Richmond German Christmas Dance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ricmond German Christmas Dance |
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Genre | debutante ball |
Date(s) | December |
Frequency | annually |
Location(s) | The Commonwealth Club Richmond, Virginia United States |
Inaugurated | 1866 |
Patron(s) | Richmond German Society |
The Richmond German Christmas Dance is a special yearly dance. It happens during the Christmas season in Richmond, Virginia. This event is held at The Commonwealth Club. It started in 1866, right after the American Civil War. This makes it the oldest debutante ball in Virginia.
What is a Debutante Ball?
A debutante ball is a formal dance. It is where young women are officially introduced to society. This tradition has been around for a long time. It is a way to celebrate young women as they grow up.
A Look Back: How It Started
The Richmond German Christmas Dance began in 1866. Important leaders in Richmond started it. This was soon after the end of the American Civil War. The dance got its name from a popular dance from Prussia. Prussia was a powerful region in what is now Germany.
The dance was a way for important families to keep their place in society. These families were well-known before the Civil War. The ball helped them stay connected and important in the new times.
Who Attends and Where?
The Richmond German Christmas Dance is one of two main debutante balls in Richmond. The other big dance is called the Bal du Bois. Both are very important events.
This dance happens every year at The Commonwealth Club. This club is a private place for gentlemen. The event is hosted by a group called the Richmond German. This group is a private dance society for men. Young women who are introduced at the ball are usually related to members of this society.