Dancing in the Moonlight

SWAN Hill Football Netball Club hosted the first debutante ball of the season on Saturday evening at Murray Downs Homestead in Murray Downs.

Eight debutantes aged 16 and 17, alongside their partners, all enjoyed an evening of dancing and entertaining guests as they took their first official step into society.

The theme was Dancing in the Moonlight and despite a sweltering evening where temperatures remained around the 35-degree mark until 7.30pm, a great time was had by all.

Debutante balls remain popular in the region with most football and netball clubs hosting one each year.

The event can be traced back to 18th century England, when the purpose was more traditionally to present young women eligible for marriage to prospective high-society partners.

Modern balls, however, have less focus on matrimony.

One of the most notable debutante balls was the May ball hosted by George III in 1780.

A charity event, it was held in honour of his wife, Queen Charlotte, to raise money for a hospital.

Modern balls are still often held with fundraising at the heart, and most football and netball clubs will return the funds raised from their events back into supporting the club.

A common thread through Swan Hill’s debutantes on Saturday night was the importance of the tradition.

Many said their mothers and grandmothers had also completed their debs and others said they felt it was a rite of passage.

“You’ve just seen the older kids do it before you and when you were little you just couldn’t wait until it was your turn to do your deb,” one said.

Another noted it was a great chance to dress up and enjoy an evening with family and friends in a new mature light.

Set in the picturesque gardens of the homestead, more than 300 family and friends gathered to enjoy the debutantes being escorted by their partners to be presented to club dignitaries.

The debutantes and their partners then danced with their parents before performing a series of specially choreographed dances in the theme, Dancing in the Moonlight.

Woorinen Football and Netball Club will hold their debutante ball this weekend and Lake Boga Football Netball Club will follow the weekend after.

Tyntynder Football and Netball Club will hold their annual debutante ball on May 10.

If you would like The Guardian to feature your organisation’s debutante ball this year, email edit@theguardian.com.au