Being a debutante is learning how to be a productive member of society. You learn how to articulate, have good etiquette and be presented to society as a woman. Zion Astante’s (11) specific club, Le Meres et Debutantes, is focused on African American girls. It was founded decades ago when African American girls weren’t allowed to be in social societies.

Q: What are you taught as a debutante?

A: We’re taught how to walk in heels, how to set up a table, which fork is the salad fork and how to curtsy and dance. Think Princess Diaries, it’s very princess-like. It’s also fun. I grew up watching my older cousins have their cotillions and I always wanted to do that.

Q: What are cotillions? 

A: The cotillions are the ball, like the party at the end. It’s a whole day situation. There’s months of dancing and preparation in advance. There are multiple dances where the dads come in and they dance with their daughters. There’s also escorts where they choose a guy around their age to be their dance partner. It’s a continuous ball, like a dancing presentation. At the end, they explain their plans for the future and finally pull the DJ out.

Q: Do you feel like you benefit from being a debutante?

A:For sure. It’s such fun sisterhood. I love being around people my age from different schools. My club is the only reason why I know people from other schools. Also, we have a lot of team bonding situations and it’s a lot of fun. We also learn so much, and it all makes me feel fancy.