Friday, September 26.1997
The University Daily Kansan
Section A· Page 7
Revival of historic ball allows 'Puffs,''Pants' a night of dance to suit
Emily C. Forsyth Kansan staff writer
The Puff-Punt Prom, a University of Kansas tradition from 1924 to 1941.
tomorrow night by the Friends of KU Women's Studies
The Prom originated as an all-female dance where women attended either as a "Puff" in an elegant evening gown or as a "Pant" dressed in a man's suit. Women went both as couples and singly, and prizes were given for the best costumes and best dancers. Admission was 75 cents for a couple and 50 cents for single dancers.
This man attended the prom years ago. Contributed Photo.
Prices have risen drastically for tomorrow night's Prom, which will
cost $15 per person. The event, which will be held from 8 p.m. to midnight at the Riverfront Mall, One Riverfront Plaza, is a fundraiser for the Friends of KU's Women's Studies, which hopes to make it an annual event.
Judith Galas, Friends board members, said the money would go to scholarships for Women's Studies students and to bring speakers to campus.
Another difference in this year's Prom is that men are invited. "We're encouraging people to come dressed in the gender-bender and era attire of their choice," said Billie Archer, president of Friends.
When the Prom began more than 50 years ago, women had just won the right to vote three years earlier and were liberated by the opportunity to play the role of men, Galas said.
"Back in the '20s and '30s, KU's women flocked to this all-women dance," said Archer. "Except for the orchestra and waiters, no men were allowed."
Legends of past Proms say that on the evening of the dances, the closets of Lawrence's men were bare.
"Men spent the evening at home while their Sunday suits escorted
some fair damse to the Prom," said the 1927 yearbook. The dances were held first in Robinson Gymnasium, where brave men who tried to crash the dances were tossed into the swimming pool. Later, when the dances were held at what is now the Kansas Union, the same punishment was upheld and men were thrown into Potter's Lake. One year, an intruding man was mobbed by women who sheared his hair. These stiff consequences had some effect on the curi-
"Fear of a ducking in the swimming pool and subsequent unpleasant notoriety kept adventurous males from attempting to attend the event as they have in the past," said the 1929 yearbook.
Puff Prom
What: Puff Pant Prom
When: 8:00 p.m.- Midnight, Saturday, Lower Level of the River front Mall
Live Music: Junk Yard Jazz and jazz historian Dick Wriaht
Entertainment: Dance lessons will be given on the Charleston, Lindy, Big Apple, Varsity Drag and Swing. Prizes will be awarded for the best dance couple and best costume from the '20s and '30s.
Cost: $15 per person at the door or call 841-6513. Benefits the Friends of KU's Women's Studies
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