I wouldn’t be able to handle it. 😂

[@latinavillalobos9334]

@@KimberlyLepley-p9b Mhm, yeah; Robin Williams' even supported the homeless.

[@melissacastrejon7719]

I need friends like this lol

[@lindagoad4340]

I have a suggestion for future Dark History: the dark history of tunnels. (Subway tunnels in NYC, tunnels under Vegas, tunnels under Denver airport, etc).

[@amy-leacoopertwiggyvonlea8969]

...is there really that much history in tunnels?

[@kathybohnet3169]

That $30k dress better have pockets 😂

[@maddybertani8161]

I'd want to be able to drive it and sleep in it for that money! 😂😂😂

[@amyward8861]

Dresses often had separate pockets that tied on between the dress and underclothes. Then there was a slit in the overdress and boom pockets.

[@janetlombardi577]

I agree 😂😂❤

[@BritRupe]

It better have built in toliet. Because that thing won't be coming off 😂

[@tamikawebb-hubbard4391]

Girl It better have pockets for $20!!😂😂😂😂

[@SarahDaraban]

Honestly as a mom of two grown daughters, I highly suggest parents set aside a high school expense fund starting when they’re toddlers. Even if it’s a couple bucks a week. High school is so expensive now. ASB, Yearbook, PE clothes, planners, laptop insurance, pta etc all cost over $150 a year. And that’s not including of your kid is in sports like cheer or football and junior and senior prom. Grad night. Mid winter formal, homecoming game and dance. It’s wild.

[@90mama141]

Shoot, my son’s football is $110 per season and he’s seven. Kids are expensive 🥲

[@d.d.ucheabba5461]

Or....get your kids out of public school and save yourself and family the financial strain:) There is a choice so.....

[@keashablew7728]

Or just put that money into a brokerage and they’ll have a BUNCH of money by the time they graduate.

[@cambowsher0613]

@@d.d.ucheabba5461if you cant send your kids to public school, then where? A private school? Because i can assure you that is much more expensive Or homeschool which most people cannot do because both parents have to work to make a livable income especially with kids

[@lauragrist8329]

“Once the circle was complete and no woman could escape”……😅 it’s hard to find humour in Dark History but you always do it for Me, Bailey 😂

[@ryliepugh7689]

I loved my prom lol our theme was a masquerade ball and i was the only person who took it seriously haha my neighbor, sweet old lady, made me a 1500's themed gown in red and gold material with ruby gems. i spent two weeks perfecting my mask. my step mom who is an ex hair stylist did my hair and my best friend who was also my "date" did my makeup. Everyone else was in traditional prom attire and i was here rocking the 16th century getup lol it was amazing

[@angellorrineschuster]

Stop throwing shade at Paul! My daughters over here being haters too. YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL PAUL!!! ❤

[@LisbonHalalKitchen]

What the 😂😂😂

[@ciaociara]

Paul is ✨stunning✨

[@Glibglob89]

She didn't have to do Paul like that😂😂💔

[@pengwing638]

😂

[@pengwing638]

paul is gorgeous

[@Deb_B]

I am almost 50 and I can say with absolute certainty that I have learned more from you than I learned in school. You are thorough, funny, and manage to keep my attention. You are simply amazing. 🧡

[@liliadelatova595]

For future reference there is a program called the Princess Project. I got my prom dress for free and it was fabulous!! I grew up super low income and it was a huge blessing. They also gave me a free accessory ❤

[@stevenandcarminabeedle9089]

Yes! That and Prince Charming closet type thrift stores or places where you can borrow formal wear.

