Photos: Trinity School at River Ridge's Spring Formal

Trinity School at River Ridge juniors and seniors enjoyed a 4-hour cruise along the Mississippi this past Saturday evening that included a formal dinner, dancing and near-perfect weather. 

During dinner, students had a chance to practice the skills they learned at a preparatory etiquette lunch held at the school the week before. Students were trained in the fine points of formal dining, such as which fork to use and when.

After dinner, the tables were cleared away and the boat transformed into a dance floor. The evening concluded with a post-formal party.

In alternating years, such as this year, the Trinity Spring Formal - which is unescorted and purposely not called a prom - is held aboard a riverboat.

According to Trinity Headmaster Jon Balsbaugh, "Our approach to education and cultural formation is that we owe it to young men and women to prepare them for adult life and bring them into an adult culture. Prom, on the other hand, seemed to be catering to some of the worst elements of youth culture."

A number of years ago the school made their spring formal an event that was unescorted and included dinner, dancing and a chaperoned after-party. Balsbaugh said, "Initially, students were resistant to the idea, but they have come to love the event and appreciate that the evening is not only fun for everyone, but also free from many of the worst pressures associated with prom."

"Students are not paired off into couples but are free to enjoy themselves together," Balsbaugh continued.  

The students fill out dance cards and get to dance with several of their friends rather than being coupled for the evening. Almost 100 percent of the students attend every year.

"Everyone has a great time and [their] memory of the night is not as one of tension, anxiety and excess, but of unity, friendship and fun," Balsbaugh said.

Former headmaster Bill Wacker, who in 1998 spearheaded the transition from prom to spring formal, said, "I liken it almost to our approach to single-sex education. Our students are more free because they don't have the pressure."

Students and parents work together to plan the post-formal party each year, which is scheduled directly after the dance from 11 p.m to 2 a.m. This year the students chose to have a casino night aboard the Minnesota Centennial Showboat. 

Balsbaugh said, "Parents appreciate the inclusiveness of the event and the support they receive from the school in supporting their own values. They also appreciate the decreased hype, cost and expectations."

"One of the keys to establishing the kind of culture we want at Trinity School is to foster unity," Balsbaugh said. "We have always worked with students to resist the establishment of cliques and exclusive relationships in the school, preferring instead to cultivate one life together - in the classroom, in the hallways, at morning prayer, and through our class parties and other social activities."