Welridge Academy’s first debutant ball a glorious success

More than 20 pupils from Welridge Academy took part in the school’s first glitzy debutante ball on 6 September, held at Allen Glen High School.

Ranging from Grade 4 to 7, the girls and their handsome dance partners stepped out in their impressive gowns and took part in a series of formal dances including the jive and cha-cha.

Proud parents cheered and roared in the dimmed and dreamy setting that created the perfect atmosphere for a ball.

Events coordinator Valoshni Moodley, who was in charge of the décor and choreography, said “The pupils worked so hard during rehearsals and we are especially proud of the excellent attendance. Planning this has been very nerve-wrecking because we did not have anything to fall back on as this is the first one.”

The ball was established to give pupils a fun and safe way to get to know each other and develop social skills.

According to Welridge’s principal Janine Jourbert, the school opted against a disco because, eventually, pupils that are shyer would end up left out and not take part in anything.

“During the course of rehearsals, I have seen pupils develop from shy people to confident and co-ordinated dancers. I am so proud of each and every one of them and I am quite emotional,” Joubert said.

The dancers swayed and hopped to popular songs that even the audience enjoyed – including Rihanna and Swedish House Mafia – and by the end of the evening, even the parents had taken over the dance floor.

As with any dance, there could only be one king and queen of the ball.

Yadhav Bhugwandin and Daniella Mendoça took the crowns as king and queen, followed by Donovan Shishler and Matapa Katse as first prince and princess respectively. Jonathan Booth was crowned second prince, while the second princess status was awarded to Caden-Lee van Wyk.

The queen’s beaming aunt Sandra Mendoça said, “It has been a fantastic evening, We are so proud of Daniella and she wins this crown just a day before her birthday, so this is really special. Everyone has been amazing and the participants are so adorable.”

The winners were chosen based on who raised the most funds for the ball, with the king Yadhav having raised a whopping R4 180.