The Grand Ball of the Debutantes is a charity ball organized by the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica down to the smallest details. It is a romantic event set against unique, charming backdrops that are rich in history. Designed by international stylists, the gowns selected for the debutantes are splendid, wispy, fairy-tale like and made of precious fabrics. Elegant cadets in full uniform from the most prestigious Military Academies or young men in tails from Italian high society escort the young ladies.
A seated gala dinner is served by waiters in livery as well as by experienced sommeliers. The menu is top quality and the mise en place is spectacular. The magic and entertaining atmosphere of the ball is further enhanced by having each and every guest join in the dances. The event is attended by high-profile representatives of Italian aristocracy, famous show business personalities and important figures of culture and television.
The event is directed by Nino Graziano Luca, who has organized the Grand Ball of the Debutantes in different Italian and European cities for over thirty years. The gala offers the young ladies the unique opportunity of living an unforgettable dream: their debut in society.
Preparing the ball
The debutantes are the protagonists of the event. This is why a week ahead of the event a team of great professionals works side by side with the young ladies and their escorts. Their job is to get them ready for the Ball and make sure they also have fun.
The Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica organizes a series of training classes ahead of the Debut for 25 to 30 couples. Four teachers are in charge of the training.
During the course, the young ladies are trained in different techniques - waltz, contredanse and polonaise, learning the choreographies of the three choral dances that are required for their debut while also educating themselves in the basic notions of etiquette, make-up and carriage.
They read passages from 18th century novels in which the Balls played a central role, and watch scenes from famous films such as Gone with the Wind and the Leopard.
For an entire week the Debutantes live like true Princesses. It is a throwback to another era in time - everything is as it was centuries ago.
N.B. A cycle of five classes (one per month) can be scheduled plus three consecutive lessons a few days ahead of the Grand Ball of the Debutantes, if organizers so wish.
Brief history
The Grand Ball of the Debutantes has a history that dates back to the 17th cent. Amid the glittering of candles, mirrors and gilded stuccos, noble young ladies shyly entered society hoping to find a husband, and in some cases, their Prince Charming came along. In France, the famous Ball of the Debutantes that used to be staged at Paris’ Hotel de Crillon came to an end in 1789 because of the Revolution. However, in many other European Countries, the Ball survived and flourished especially at the time of the Congress of Vienna when the media used to comment that the Congrès danse mais ne marche pas. The Ball had its apex in the second half of the 19th century, thanks to the Balls the young Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph used to host at Vienna’s Opera Theater.
It is a tradition that gradually grew in popularity and remains a reference point to modern times with the famous Opernball, the Grand Ball of the Debutantes, which every year takes place on Shrove Thursday at Vienna’s Opera Theater. The event, which is broadcast live worldwide, is attended by debutantes from all over the world. In recent years, the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica has kept the flame alive in Italy. Nino Graziano Luca has organized and directed The Viennese Grand Ball of the Debutantes, Mac π 100 2019 of the Teulié Military School in Milan, and The Grand Ball of the Debutantes at Palazzo Rospigliosi in Zagarolo.
Draft Plan
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A carriage should be placed at the entrance of the venue hosting the Grand Ball. Two dames wearing historical costumes will be standing by the carriage while two gentlemen in tails will be in charge of welcoming guests and handing them a carnet de bal.
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Guests will be accompanied by two gentlemen to the cloakroom, where they will leave their overcoats. Then they will be invited to sign an attendance book where comments, feelings and drawings can be inscribed.
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During cocktails, a band or a soprano singing the most pleasant arias of Italian melodrama will create the merry atmosphere of a party of bygone days, accompanied by a piano and the projection of footage of Balls from famous films .
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At the center of the hall, a Guest of Honor and the Master of Ceremonies will welcome guests and introduce the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica. The dancers will perform several dances, a Waltz, a Contredanse – as in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers– and a Quadrille thus taking only a few moments to show the audience three of the most popular dances of the 19th century.
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At this point, Debutantes and Cadets will come in performing a Promenade during a Polonaise, which will be followed by a Contredanse and a Waltz. Pre- recorded music will be used for all three dances.
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Right after the debut, as happens in Vienna and also in the best Italian tradition, the Grand Ball opens to everyone on the notes of the Alles Walzer. It will be danced according to a program of free waltzes that will alternate with waltzes and other dances called by the Master of Ceremonies. The MC will follow this by choosing the most entertaining and elegant dances described in the manuals of famous 19th cen. masters. Dancers of the Compagnia Nazionale di Danza Storica will perform beautiful choreographies alternating with free dances.
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Once the Debut Ceremony is over, the Gala Dinner begins. It can be arranged in what is considered to be the best fit, which is usually a buffet dinner with tables. This is the most popular form internationally since it allows more room for dancing.
