Daughters of High Society Attend Debutante Ball in New York City
Wealthy women gather at NYC's Waldorf Astoria for esteemed meet and greet.
— -- It’s a meet and greet, but only for the elite.
Kind of like the Bachelorette (only way more exclusive), the 60th annual International Debutante Ball sets the scene for upper class women to mingle with future husbands, friends and business contacts.
On Sunday, Dec. 28, 775 attendants gathered at the luxurious Waldorf Astoria in New York City, where 46 debutantes were presented from around the world.
Since 1954, participants have been honoring the tradition in white princess-style gowns and long satin gloves.
The young women are the daughters of some of the world’s wealthiest families, are of college age, and attend prestigious universities.
According to the organization’s website, the evening begins with a receiving line where guests meet the debutantes and candid photos are snapped.
The ladies meet with the sons and families of ambassadors, world leaders and business giants.
Cocktails, dinner, and dancing follow where each debutante is then presented by an escort in a white tie and coat tails.
One at a time each young lady walks down the center of the ballroom to take a bow while an orchestra plays a song relevant to the country or state she’s representing.
The Debutante Ball was started by New York socialite Beatrice Dinsmore Joyce. Proceeds from the ball will be donated to The Soldiers', Sailors', Marines', Coast Guard and Airmen's Club, the American Ballet Theater, and other organizations.