Some Minnesota high schools ditch the dance at nontraditional proms From dance-less dances to outdoor carnivals, Minnesota high schools are opting for creative takes on the traditional prom this year. May 14, 2021 — 7:49am Text size Copy shortlink: Anoka High School junior Josie Klimmek wasn't disappointed when she learned that this year's prom wouldn't include dancing. Instead, she cheered the chance to dress up for a "fun, laid back hangout situation" with her classmates. The school opted for a "mask-erade party": a night of rides — in formal wear — at the Mall of America's Nickelodeon Universe. The theme for the event, "A roller coaster of a year," was a fitting description of what high school students across Minnesota have experienced during the pandemic. Teens had to adapt to distance learning, COVID-19 quarantines and livestreamed sports played in mostly empty gyms. Prom was affected, too.