57th MOOROOLBARK COLLEGE DEBUTANTE BALL

There were moments when we thought that the 57th Mooroolbark College Debutante Ball wouldn’t run. Venues, photographers and dresses were organised, and then postponed. Hair and make-up appointments were rescheduled; dress fittings were rearranged, and beards were grown. But, as all good things come to those who wait, the Debutantes and partners of the 57th Mooroolbark College Debutante Ball were finally presented to their friends and family on Sunday March 28th, 2021.  

The intervening six months between the original date and the actual date did little to dampen the spirits and enthusiasm of the 57th Debutantes and their partners. They arrived at the first dance rehearsal full of energy and despite the exhaustion presented by the first term of Year 12, they all maintained this fervour throughout the five weeks of rehearsals and the day of the Ball.  

After being formally presented to our special guests – Mr Zac Parr and MP Mr David Hodgett – our Debutantes and partners nervously took to the dance floor to show off their newly mastered ability of ballroom dancing. Performing the Waltz, the Merengue, the Charleston and three other dances, our Debutantes and partners demonstrated that the hard work and practice they had completed over the past few weeks was worth the effort.  

Applause from the several hundred guests surrounding the dance floor was loud and full of cheer. The flash of cameras was insistent and the wide smiles of all participants were splendid to see.  

All of our Debutantes and their partners conducted themselves with grace. Despite some early concerns about being able to bow and curtsy low enough, our Debutantes and their partners demonstrated precise control over this particular aspect of decorum. Joshua McMeeken and Shayla Kimpton represented the Debutantes with their speeches of appreciation, speaking with confidence and setting a wonderful example of the etiquette required at such an event.

We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the 57th Mooroolbark College Debutante Ball, including the Debutantes, their partners and their families. We would particularly like to thank Ann Stratford and the Leadership Team, as well as the MCPA for their extensive support and dedication towards the running of the Debutante Ball. Our gratitude is extended to everyone who has volunteered their time to support our Debutantes over the last twelve months.

Prue Bon and Evgenia Giles 
57th Debutante Ball Coordinators, 2021