[@christychristy5951]

Love this! They didn't have those when I went to high school but there was a huge need for this!!! Would have saved a lot of poor girls some stress about how to find a dress

[@yzkkoch479]

Saw the title and was instantly hooked cause I’m a huge nerd for royal/ aristocratic history/ drama. Love anything involving royalty and history 😫

[@kmrus514]

I went to 5 proms (1990-1993) The 1st one, my brother's girlfriend loaned me a dress and shoes - $0 The 2nd one came from second hand store - $50 for dress and shoes. The best story is the 3rd one. It was my Junior prom and we went shopping, I found a dress I loved but I thought it was too expensive ($350). I came home and described it to my dad. The next day that dress was hanging in the living room. It was Sunday morning, there was no way he could have gone and gotten that dress. During his break while he was working night shift, he read the classified ads and saw an ad for a dress that matched the description of what I had told him. It had been worn once and dry cleaned. When he got off of work, he went and got it. It was the dress, in my size, and fit perfectly- $75. I wore it again to another prom. My senior year, my cousin gave me a formal, it was black and I already owned black shoes - $0.

[@annierichardson9472]

I love this so much! your dad sounds amazing 🧡

[@kmrus514]

@@annierichardson9472 he is.

[@GlowMooree]

Your dad sounds like a gem of a man. My dad didn’t know my favorite color. My 3 year old informed him the other day that it was yellow. 😂

[@giftoffire4868]

Wow epic daddage.

[@pattigolden1]

Going to HS in the '70's I really didn't have much desire to go to the prom. Came from a lower middle class family in a fly speck town, so not much spare $ anyway, not the greatest home life either. Junior year: a group of my guy friends knew my background, wanted to surprise me, so they all pitched in & paid (corsage and everything!), I made my own dress, the one with the best suit borrowed another's car & took me!! Had a blast!! Still friends with a couple of them after all these years!!

[@honesteaparty]

When I say I wish I had guy friends, I mean these guys 😊

[@abbyc2422]

Bailey I went back and started from the beginning of your MM&M videos and you were SO happy because you had your first sponser...and now look at you !!! So proud of you !

[@meeshafletcher]

Yessss🎉❤Kim K

[@myrazavala8511]

Nothing better than gardening 🍃 and dark history

[@rachelleensor3147]

Yesssssss!

[@Jazcregger3]

❤

[@ciaociara]

💚

[@kandyharris2195]

👩‍🌾❤

[@rachelhayden5837]

💜💚💐

[@Triggagirl318]

I clicked on this because I was a debutante (I’m from Alabama) and that whole season and the ball was so much fun. Those moments we shared and the friendships that we made were so special and we still have a GroupMe with each other. Our ball videos get reshared every year along with the news articles. It was expensive and stressful between the teas, the dresses, the trainings, the events, community service, the pictures and the scrapbook! I’m so grateful to my mom for her support and encouragement throughout the entire season.

[@Purpledinosaur36]

Currently reading a book called “where they burn books they also burn people”. One of the stories is about the Franciscan friar who burned all the Mayan books but 4 of them. Would love to see you cover this topic and call them out.

[@brettboswell19]

This would be a great idea as more and more books are being restricted

[@insanelittlesilk]

They talked about this when I took a tour in Tulum!!!

[@Purpledinosaur36]

@@brettboswell19oh yeah. And it is not a book that is sold a book stores. Had to order it off of Amazon. But I’m sure the church is not happy it’s out there.

[@brettboswell19]

@@Purpledinosaur36 add it to the list

[@saydvoncripps]

What was the 4 books though...dashes off to Google..

[@Purpleambiancexv]

This episode was amazing and nostalgic. Thank you for covering all angles of history on this topic. In 2003 I was a Jack and Jill debutante in Louisiana and my sister was a 2001 Jack and Jill debutante in Louisiana. I always wondered why they were segregated but this brought so much perspective on how things have stayed very much the same or evolved over time. The male equivalent of debutante was the Beautillion and in Louisiana the gentlemen had their very own debut. Our experience centered around scholarship and sending us off to college and also raising funds for the continuum of the program or investing in our community. I honestly didn’t care much for the experience because it felt awkward in some ways, maybe because of the history I’m learning about now. My sister loved her experience, but we both agree the actual day of the ball was fun. It did, however, feel like keeping up with the Jones. White dresses, long white gloves, escorted by fathers or father figures, presenting talents and dances with our father, the whole 9. Thank you for the hard work you do.

