Long gone are the days when the debutante ball, in its traditional sense, meant the young women were old enough to be married.

Among the purpose of the event of her "coming out to society" was to display her to eligible bachelors and their families with a view of marriage within a select circle.

Today, the meaning of the event has naturally evolved - but the lure of the chance to learn to dance with friends, dress in formal attire and celebrate with family and friends remains as strong as ever.

The weeks of training for a ball teach young people to dance; and it teaches them about the long-held traditions and formalities, discipline and etiquette involved in such events and that apply to everyday life.

And it remains a highlight they recall fondly for the rest of their lives.

Jade Bate's feature about what debutante balls mean to generations of Wimmera residents is a fascinating insight into the culture and fabric of our region over many years.

Jade this week met Ercyl Robertson and Shirley Shipham, whose debutante balls came during the Second World War.

The rite of passage for them, and many other teens of the time, came with many challenges that are worlds away from the luxuries and ease of preparation for the young people of today.

Debutante balls also led to some special - and even some extra special - relationships, such as Richard and Jan Morris, pictured, who were partners in their debutante ball in 1958 and went on to be married five years later.

Jan was one of the trainers of my debutante ball with the Uniting Church in Horsham in 2005; tonight we will sit by the dance floor together as the Holy Trinity Lutheran College students participate in their ball - the second for the school, and the second Jan and I have trained together.

These remarkable students will do their family and friends - and Jan and myself - proud, as they cap off weeks of training with the first ball at Horsham Town Hall in some years. It will be exquisite.

What this event means to them is different to generations before.

But the skills they have learned and the celebration they mark is just as special, and will remain forever.

Jessica Grimble, editor