Young ladies in dazzling white gowns and long elegant gloves were formally ‘introduced to society’ last Saturday at the St Mary’s Parish Debutante Ball in Bowen.
Following months of training which involved learning many ‘old-time’ dances taught by a host of local volunteers, a total of 10 debutants and their partners presented.
The Grade 11 students were greeted at the church where they received a blessing.
They were then taken by bus to the Bowen State High School where they joined the official party of more than 200 people and were presented to Bishop Timothy Harris from the Townsville Dioses.
Federal Member for Dawson Andrew Willcox was in attendance along with Acting Mayor Mike Brunker and Parish Council Representative Maureen Baxter.
The debutantes and their partners performed the ‘Deb Dance’ and then cut the ‘Deb Cake’.
After this, the bishop gave a speech and following dinner, all guests enjoyed dancing to live music performed by Hot Hot Hot from Mackay.
Organiser Raynee Bidgood said that the event was made possible with the help of many volunteers and that they were all happy to see such a fantastic night unfold.
“It was a very proud moment to see it all come together,” she said.
“They all looked beautiful and did a wonderful job!”
Andrew Willcox said that it was a pleasure to see them enjoy their night.
“These young ladies and gents work hard for weeks leading up to the big night, learning their presentation routine plus ball room dances,” he said.
“Well done must go to Raynee Bidgood and her team for the many hours of organisation and dance lessons that went into bringing this wonderful event together.”
The Debutantes and their partners attending the St Mary's Parish Debutante Ball in Bowen last weekend. Photo credit: Photographer Kerri Smith