[@thetrinshow7570]

I’m off my a** Bailey. You’ve out done yourself. I’m sh*t-faced at 6:10pm. And only halfway through the video at that. I have not learned a single iota of knowledge. And I love it. That means I can rewatch. Double the content. You are genius. You are the moment. Slay. 😜

[@katherinepadron0628]

In 2002, my high school had a "male" Prom Queen. She won almost unanimously, and all the males running for King said they were cool with her running and would be willing to dance the King & Queen dance with her, but the school put their foot down on that. So, Trans prom queen but no court dance. It's still an amazing win for her. Extra- she slayed with her dress, looked better than a lot of the girls in our class. I definitely feel she looked better than me.

[@Silver-cl2bd]

8:11 *"The last, bottom of the barrel; poor Babylonian Bertha."* 😂 That picture matched perfectly to Bailey's description.

[@metamorphicme9378]

😂😂😂😂😂that killed me dead!!!!

[@Silver-cl2bd]

@@metamorphicme9378 😂🙏

[@EST_Magic19XX]

I love that watching Suzie Q started your rabbit hole search into our country's weird traditions, I used to have that movie recorded on a tape, I loved it too! I'm so grateful that you share what you learn with the rest of us 🙏 Thank you for making me smarter 🥰 And the pink ranger was my favorite too 💗💗💗 Now I need to go find that movie 😍

[@dominiquethomas3569]

The first thing I thought about when you mentioned the auctions is no wonder most women (including myself) compare ourselves to other women. 😢

[@MissyAmber89]

I was a lower middle class family when I was going to prom in 12th grade (2008). My mom said she would split the cost of a dress. It was hard to find one,, I worried about if it was too expensive constantly! Ended up getting on that was I believe... 160, it was 80 a piece. It was a puffy bottom, Dark blue sparkly dress. I loved it! The prom itself for my school was at a big hall (living in the Chicagoland area meant for so many options) . We had several different types of food from Italian to Chinese to American to Mexican. Then went to Cheesecake factory afterwards. Do not remember my shoes at all

[@latinavillalobos9334]

My mother was homecoming Queen and wore a silk dark navy sleeveless noodle dress the drapped down to her ankles. Her hair was pinned in a messy bun that was also sealed tight. Her Crown was placed perfectly. Her bouquet was speechless. Her heels were funny looking. Her smile was pearly white and imperfect to perfection. She definitely would've pulled the homecoming King off more, suites her best. I just know. A picture is worth a thousands words, then again do we really ever say the right ones, huh?

[@joiedevivre2005]

I live in the Deep South & come from what is called an "old family". Basically, it means my ancestors were here before the American Revolution, were once rich, but now we're broke. My grandmother was obsessed with me being a debutante. I was the youngest grandchild & I guess that's why she wanted it so bad. My aunts were debs, but only a few of my cousins were. I love my grandma, but it was definitely not my thing, so I talked her out of it. So glad I did.

[@madoldbatwoman]

You were a young woman of full self determination, obviously! I'm not at all surprised to find the whole Deb thing is still alive and well in today's US deep South. The 'Source Debs' themselves took your tack in increasing numbers during the 40/50's. Just wasn't their thing, what with the 60's coming and all! 😉

[@politicallyincorrectcow8514]

U sorta confirmed my cursed bloodline theory. We are the curse breaking generations. Our generation and prior to us paid for our families debts. Now it's up to us to raise our family up better e🎉❤

[@brittanylee9590]

3:27 I would love it if Bailey actually dressed up with them and said they finally got her the memo 😂😂

[@elleinthea1678]

I was a Deb and so was my mom in a Black Deb Ball in the South. Today I actually organize the Deb Ball my sorority sponsors. I love it and think it’s a great program for young ladies. Its very similar to rites of passage program.

[@jamessanders8895]

I wish this was available for everyone in every state.

