Dancing in a winter wonderland
WITH ladylike glamour and gentlemanly style 34 debutantes and their partners impressed the audience at the 83rd annual Catholic Debutante Ball at the weekend.
Committee member Pauline Stewart said the large number of debutantes ensured Friday night was an incredibly successful night.
"It went off really well," Ms Stewart said.
"Everybody behaved themselves, the girls looked beautiful, the boys looked lovely, and they all danced so beautifully as well."
Ms Stewart said the couples took part in six practices with Lance and Desley Clarson to prepare for the night.
"At the first practice I was a bit dubious as to whether the debutantes and partners would be able to do it but the end result on the night was perfect," she said.
Formalities were a traditional part of the evening but got everyone into the spirit of the event.
"All the debs were presented to Father Franco and then they did the dance they learnt, which was the swing waltz this year," Ms Stewart said.
"Deb Codie-Jo Brackin cut the cake and deb Millicent Kelly responded on behalf of all the debs and gave a speech of thanks.
"Everyone then got up and danced and really enjoyed themselves.
"There were about 300 guests and then the debs, their partners and the official party were extra again."
Stanthorpe band Triple Beat played and special guests included Ron and Kath Bellingham.
Ms Stewart said the theme was A Winter Wonderland with ice blue and silver decorations and bouquets to match.
"Suzanne Ridley and her band of helpers decorated St Mary's Hall and it looked beautiful," she said.
Parish priest Father Franco Filipetto said it was great to see the ball so well supported.
"There is much more support for deb balls now than there was 20 years ago," he said.
"In some ways they are similar to graduations and have become family events."
