What exactly is a Debutante? This was a question often asked of the 2010 Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Silver Rose Debutantes. Traditionally, being a debutante means that a young lady has come of age to be married. She is presented to society in a ball that would be filled with eligible young bachelors she could possible marry. In the United States, debutante balls are infamous in the south, where “southern belles,” members of upper class society, are presented in grand elegant white dresses and satin gloves.
Debutantes have also had their place in television presenting a modern take on the age-old tradition. An example was during the show Gilmore Girls, when Rory, the main character, is a part of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution Debutante ball.
In Santa Clarita, debutantes take on their own definition. The program itself raises money for Henry Mayo Hospital and the young ladies that take part in it are “normal” teenagers, they don’t have to be a part of upper class society and they are most definitely not planning on getting engaged to the young men who escort them at their ball. The Debs in Santa Clarita are High School seniors from any high school in the valley and come together to learn etiquette, volunteer for their community and take part in specific functions that give them an experience out of the ordinary. First, the young ladies are presented as a member of the silver rose debutantes at the presentation tea. Then, the ladies attend monthly meetings that teach proper social etiquette and introduce any new information about the program. They also take part in a fashion show, where they are able to wear a designer dress and walk down the runway. Debutantes also spend a whole day dedicated to their mother at the Mother-Daughter Tea, where they show their mom how much they care. Debutantes then spend the weeks of February spending time with their dads and practicing the waltz they will be performing at the ball. Finally, all of the Debutantes are presented at the ball in March, they dance the waltz with their dad, then they are presented with their escort and spend the rest of the night dancing and enjoying themselves.
The Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Silver Rose Debutantes have maintained some of the tradition of dressing up in dramatic white ball gowns and being presented with their father. However, in Santa Clarita, being a debutante is more of experiencing something out of the ordinary. High School seniors rarely spend time with mother or father and this program gives them a special bond before they go off to college. This program also introduces etiquette that normally isn’t taught to someone of any age. Overall, being a debutante is something special all young girls should experience.
For more information on The Debutant Program, please visit www.henrymayo.com .