- Studniówka
Studniówka (literally, "100 days ahead party") is a traditional ball for final grade
high school ("liceum" or "technikum ") students (i.e. aged 18–20) inPoland , analogous to seniorprom in theUnited States or formal in theUnited Kingdom . It is held approximately a hundred days ("sto dni" in Polish) before the "matura ", or final exam, hence its name.The ball is usually organized by parents who also pay most of the costs. The choice of venue depends mostly on the funds – it may be the school gym, but also an expensive hotel, or even a palace or castle. The ball is attended by students and their dates, teachers, and – sometimes – parents.
The attire is formal; this means suits with
necktie s (not tuxedos) for boys, andevening dress es for girls. Additionally, girls may don redlingerie underneath, which is believed to bring good luck at the exams; boys may also wear redunderpants , but this is less common."Studniówka" customarily starts with a dinner, usually followed by a toast with champagne. This is normally the first occasion when students and their teachers officially drink alcohol together.
The first dance is almost invariably a
polonaise , which students usually have to practice before the ball, followed by more modern dances. A popular competition during the party is a contest for the one who can dance longest holding his partner in the arms. During this contest, the tiniest girls around are particularly popular with boys.Apart from the red underwear, the ball may be associated with many other superstitious practices, such as jumping on one leg around a monument – all of which are supposed to help students pass their "matura".
External links
* [http://www.lo2.pl/nuke/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=32 2 LO w Głogowie] , a small gallery of pictures taken at a typical "studniówka" in a Głogów high school. Note students and teachers dancing polonaise, as well as girls showing off their red garters.
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.