Young girls in white dresses and young boys in tuxedos made the Greek community proud on Saturday night as they made their official debut at the Kytherian Association of Australia’s (KAA) 99th Kytherian Debutante Ball.
Held in The Ballroom at the Royal Randwick Racecourse, the ball attracted over 600 people who enjoyed a sit-down three course meal, great company and of course, dancing performances from the debutantes. An exemption was granted by the NSW Government to the KAA for dancing as the event was held at a sporting venue and not a function venue.
A number of officials and guests of honour were also in attendance at the event and this included, but is not limited to, His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia, Producer of TV show My Greek Odyssey, Peter Maneas, actress and author, Mary Coustas, President of the KAA, Emmanuel Alfieris, and CEO of the Bank of Sydney, Miltos Michaelas.
Following the National Anthems of Greece and Australia, Archbishop Makarios gave a resounding speech praising the KAA for organising the ‘joyous occasion’ and working to maintain strong connections with Kytherian youth.
“The same dynamic spirit among the members of the Association is… working hard to ensure that future generations remain connected with their Greek heritage and to keep this alive in their consciousness,” Archbishop Makarios said.
After this speech, Master of Ceremonies, Ms Coustas, began the debutante presentation, beginning with the Matron of Honour, followed by the flowergirls and pageboys and then the debutantes.
There was loud applause all around as the debutantes then performed to Senorita by Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes, followed by Greek music.
The dancing was then concluded with a traditional cutting of the cake by the Matron of Honour and debutantes, before lucky draw prizes were given out to a number of people who had huge smiles on their faces as they were given their donated gifts.
A main course of fish or meat was then enjoyed by all as Ms Coustas, who had transformed into her well-known TV character Effie, introduced the President of the KAA, Mr Alfieris, and then Mr Michaelas to give a short speech.
“You should be very proud that you manage to keep your traditions, but still set the benchmarks for many other Greek communities in Australia,” Mr Michaelas said proudly.
This was followed by a film clip from Guest of Honour, Peter Maneas’ My Greek Odyssey TV series, before the man himself approached the microphone and spoke about his pride in the Kytherian community.
“We are blessed to be born and living in this prosperous country. We are doubly blessed to be born as Kytherian-heritage people, with a heritage that is rich in world-changing history,” Mr Maneas said.
With the official proceedings concluded, a band began playing and people started dancing on the huge dancefloor. The debutantes then emerged again for their final outstanding performance to Greek music.
A spectacular night enjoyed by all in attendance!