[@chanteltom7711]

My senior prom: I was the only girl to wear a ball gown, all the others wore cocktail dresses. With that in mind, I wore just socks on my feet, no heels or shoes.. my hair was done at a salon for like $50 and my makeup was done at a kiosk in the mall 😂 wore gloves that went halfway up my triceps to compliment it being a strapless dress. My mother bought the dress on Facebook for $100 and decided to resell it after the event.. (as well as my graduating cap and gown 😅… ) my date was a junior but he didn’t want to dance so I danced with my friends. And had to be home before midnight. I missed out on a lot of experiences.. never went to a high school party. The only other dances I was allowed to go to were for end of 5th grade and junior year homecoming (we lost the game) 😂

[@kim-7457]

I didn’t go to my high school prom. My dad passed away right before I started freshman year, so I watched my mom struggle taking care of my sister and myself. I was scared to add any financial stress figuring out how to pay for prom, so I told her I didn’t want to go. Instead, I sat at home crying into a pint of Ben & Jerry’s while watching “Pretty in Pink.”

[@katiestarns300]

im so sorry for your loss! one of the bars in my town does themed proms every year its really fun, maybe somewhere close has a similar event!

[@kim-7457]

@@katiestarns300 thank you for your condolences. And that sounds like so much fun! I’m happy your community offers events like that!

[@chloejayx9864]

My boyfriend gets so mad when I watch dark history without him 😅we love you Bailey! ❤

[@privatethoughts85]

Fun fact: I graduated highschool in Louisiana in 2003 (randomly enough I was voted prom king). Lol My high school had it's first integrated prom in 2001. It was such a big deal, it made the paper. For decades the white parents hosted private invite only proms. Sidenote: My hometown elected it's first Black sheriff 2 weeks ago. That also made the local newspaper.

[@PurelyCoincidental]

What part of Louisiana, if you don't mind sharing? My mom's from the Lake Charles area.

[@honeybadgergrrl77]

This sounds very Baton Rouge.

[@jessicadecker5213]

It’s so wild to imagine modern whites only events in places in u.s when my middle and high school were total melting pots and you would have never known there was ever anything other than that by seeing how intertwined friendships and relationships were.

[@PurelyCoincidental]

@@jessicadecker5213 I like Louisiana, and it's where half my family is, but it really might as well be a different country.

[@jessicadecker5213]

@@PurelyCoincidental yea I’ve heard that about a couple southern states and California lol I guess traditions in the way families raise their kids kind of trickles down and it’s a fantasy to assume everyone has it in them to be normal decent neighbors, breaking the cycle. It’s like a virus in some small towns .

[@celestetaylor2346]

i just love dark history!! I always have your DH playlist running on our tv. I’ve seen every episode atleast 5 times & i can’t get enough!! thank you bailey ily🖤

[@SharenLCotie]

I live in a very small town in Southern Alberta, just over 800 people. The graduation class is a group of kids who have been together since Kindergarten. There is one class per grade. When the kids graduate of course the boys are decked out. They are cowboys so less tux more boots and hats. The girls have their beautiful dresses. The dance after is for any and everyone! Parents, other family and friends party with their kids. Anyone in the community that wants to come show some love to the graduating class can attend. It’s a cumminty celebrating and showing how much they love these kids. Of course the week leading up to grad the kids have a week of parties hosted by different kids in the graduating class off limits to parents lol.. My daughter graduates in 2025 and the fund raising and prep stared two months ago lol.

[@sarafina_24]

Does anyone else wonder if random things have a dark history? Like air conditioning or hand sanitizer? Or is that just me?

[@cyn9164]

Since watching her.... yes lol all the time bahahaha

[@kyibobpeb]

For sure hand sanitizer will show up in a dark history episode in 30 yrs when we look back at the pandemic 😂

[@zabrinamachuca2682]

Same

[@JenLynR]

I look at almost everything now and wonder!

