It’s that time of year when young ladies and gentlemen are in the midst of preparing for their Presentation Ball, our own Miss Teen included. There’s shopping for dresses, suits, shirts, ties, shoes, hair accessories, jewellery, makeup and booking hairdressers and nail appointments; not to mention all the rehearsals, learning to walk, curtsy, bow and dance. It’s a busy, stressful, exciting and terrifying time! And that’s just for the teens. It’s also busy, stressful, exciting and terrifying for the parents who have to find the money to pay for it all.
For those wondering, a Presentation Ball is what was once known as a Deb Ball or Debutante. A Debutante was traditionally a young woman coming of age and out into society, but required the lady to ask a young gentleman to be her partner. Nowadays, both sexes are included.
Thankfully, our school did away with ‘couples’ a number of years ago as students were opting to not attend because of the pressure of having to find a partner. Now, they are presented in small groups so they can be with their friends which has worked out much better, and the majority of the students take part which is great as it is such a special event in their lives.
I recall when our middle son attended his Presentation Ball, he’d borrowed his brother’s suit and we only needed to purchase a new shirt and tie. Done.
My husband commented, “Well that’s not so bad.”
“Poor darling,” I chuckled to myself, “You have no idea what’s coming.”
He does now…
As for Miss Teen’s preparations, her dress has arrived which I ordered on-line for a bargain, always a risk I know, but it’s lovely and she’s very happy. Next, we’ll be looking for shoes which has her in a panic; you see she had the misfortune of falling over when they had their first lesson on how to walk and curtsy, in flat school shoes. Now she’s understandably anxious as to how she will manage in heels. Not to worry, we’ll get them nice and early so there will be plenty of tumbling, sorry, teetering practice.
On the night, there’ll be a special dance for the girls with their dads or special person, and the same for the boys with their mums or special person. The lesson for this is near the end of all the practice sessions, but unfortunately my husband will be away for work, so middle son has been nominated to go in his stead so he can teach dad when he returns. His reaction…
No really, he’s going to have a great time, and will do this willingly with no fuss because he adores his sister and would do anything for her happiness! Yes, I’m being facetious, but no I’m not joking, he will be doing it. Oh, the delicate relationships of teenage siblings.
I know the night itself will be lovely, it truly is a beautiful sight, the debutantes stunning and elegant in their gowns and suits, looking so grown up you’ll be left wondering where the years have gone. To see them dance with each other, and especially during the special dance, is gorgeous and quite emotional for the parents. Just beautiful.
So, to everyone out there preparing for their own Debut or Presentation, and to the parents – happy practicing, whether this be walking, curtsying, bowing, dancing, putting on false eyelashes, curling hair, or doing man buns. May your night be extraordinary and everything you want it to be, creating many happy memories for you, your family and friends.
