Primping And Posing

For The Prom

By Kendra Bobowick & John Voket

Marissa Bobkowski swiveled left and right in the salon chair at Sandy Hook Hair Co. Friday afternoon while Amy Bennett arranged her dark brown curls into a half up, half down do on May 2, hours before the Newtown High School promgoers filled The Amber Room in Danbury.

Across from her was friend Elise DeRoo, smiling as her hairdresser, Erica Dafilis, described the pulled back style she was assembling as “romantic.” A touch of nerves and excitement filled conversation as the young women glanced at their reflections and talked about their prom dates for the evening. Lindsey Jones jumped from her chair and pulled off the leopard print smock to reveal her elegant bun and soft curls framing her face, pinned into place and styled by Ali Carrier.

The salon was just one of many hair and nail businesses filled with students primping for the prom last Friday afternoon. Booked for the afternoon, the seats at Ricci’s on South Main Street were filled with girls turned toward their hairdressers who helped with hair and makeup during the early afternoon. Finishing Natalie Clarke’s short up-do, hairdresser Erin Seferi turned Natalie’s face up for better light as she dabbed soft eyeliner and shadow into place.

Behind Natalie was Alyssa DeSimone, who laughed as she watched Andrea Mirafiore twist her tresses through a curling iron, then set her style with spray. In the corner chair with most of her long blond hair already shaped and set in pipe curls was Cristi Parks, sitting still as Amy Cousins placed the final touches on her hair that would have to last through rounds of prom pictures, dancing, and dinner.

A few hours later, the Piscitelli residence on Butternut Ridge was one of hundreds of local homes hosting promgoers and parents alike. Rain earlier in the day and cloudy skies leading into the late afternoon and early evening meant that the traditional gathering of dozens of high school students and their parents at The Pleasance, the popular outdoor photo spot for promgoers in the center of town, was all but deserted this year.

Newtown High School PTA co-chair Joan Piscitelli offered about a dozen parents a massive spread of appetizers and beverages as the “support contingent” awaited their chauffeured ride to the prom. Camera flashes made the line of proud parents look like a pack of paparazzi as the three male escorts were joined by Maria Piscitelli’s six friends for shots around the family fireplace. Once corsages were pinned and snacks were consumed, the entire group was whisked off to their prom to enjoy themselves.