[@AM711]

There used to be a show called Adam ruins everything - Bailey is the new adam

[@ironclothproductions9321]

I love your videos! My husband's friend has a daughter named Bailey (her mother was also a fan) but unfortunately she passed shortly after due to developing ALS. It makes Mike happy to watch your videos since it reminds him of his wife.

[@sarasat4801]

A lot of countries within the Commonwealth still have the Deb Ball. They’re presented to the Governor General so the Monarch’s representative in the Commonwealth. I used to think that was a proud moment when I was younger however I have come to realise that was just another Colonial moment. 😢

[@perlarubyruano9496]

Dark version of Bridgerton!! I love it! Hey Bailey you should do an episode of the dark history of flat Earth 😮 🗺️

[@Lev.__]

In Australia, when I was in high school in 2013, about year 9, we also do a debutante. It about 16 years old. We spend weeks learning a dances with male partner. Buy a dress that looks a lot like a wedding dress but cheaper. Then all our family and friends are invited. We get presented as well. Walk down the these steps and a host reads out what we want to do with our life. Then we dance a few dances. Have dinner and dance some more. Then in the last two years on high school. We have the Australian equivalent to prom called formal. We dress up formally, get our hair and make up done. No rehearsed dances this time. Just a DJ and dinner and school awards and dancing.

[@BeyondtheHiggs]

I'm a lifetime thrifter and the amount of formal dresses I see at the thrift store is sad. Some still have tags and they come in all sizes. I do history bounding so I buy them to do slice and dices, and sometimes dye them.

[@ElephantseatShorts]

What's history bounding? Just curious to know whatcha do with the dresses!

[@stevenandcarminabeedle9089]

Thrift is PERFECT for that!! I’m not nearly as fancy as you but I will straight up take some bed sheets or curtains from goodwill and use them as fabric to make other things! But I think it’s great that there are so many formals at thrift stores. Then parents or teens don’t have to spend exorbitant amounts for a fancy school dance.

[@liamandil6871]

Thanks!

[@tabithaburkart9677]

I suggest an episode on the dark history of insurance. I mean we all are required to have it on our cars for health. Why are we paying so much in

[@PlutoFields]

Insurance was created by fear mongering pigs

[@rebeccavorwald3608]

For my senior prom, I wore my mom's senior prom dress! My bestie also wore that very same dress when she stood up for me at my wedding!!!!! So fun! Love you, Bailey!!! ✌🏻💚🙏🏻

[@bunniambrosia]

Thanks for this! I was doing this episode. I was raised to be a Southern Debutant and became a child bride bc of it. Thankfully I escaped to socal 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@nadinerich55]

Oh my goodness, glad you found a way out, I hope you and your family are ok now.

[@bunniambrosia]

@@nadinerich55 thank you truly! My sweet daughter is grown and amazing and I'm better than I've ever been too ❤️❤️

[@JennRX]

I used to be Obsesseddd with Susie Q, finally someone else that remembers!!🥲♥️

[@hjl8700]

Joan ate it up with that pageant fit 💅👑

[@latinavillalobos9334]

Mhm, Saint.

[@angelinawilson75]

My prom was a magical night for me. I got together with my high school sweet heart now fiancé that night. My family didn’t have a lot of money to throw me a quinceañera when I was 15, so for prom they pulled together money to buy me a beautiful quinceañera dress to wear. I felt like a princess riding in a limo to the dance! So interesting to learn the history of prom after experiencing it years ago. Thank you Bailey!

[@MsMartini]

So romantic! 😂 Except for that part where Wallis kept trying to run away before they got married while writing about her regrets to her ex husband. "A trip to the hat store." Was going to be her excuse if I remember correctly.

[@Lynzae]

And the fact that they BOTH had a certain German friend in the 1930s and 40s.

[@MsMartini]

@Lynzae Ahhh yes, the man with a funny mustache

[@emilyrebekah1]

I just read a biography about Wallis- she never wanted to marry him! She was basically forced to!

[@craftinghome]

​@@emilyrebekah1Yes, I read that it was her social climbing husband who introduced her and pushed her to charm the future king. Then Edward fell in love with her and threatened to unalive himself if she ever left him. She got all the blame for his abdication at the time.

