7th Biennial PearlBall Cotillion
May 1, 2022 @ 5:00PM — 9:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
The Hotel @ The University of Maryland: 7777 Baltimore Avenue College Park, MD 20740 Get Directions
IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE - DC Pearls III Foundation is committed to keeping its guests safe and healthy during this cotillion season. The following guidelines will be implemented for the Pearl Ball Scholarship Cotillion on Sunday, May 1, 2022: * Proof of vaccination is required * Completion of the COVID Waiver and Questionnaire * A negative COVID test dated 72-hours prior to May 1, 2022 (dated April 28, 2022 or later) All items must be printed and presented during check-in at the Cotillion on May 1, 2022
The debutante tradition, as we know it in the United States, has
its roots, as many of our customs do, in England. The idea that a girl should
be presented to society stems from the time when a daughter of a marriageable
age needed to find a husband of suitable and similar social standing. The idea
of the presentation of young women to society started in this country in 1748
when fifty-nine (59) colonial families held what were then called Dancing Assemblies, the
forerunner to the debutante Ball.
During an extensive preparatory period, the debutante focuses on her social, academic, leadership and civic development, to emerge as a poised, polished, responsible, productive member of her community.
Upon completion of her training, she participates in a debutante ball, a formal presentation of young ladies to society. Modern cotillions are often charity events; the parents of the debutante donate a certain amount of money to the designated cause, and the invited guests pay for their tickets. Cotillions are traditionally elaborate formal affairs and involve not only "debs" but junior debutantes and escorts as well.
Participants meet on designated dates throughout the Season. Focus areas may include etiquette, career planning, hygiene and grooming, conflict resolution, personal responsibility, leadership, money matters and volunteerism. Debutantes will also receive dance instruction, attend cultural events, participate in college preparation workshops and compete for scholarships.
Any donation starting at $25 that is given in support of the Pearl Ball Cotillion to support a debutante may be listed in the Souvenir Journal. Donation levels are:
Black Pearl $1000 & up
Pink Pearl $750 - $999
Platinum $500 - $749
Gold $250 - $499
Silver $100 - $249
Bronze $50 - $99
Pearl $25 - $49