As the first of the 2021 MLMC Debutante Balls take place this weekend, let us look back at the first Debutante Ball that took place in 1966 at the College. Although the sentiment of being ‘introduced to society’ has changed, one aspect that has not changed is the students' excitement of getting dressed up. Whether it was in 1966 or now in 2021, the girls, in particular, see it as a wonderful event to wear a beautiful gown. Integral to the boys looking their best is Old Collegian Mr Peter Ruscitti (Class of 1976).
2018 — Debutante Balls
In 2018, for the first time a number of Year 11 boys from MLMC joined with Worawa College in Healesville to partner young female students there in the Worawa Dreaming Ball — a Debutante Ball where the young women were presented to the elders after having completed their Pathways to Womenhood program.
As far back as the 1950s, our students have been involved with local Debutante Balls, but it wasn’t until 1966 that Mount Lilydale College held its first event. Originally seen as a moment where a young woman was ‘introduced to society’, the Debutante Balls have evolved into a glamorous occasion where a young person has the opportunity to dress up and present themselves as a young adult in front of their families and friends.
In recent decades this event has occurred annually for Year 11 students and the balls have taken place off-site, at places like the Heidelberg Town Hall. The Parents and Friends’ Association has a Debutante Ball Committee, which organises each event.
Former student and former President of the Old Collegians’ Association, Peter Ruscitti (Class of 1976), has had a long association with the Debutante Balls through his Lilydale business, Trevor Dudley’s Menswear, where he has outfitted thousands of young men.
Mr Ruscitti (pictured in the gallery) wrote recently: “I have worked with terrific committee members, great students and wonderful parents over the years and have always enjoyed outfitting the partners. Styles change but style doesn’t. For example, 1975 featured sky blue suits with navy brocade on the lapel edges, sky blue evening shirts with full ruffle front and navy velvet bow ties.”
