The National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball

Every year Debutantes from all over the country gather in D.C. for six days of tradition, balls, and all night parties. In French the word Debutante means female beginner. Historically, this was a time when aristocracy or an upper class young lady, who had reached an age maturity would be presented to society. It was known as her debut.

This is a tradition that can be found throughout the world. Countries such as Australia, United Kingdom, Philippines, and Latin America still honor this age old tradition. In the United States each year Cotillions or Debutante Balls are held all over the country. From New York, to New Orleans. Some of the biggest balls are held in Atlanta and Dallas.

In 1949 Miss Mary-Stuart Montague Price, raised the bar, and brought the tradition to D.C. A chance for Debs to meet and gather. This year The National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball celebrated 60 years.

Ellen Devine, a new comer to the Deb world gives us an insider glace into the world of Debutantes.

Excitements builds for all involved as guests attend numerous events hosted all scattered about the nation’s capital the week proceeding the National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball. As one such guest I must say when I arrived to the Washington Hilton one cold DC afternoon, I had no idea what was in store for me. As a Hill Staffer, I have become a custom to the occasional grandiose cocktail party or holiday ball but this Cotillion was a whole new world-- one that so few even have the opportunity to experience and one I will not soon forget.

For sixty years now, DC has been home to one of the largest and most prestigious Debutante Balls in the nation. Young women, families, friends and escorts from all over the world travel year after year to join in the celebration of this joyous presentation event.

As the Hilton became home to all guests involved, you never knew what to expect when the elevator opened. Would it be a mom dripping in diamonds and fur or a deb dressed in her new seven’s and flats with a plastic cup in hand. The days were grueling as we darted from event to event. With no closing time or last call, events seem to evolve with no clear end. One minute your in a formal talking to a man in tails the next in jeans with a beer can in hand, finally at brunch hoping to kill the buzz as the waitress adds a bit more cheer to your juice which is becoming entirely too clear.

Clearly, the Cotillion was here…. the hotel was sprinkled with white as the seasons debutantes prepared to come out; Cadets in dress blues, women in white gloves and men in tails. This night was special, from the presentation of the colors to the promenade of debs it was all about tradition. It was truly a magical evening like a setting from a fairytale. The Cotillion concluded with dinner and dancing but it was only the beginning of more to come. These guests were not heading to bed; there were parties to attend, and more spirits to be had.

Our final party arrived-- cocktails in hand, new friends by my side we watched the sunrise from the roof of the Hilton. As I looked over the skyline of DC, I thought to myself how I would make it to work on Monday. As I departed the Hilton, bags in hand on that cold Sunday. I knew I was leaving a fairytale world where ball gowns and tuxedos are mandatory, alcohol flows freely and those new faces you meet on Monday are now friends for life. This Hill Staffer is sure to be a guest for life!