Goodrich – Goodrich Board of Education members received an anonymous letter last week criticizing the high school’s prom fashion show.
The show, a fund-raiser for the Class of 2006, was held Feb. 6 to get kids geared up for the prom, said class sponsor Catherine Sweet, who donated her time to help organize the show.
The letter denounced the show’s ‘opening act? and choreographed song excerpts, said the author of the letter, who admitted being aroused by ‘sensual feelings? during the 20-minute show.
Although the show opened with a 58-second jazz club scene set behind a screen, the girls were dressed in long gowns and did not act provocatively, said Sweet, who was shocked anyone objected to the skit.
Rumors of the letter were disturbing to students, said volunteer class sponsor Lisa Bertrand, whose daughter participated in the show.
‘The girls were dressed beautifully,? Bertrand said. ‘They exuded confidence, not sexuality.?
Set on the stage of the Goodrich High School auditorium, this year’s show was more of a dance-musical production, complete with lights and a sound system.
Students had three weeks to learn runway training, said Sweet, who worked with a professional choreographer accustomed to school fashion shows.
The letter mainly objected to the choice of the song titled ‘Nasty Girls’in the program.
It’s a song previously used in Goodrich fashion shows for its beat, and has been used in other schools? programs as well, says Sweet.
After reading the letter, show organizers ‘probably would not have put it in there if it caused offense to anyone,? she said.
Sweet vetoed several numbers during the five hours spent selecting show music.
A CD of songs, taken home by each show participant, kept parents apprised of music in the show, said Sweet, who says she’s received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the show.
Fashions were personally inspected with no slit skirts or ‘bare tummies.?
‘It was beautifully done,? Sweet said. ‘I’m nothing but proud.?
The letter asserted the school board needs guidelines for the music and ‘sensual? content of programs.
‘We do try to be sensitive to other people’s views,? said Goodrich schools superintendent Kim Hart, who doesn’t think a policy change is in the district’s future.
‘We really didn’t see that it was an issue. We have had no other complaints,? Hart said.