[@baileyflailing7646]

@@craftinghome WOAH this should be its own episode

[@moiraslater8526]

My Mum was a Debutante in 1948. She was so glamorous.

[@latinavillalobos9334]

My mother was Homecoming Queen of 96'.

[@tonispencer5149]

In the UK (Hello from Scotland, by the way...) back in 2011, a 16-year-old boy from County Durham, England - Jamie Campbell - was part of a documentary about attending his high school prom in drag. He's now a very successful drag and cabaret performer. There's even a film of the musical on Amazon (Everybody's Talking About Jamie). The stage show is brilliant, by the way. And Jamie is a lovely chap - he's such a sweetheart!

[@carriequinn5969]

Love the opening with Susie Q. My last name is the same and I loved this movie but not going to lie, still panicked every bridge due to this movie lol. Thanks for the nostalgia!

[@wysiwyg67]

IN 1985, I went to prom at the last minute with a group of friends. I was wearing my mother's 1970s black satin disco top with rhinestones and matching black satin skirt with some black lace we bought at the fabric store at the last moment!

[@chelseabklapwyk]

In Canada we have grad and it’s much less formal but way more fun. Dress up, walk the stage and then your parents just let you go drink in a field over night. 😅

[@courtneysturdy1997]

We have a grad in Ireland too but we also have a debs which is the same as prom 😂

[@Evermoretaysversion]

when you started explaining debutant parties i immediately thought of bridgerton, like it snapped right into my mind instantly

[@jamiem9179]

I wore one of my mom's more WHITE formal dresses and a shawl. Then I bought simple shoes and something for my hair. Spent a total of $25. BUT THEN!! moments after arriving to Prom, while getting some punch, a loop on my shawl caught the handle of the ladle for the punch , as I walked away it pulled the ladle and RED punch poured all down the front of my white silk dress!!!! I spent the whole dance in my after Prom clothes while the event staff tried to clean the dress. I had my date just drop me off at home after the dance. I was home from Prom by 10:30pm... But I found a seamstress to make the dress into a cute 1920s flapper style dress and dyed it black. So not a total loss😂

[@Rippippi]

I remember hearing a story about girls in this small Alberta town high school who would fly to PARIS to get their prom dresses (oil money, sheesh) and the school had to put a cap on how much anyone could spend because it got so competitive! I also didn’t go to my prom (small town HS) because I was still the new kid and didn’t really know anyone, but I found out after the dinner they corralled everyone into a field and they drank and danced and stuff in the dark IN A FIELD 😅

[@avioletmind4255]

It was homecoming, not prom. But I wore a bridesmaids dress my mom had worn in a wedding in the late 70s. I went to the thrift shop and found some costume jewelry and long white satin gloves that went up past my elbow. I finished it off with my favorite converse. Always converse. Even purple converse for my wedding with my beautiful wedding dress. I went to my old high school for my daughter's freshman orientation 15 years later. They have photos of students through the years above all the lockers and through the halls. There was a photo on the wall of my best friend and I from that dance.

[@whiskeybear2070]

The way I paused at 2:33min to make a drink and come back… 👌🏼 it’ll be a pleasure playing this game Bailey

[@toniburdine1393]

I'm going to save this and make my hubby do it with me this weekend lol.

[@fayegant5259]

Love this story. When I went to prom I spent 0 😂 I wore a pair of flip flops little denim skirt and tank top. Was the most comfortable one there!! Didn’t pay for ticket as wasn’t meant to go in was just meant to see friends go in but teachers wouldn’t let me miss it. Love listening to you as I struggle to read but learn so much throw listening.

