Prom is a quintessential high school experience — or at least, it is for many. But despite being featured in teen movies for decades, many people never actually attend a prom. With only a small window of time where attending a prom is appropriate (unless you’re willing to be the very out-of-place older date), there aren’t many opportunities to have that kind of experience.
But Dena Duff has set out to change that.
Duff is the madame of Sheri’s Ranch (a legal brothel located near Las Vegas), and she plans and throws elaborate theme parties at the Ranch a couple of times a year. I recently sat down for a virtual chat with her and we got to talking about some of the legendary parties and how they got started.
It turns out it all started because Duff herself never went to prom. She said, “It originally started with a prom, which I suggested because I had never gone to prom. There’s a lot of people that haven’t gone to a prom and I thought we should throw one.”
And that’s exactly what they did. They invited their repeat High Rollers as well as many other guests to dress up and join the courtesans at the ranch for a night of dining and dancing — and it went so well that they decided to throw another. And another. And another.
And each time, the event grew bigger and bigger.
These events are no longer just a place for regulars to come and pretend like they’re getting to experience prom in the most enjoyable way possible. They’ve become a way for people who may be interested in coming to the Ranch but were too intimidated to simply come on their own.
Having an elegant themed party is the perfect way to open the doors to people who are curious but need that extra little push to come visit.
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Duff explained the concept as we spoke: “Now it’s like they’re thinking, ‘Oh, I’m just going to a party. We’re going to hang out and have fun…’ We’re able to remove the intimidation factor of just walking in the door to go bang someboday. At the party, they’re able to get to know someone and then book an appointment with them later. It gets them past that hurdle that may have been holding them back.”
The Ranch now holds these parties every May and October so people can work their schedule around them. The next one is coming up on the weekend of May 23rd, and it is all about the splendor of ancient Rome with two full nights of indulgence, intrigue, and immersive entertainment beneath the desert stars.
Duff chose the theme as a nod to the historical roots of sex work as a necessary
and integrated part of society.
“History shows us that sex work has always been woven into the fabric of civilization. In ancient Rome, certain high-status sex workers were sometimes known and even admired for their beauty, charm, and associations with powerful figures, despite the social stigma attached to their profession. This event is both a tribute to that legacy and a reminder that the pursuit of sensual pleasure is timeless.”
The event, appropriately named Togas and Temptations, is open to the public but you will need to buy a ticket to enjoy the festivities both nights. The first night features an interactive murder mystery dinner theater, a Roman bazaar featuring artisans, games, tarot reading, body art, and dancing (plus plenty of food and drinks!), while the second night is all about a triumphal parade, gladiator challenges and fire-eating performances before another feast.
If you’ve ever been interested in visiting a legal brothel, this is the perfect opportunity to give it a try in a more low-pressure situation.