2009 DEBUTANTE BALL

The Gala Ball Introducing the 2009 Debutantes and Escorts, presented by Holy Trinity Armenian Church Women’s Guild, took place on October 10, 2009 at the Four Seasons Hotel Yorkville, in downtown Toronto.

The committee members included: Hilda Adamian, Elizabeth Asik, Taleen Balian, Tili Isnar, Sella Kaltakjian, Anita Ohanessian, Annie Yeretsian and Karin Zabunyan.

The origins of the Debutante Ball date back to the Victorian Era.  At a time when young girls did not have much exposure to the social word, the parents would be anxious to introduce them to the adult society as soon as they turned sixteen.  The functions, organized by the parents, would range from a simple tea party or a formal dinner for the middle lass, to a grand Ball for aristocracy.  The Debutante would be introduced to the social circle, especially to the young men.  The dress worn would be white, symbolizing innocence and purity.

Throughout the years, the Debutante Ball has taken different forms, the most popular one being a dual-purpose event at which a group of Debutantes, accompanied by their Escorts, would make their debut into the community at a fund-raising function.

Within the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, the tradition of Debutante Ball started in 1972.  To date, this Community has seen over 400 Debutantes and Escorts.  Many happy Armenian families have resulted from this tradition and some of the young ladies of yesteryear are now seeing their daughters ‘wear the white gown of sixteen”.  This year, 15 young ladies and their Escorts made their formal entry into the Community.

2009 Debutantes:

Lucy Asik

Arlene Bakmazian

Alexandra Grace Balian

Maral Chouljian

Lisa Damla

Taleen Damla

Adriana Dekirmendjian

Katrina Dekirmendjian

Natalie Kalfayan

Anna Kaltakjian

Aphrodite Kazanjian

Lynn Isnar

Arin Mardirossian

Tina Sanbalian

Armenia Sarkissian

2009 Escorts:

Aren Adamian

Aroutin Avanessian

Sassoon Esagholian

Hagop Imasdounian

Sako Kaltakjian

Hovag Kara-Yacoubian

Arvin Khatchadoorian

Levon Kouyoumdjian

Aren Kurkjian

Argin Malakian

Daniel Sarkissian

Ari Sahsuvar

Garbis Sahsuvar

Tyler Tossounian

Nareg Zargarian

During cocktails, piano was played by former Escort Raffi Dermen.  The MCs who introduced the Debutantes and their Escorts were Eliz Kaltakjian and Saro Khatchadourian.  Speeches were made by co-chairs Talin Balian and Anita Ohanessian, and by our pastor Rev. Fr. Arch. Zareh Zargarian and His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, primate.

After the delicious dinner, the Debutantes and Escorts were introduced and danced their first waltz, followed by two Armenian circle line dances.

A commemorative video was made as a keepsake for the young participants.

Introducing Our Debutantes & Escorts

The Debutante Ball Committee organizes a Debutante Ball for our community every two years and the tradition has continued for over 35 years. The original purpose of a Debutante Ball was to introduce the young ladies of the community to society. Today’s Debutante Ball is a means of bringing together Armenian girls and boys ages 16 to 18 years. Preparation involves the group meeting routinely for about 6 months prior to the event. During this time, they are taught Armenian dance, the waltz and the protocol for the evening. In the process the group develops special friendships and a relationship with our church.

The Debutante Ball is a formal function held traditionally in the fall at a hotel ballroom where the Debutantes and their Escorts, dressed in formal attire, present themselves to their family and friends with their newly acquired skills. A secondary function of this event is to raise funds for the church through the production of a booklet which includes advertisements and sponsorships for the event.

To date, since 1972 we have presented over 400 Debutantes and Escorts and most recently are welcoming the participation of their children.