[@honeysarahcha]

My favorite thing you do Bailey: that little giggle and then you say it’s not funny but you know you get it lol it’s the funniest most disturbing most relatable thing ever

[@lucyhouse]

I lost count on ball shots . I did my best . Thanks Bailey !! Since doing so many ball shots.. have you ever done a dark history on coffee ☕️? I’m obsessed with coffee 😂

[@angie-kbm]

The ball counter had me cackling 😂

[@bekkakay8573]

I got so messed up 😅

[@deeklossner2992]

My 1975 Sr Prom is one of my most cherished memories. My dad actually took me dress shopping and I got a simple but gorgeous 1940’s style dress. Ankle strap shoes were popular then too. I felt so beautiful. This was all before proms got out of control IMHO. So no fancy dinner and ours was held in the HS gym. Great memory.

[@ladykay5891]

Most recent prom was my now 23 year old daughters. She had 2 dresses. A long beautiful red floral dress for prom and a short body-con black dress for graduation 2 pairs of shoes, a wrap, a jewelled belt and 2 clutch purses. Cost her dad over $1200. And my boys wore jeans and t shirts to their grads. They only went to the prom after party

[@lovedamned9168]

14:45 girl I’m cackling at this plug 😂 I love how you handle sponsored shoutouts! You always make them fun lol

[@michelehenne2477]

If you haven't heard Fortune Fiemster's experience in Cotillion and her debutant ball, you definitely should listen to it. So funny.

[@quach8quach907]

Ball is from ballet, dance. 16:30 The way you curtsy to the royals is the way a ballet dancer curtsy at the end of a performance. Ballet preserves the mannerisms of the world of courts and kings and queens.

[@iheartmusic077]

I finally understand why “prom” in Ireland is called “the debs”! Thanks for this ep Bailey ❤

[@ConfessionsOfPhilocalist]

In the US we used to have a store at the malls called “DEBS” and they sold a lot of party and prom attire. Make sense!

[@candicedefaoite2439]

I always wondered about that too

[@chesliemilam547]

Paul is over there like “I got the shoes. I got the dress. That makes me a princesssss…. I guess!” 😂

[@olwethutafane4421]

I just love you Bailey ❤I'm watching all the way from South Africa and our proms are called Matric dance💃

[@tanzbaby1]

I'm not even halfway thru and if I'd had a shot for every "ball" I'd be dead 😂😂😂

[@nannettefreeman7331]

1970s teen heartthrob Robby Benson (Ode to Billy Joe) had a cow heart for 15 years before he got a human one!!! He’s still alive & kicking (& still handsome asf) today! FACTS! 💯 ✌🏼

[@jae.thequeen7288]

BAILEY!!! Girl I am 4:48 into the video and it’s already the 4th shot. 😭😭😭😭 I’m a lightweight 😂 this challenge is diabolical for me.

[@mustlovedogs8179]

The upper classes had the best reputations, but many of the men were keeping child brothels running.

[@lesleymay6757]

🤮

[@Lunamoon6666]

I did not spend a cent on my prom, my mom did an exchange for my dress. My now husband took me, and got dinner. And as far as I know there was no price for tickets.

[@Ms-jf1ux]

laredo!!! i live in Nuevo laredo (litterally just accross the river) and the festivities around the ball last two weeks. They celebrate George Washignton's bday and there are parades, contests, exhibitions, air shows and so many more activities.

[@annabellaramirez7060]

0h yes a lot of fun. I'm from Laredo. The city also has the Pocahontas pageant where the girls and young men dress as Native Americans

[@hannahwatts5441]

Nothing like a bailey sarian night. I love catching up on new ones and watching old favorites. This is one of my favorite shows!! Love you Bailey, and Joan ofc

[@RosieIfYouKnowMe]

I went to prom. My mom spent $100 on my (white) Hot Topic dress and fairy wings, I think my corsage was $20. I wore my black combat boots, did my own hair and makeup and cooked us spaghetti before we went. He did get photos taken but didn't spend any other money.

[@curiouspotato6300]

Covid made me miss my sophomore and junior prom, but my senior prom I wore a black leather dress and went with my long-distance girlfriend. We had the most awkward dinner date and they were pretty standoffish and rude to my friends. This was later revealed to be because they started feeling really sick, so we ended up leaving early and I stayed with them instead of going to after-prom with my friends. We broke up a couple weeks later and I still regret it :,(

[@latinavillalobos9334]

Should slept on the floor at your friend's instead.

