[KSUViolet06]

As a former debutante myself, this is the best explanation I can give you. It can be a hard concept to grasp:

Debutante balls (or cottillions) are usually put together by women's organizations (sororities, service clubs, etc). The purpose is to "introduce", young women (debutantes) to society. It's like a "coming out" of sorts.

The idea came from senior prom in the 1900's. The young women were paraded in pretty dresses and introduced to the eligible bachelors of the town. It's purpose is a lot different now. Many debutante balls give scholarships to the women they select to present.

Depending on the organization that's throwing it, the debutantes may be in HS or college. The young women often have family members who participated in it when they were younger. Young women are sometimes groomed their entire lives for this event. There is a selective application process. Basically the organization selects the women to be "presented" at a HUGE ball in front of their family and spectators- criteria may vary but generally include personality, grades, involvement.

Depending on the size of the event, there may be 100 or so applicants for maybe 20 spots. Those selected are viewed as top notch young women in their community. As I said before, women are often groomed for this their entire lives.

If selected to be a debutante, you are extremely elated and so is the rest of your family. You attend months of social gatherings with the other debutantes and their parents. You go to months of waltz lessons and select a male you know to be your escort for the evening. You spend upwards of $600 on your perfect white dress to be presented in on that night. You get your hair and nails done.

The night of the ball, your parents and family are there to see you be escorted out onto the floor by your escort. Depending on the venue, you walk out in front of the crowd and are announced one at a time: (EXAMPLE) "Presenting Miss Jane Lane of Cleveland, escorted by her brother Michael Lane." Your family cries, smiles, and takes lots of pictures You then dance the night away and have dinner and talk to the other women whom you have grown very close to in your months of debutante preparation.

I hope that clears it up some for you.