56th Annual Viennese Opera Ball

The Viennese Opera Ball was an international affair yet again. Participants flew in from all over the country as well as locations ranging from the more expected European countries (like England, Austria, and Germany), to Argentina. Leading up to the ball there were events at the Austrian Consulate, drink gatherings at the Pierre Hotel's 2E Lounge and UES watering hole Haven, and practice sessions at the Waldorf Astoria. The evening was capped off by a spectacular performance of ballet (dancers delivered to the ballroom floor in a horse drawn carriage) and opera, with some of the cadet escorts getting in on the act as ''admiring fans'' of the primadonna. After the Tanz Bar the debs, escorts, and junior committee jetted down to the after-after party at a Greenwich Village apartment. Notable Debutantes and Escorts included Eiseley Tauginas, Hermione Sharp, Frederick Havemeyer, Stephanie Nass, Klaus Pecnik, Dani Wandersee, Carlisle Williams, Pierce Cravens, Katherine White, and Miguel Angel Ferreyra. Proceeds from the evening supported Lauren Bush's charity the FEED Foundation.

SSMAC Junior Committee Derby Day Brunch

The Junior Committee of the Soldiers', Sailors, Marines', Coast Guard, and Airmen's Club hosted their first Kentucky Derby Champagne Brunch this year at Harry's Cafe and Steak in Lower Manhattan. The millenry was the fashion focus of the day with girls donning their racing day best for the event. The event was populated with perrenial SSMAC supporters Sherry and Bruce Laue, Tiana Idoni-Matthews, Erika and Benoit Meister, Allison Ecung, Dana Markiewicz, and Mary Elizabeth Dooner. The event included speaches from SSMAC Junior Committee chairpersons Rachel Kirwin and John Vricella. With such a spirited, and champagne filled afternoon behind us, I for one hope this will become an annual Derby Day tradition.

50th Annual Quadrille Ball

After several years of renovations, the Plaza is up and running again, and the Quadrille has retured to its previous home. It seems only fitting that this would coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Quadrille Ball, thrown by the Germanistic Society of America. The event drew alumni of the ball from many different years and countries across the globe. The Debs, Escorts, and guests danced the night away, including the traditional (and quite spirited) midnight quadrille. Following the ball all of the guests were invited to the Kuka Club afterparty, followed by a slightly less official after-after party. It is amazing how after all of this revelry the Debs and Escorts still manage to show up to a brunch at the Liederkranz Club the following day...