[@latinavillalobos9334]

*should've *

[@clairethompson4736]

Hi, Bailey! Love the variety of topics you cover in Dark History. Continued successes!!!

[@missbelle_elle]

I watched queen charlotte on Netflix - king George was a mad king & she loved him so much her kids didn’t even see her as mother - & I believe she had 15 of them

[@dazedanddark]

“joan is giving jonbenét”💀

[@AZensibleOption]

My kids were homeschooled, so for my oldest, Kid#1’s, graduation & 16th birthday we did a grad party throughout the day and then had prom in the evening with their friends. The theme was “Come As You Are” so everyone could dress however they felt comfortable. Kid#1 spent months making the playlist & wore the most elegant gown (my cousin/godmother owned a long established boutique in our town & one thing she specialized in was prom - getting a gown from there is a right of passage throughout the area, and the one thing she did & took pride in was never selling the same dress to more than one girl from each school). We had a red carpet moments with photos & they just had a ton of fun into the night.

[@CatMamma94]

I didn’t get to go to my prom, I was too sick at the time😕 Which is why I’m happy about your topic for next week! One day I will need a kidney transplant. I hope you talk about the importance of being a donor, especially a living donor, and encourage people to register. There are thousands of people on the donor list for kidneys alone, and it’s one of the few organs you can donate while you’re still alive. And contrary to popular belief, you do NOT need to be a relative to be a donor. Anyway, looking forward to the video!

[@karirogers919]

Loved the full on conversation with Joan & Paul 😂😂👏👏I'm here for it!! Never knew the actual history of proms. I've honestly never been to one, our small Christian School didn't have proms, but I remember feeling left out from the stories I would here.....maybe it wasn't that big of a deal anyways 🙈thank you for all the hard work learning, researching and sharing the information in a fun and hilarious way!! You're amazing

[@gulauglindgisladottir8098]

We don't have prom in Iceland per say but we do celebrate when we are done with school at 15 , i had a pretty royal blue dress with spaghetti straps and a fluffy royal blue jacket to match ( that was my fav colour at the time 😜 ) There was a band playing and the let me sing with them one song , awsome night 😊

[@sweetstarrider3214]

My daughter is not a frilly, frothy type of girl. She doesn't like skirts or dresses, but she always wanted to go to prom and had to have her hair, nails & makeup done. I think prom was all about getting pampered & having fun for my daughter. Me taking her to get her nails done, her and her friends all hanging out while getting ready, doing each other's hair and make up, getting taken out to eat at a nice place and getting to let loose and dance at prom are all things that make me feel like that's what it's all about, getting pampered and having fun.

[@LUVyoualways1111]

YAY a full series....I've been missing these....love ya Bailey 😊

[@paintedktten]

My brain instantly went to Bridgerton with this episode, lol. 😂 Cost of proms seems to be a trial run for weddings, would be ace to see an episode on the history of diamonds and when the wedding industry became sooo profitable. Loved the episode and your storytelling ways, much love to you and the whole team for all the awesome work that you do! 🥰

[@sinfulpixie73]

Every time she said Chamberlain, I got flashbacks to The Dark Crystal 😂

[@dved111987]

I thought u were going to say your quinceanera lol 😅

[@jims6056]

thank you for this video! I suddenly remembered my prom back in the late 90s. I'm from the Philippines, and high school students here celebrate prom twice, which is called Junior-Senior Prom, or JS Prom from short. In some schools here where juniors and seniors have separate dances, the term "prom" is reserved for the juniors, and seniors will have a graduation ball. During my time, I had a prom in my junior year, and a graduation ball in my senior year.

[@20BelowLizzy]

Bailey just told Paul in a roundabout way that he looked "ah-maze-ing" 😂 Perfect video for my day off chilling while waiting for my girlfriend!