Debutante balls belong to LA traditions. Such an event was created to present the young girls from upper-class society in front of many people. This tradition is well known to the townspeople thanks to the film industry. It allows one to imagine yourself as a part of those times. los-angeles.pro tells more about balls in LA, the image of debutante girls and traditions.
History and traditions
Analyzing historical sources, we can say that the first debutante balls in LA were held for daughters from wealthy families. In those days, these were the oil tycoons, as well as the owners of successful ranches. Ordinary townspeople could not get in these exclusive events. Only the daughters of the richest and most influential families of Los Angeles could become debutantes.
Here are the following general traditions of holding balls in Los Angeles:
- debutantes could be young girls, usually 17–18 years old
- the girls wore long and flowing dresses made to order. These were exclusive outfits aimed to attract the attention of a wealthy suitor
- the debutante could not appear at the ball alone, she was accompanied by a family member or close friend
- traditional ballroom dances were present at balls, such as waltz, foxtrot, and others
- these events were held twice a year, in winter or spring.
For girls from wealthy families, the ball was a way to meet members of upper-class society, as well as a place where one could find a husband. Preparation was a difficult period in the life of girls who have learned etiquette and manners. They wore snow-white dresses and gloves, emphasizing their purity and nobility.
From some historical sources, we know that the debutante’s hairstyle was also important. If a girl was 17–18 years old and her hair was tied up, this indicated that the debutante had the right to marriage and courtship.
The image
Debutante LA girls of the past were associated with beauty, wealth and status. In paintings and descriptions, they were depicted in long and lush dresses and with elaborate hairstyles. They were known for their refined manners and education. A collection of ballroom drawings confirm this.
It is important to note that the modern image of debutantes in LA has changed. Modern girls are more diverse in origin and interests. They continue to appreciate the traditions and values of the past.
Coronet Debutante Ball
Mrs. Lawrence became the founder and first president of the National Charity League in Los Angeles. The woman presented her friends with the idea of creating a ball for debutantes. Here are some features of the ball:
- debutantes wore floor-length white dresses and long white gloves
- each girl wore a muff with a pink carnation
- the first dance for fathers and daughters was a tradition and a white tie was mandatory for the father
- the only decoration that debutantes could wear was a small gold loop with a crown, which was suspended on a white velvet ribbon
- the date of the ball was traditional and it was held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
From 1949 to 1955, it was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the Beverly Hills Hotel. The road to the hall passed through the lawn with a canopy. This allowed the debutantes not to spoil their dresses and appearance during bad weather. In 1956, the ball was moved to the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
The ball has been financed privately since its inception. The funds have been transferred to the needs of various public organizations. The revenues were transferred to hospitals for the implementation of large projects. In 1954, the Council of the Coronet Debutante Ball was created to protect the name and activities of the ball, as well as to continue the tradition. In 1961, they even created a separate corporation, the National Charity League Coronet Debutante Ball.
The modern name of The Coronet Ball is a major social event, the purpose of which is to support the charitable initiatives of local non-profit organizations.
Debutantes from the African community
Photographs taken in 1961 show Nat King Cole and former US President John F. Kennedy welcoming an African-American debutante at a cotillion in Beverly Hills, California.
The first such event in the world took place in Great Britain. It was the ball of Queen Charlotte, which was founded by King George III in honor of the birthday of his beloved wife. Even before the beginning of the First World War, there was a real rise in popularity of British balls, after which such a tradition began to spread to the American colonies. Some time passed and debutante balls became traditional for girls from 15 to 18 years old.
It is known that the first ball for African Americans was held in New Orleans in 1895. A little more time passed and African families were able to reach the status of the middle class. The African American population was growing in Los Angeles until the 1920s. Girls and women obtained higher education. Women’s clubs, as well as non-profit and social organizations began to form in society.
One such local organization was The Links. Thanks to the founders of the organization, the first ball for African-American debutantes was held in Los Angeles in 1952. The venue was Ciro’s on Sunset Boulevard (modern name – Comedy Store). A dress from that event has been preserved in the museum to this day.
The main difference between the debutante ball and the ball for African-American girls was that the latter representatives did not seek to get married. The main focus of African-American families was on quality education, giving back to society, collecting funds for charitable purposes and creating ideological clubs. Therefore, the girls grew up on principles where only beauty and etiquette were not mandatory.
World War II
It automatically meant the end of mass balls. After the end of the Second World War, serious losses were suffered. Representatives of the upper classes also became fewer. Because of the war, many widows could not pay for their daughters’ clothes, travel, expenses, etc.
Modern events
They are rare, but some families in the city still follow this tradition, paying homage to the past.
These events are often criticized for their exclusivity and discrimination. Such events are available only to girls from wealthy and privileged families. Despite these criticisms, debutante balls have become an important part of LA history. Modern events include the annual Vienna Ball at the Vienna State Opera and the International Ball of Debutantes. The cost of the contribution of one debutante at such events can start from $25,000. It can be assumed that the tradition of exclusivity has survived to this day.
In the film industry, Jane Austen films and The Bridgertons feature debutante balls. It is mesmerizing to watch how the girls prepared, worried and got to know their future husbands. That is why historical reconstructions are held in many cities. Everyone can experience the spirit of the past, put on beautiful clothes and become a part of a grand event for one evening. This is an opportunity not only for girls from wealthy families but also for young representatives of the working class to adopt the tradition.
