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In part one of a two-part story (originally telecast on consecutive nights), Lorelai (Lauren Graham) tries to persuade a recalcitrant Rory (Alexis Bledel) to attend her first formal dance at Chilton. Although Dean (Jared Padalecki) is as unenthused as Rory, he agrees to escort the girl to the dance -- and maybe he'll even dress up for the occasion. Alas, on the big might, both Lorelai and her own mother, Emily (Kelly Bishop), are unable to attend the dance themselves, a setback that turns out to be a blessing in disguise. The evening goes off without a hitch -- except for the fact that Rory doesn't come home until very, very early in the morning.