Quinceneras and Cotillions Abound as Pres Girls Grow Up
Photo Credit: photo by judy palaganas
Senior Arisa Resquer waits for her next dance in one of seven cotillion dresses, handmade by her aunt
February 2, 2010
Lindsay Vong, Assistant Editor A&E
Filed under Features, Top Stories
The room is a blur of pink and yellow; the napkins, seat covers, and table decorations all sport one of the cheery colors. The sounds of laughter and never-ending chatter of the latest gossip among friends and family ring throughout the room.
Suddenly, the mood changes, and anticipation weighs down on each of the 250 guests like a thick covering of fog. All eyes focus on the double doors; and then she enters with her proud father on her arm and a million-dollar smile covering her face. In a beautiful, white, Enchanted inspired dress, she truly is a princess. The crowd takes a quick breath before the applause fills the room and tears begin to fall. On January 30, senior Arisa Resquer celebrated her cotillion.
The term “coming of age” describes the transition from childhood to adulthood. Depending on culture, the age and nature at which the transitions occur vary. It could be as simple as turning a year older or reaching the age of sexual maturity, or it could be marked by a significant milestone. This is the perfect celebration to end your childhood, to start your adulthood, and to begin to appreciate your parents.
Many Pres girls have been fortunate enough to celebrate their coming-of-age with traditional celebrations. As a Filipina, Resquer celebrated her coming-of-age moment when she turned 18 at her cotillion, or debut. Resquer said, “To me, coming of age is marking the time of my life where I can be on my own. It was a departure from childhood and signified being independent from my parents.”
Resquer had a traditional cotillion with a modern twist. She included all traditional aspects of the ceremony, including a candle ceremony, a rose ceremony, a waltz, the gift ceremony, and a performance from the debutant, but also incorporated her love for the Disney princesses and modern party elements throughout the night.
She was surrounded by her court, or entourage, made up of eight of her closest female friends, eight of her closest male friends, and her escort. Following tradition, Resquer chose the people who have made a true impact on her. They perform dances with the debutant during the night and support her throughout her life. “I was very honored to be a part of Arisa’s court. The people she chose were her closest friends and those she can always rely on,” said senior Angela Wong.
In the lighting ceremony, the debutant chooses 18 women who have been a big part of her life. They light a candle and honor the debutant with words of wisdom or advice and say anything they would like to show how much she means to them. “I really liked the way Arisa did her lighting ceremony. She didn’t just stick to family but she chose people who were most meaningful in her life, including friends and even a teacher. Señora Perryman did a great job learning Tagalog!” said senior Kerynne Tejada.
Similar to the lighting ceremony, the debutant picks 18 men who have made a significant impact on her to be involved in the rose ceremony. She shares a public dance with them after being presented with a rose.
The debutant and her court perform numerous dances to entertain the guests throughout the night. There is a traditional father-daughter dance and a waltz. Resquer also preformed an individual hula dance in lieu of the traditional singing performance.
The ceremonies end with the gift presentation. The debutant is presented with 18 gifts by her younger court who look up to her for advice and wisdom. Senior Molly Phipps said, “It was adorable seeing Arisa’s younger cousins present gifts to her. They were so cute and said the funniest things.”
After the ceremonies have finished, the debutant can finally celebrate her night and the success of the long hours of planning and practicing at her own ball.
Latina women celebrate their coming of age at a debut known as a quinceañera when they turn 15. Junior Alyssa Perez had a quinceñera that she will always remember. “Coming of age meant having my mom and my family recognize that I was mature and that I am old enough to start becoming more independent and making my own decisions,” Perez said of the event.
The quinceañera typically begins with a religious ceremony when the girl, her family, and friends are blessed at a Mass.
The receptions that follow reflect many of the same traditional aspects of a cotillion. There is a waltz, father-daughter dance, and court dances. But because the celebration begins with a religious ceremony at Mass, the party is more relaxed.
Perez said, “I love parties. I was the first on in my family to have a quinceñera. It was really special for me to be recognized. For once, I knew everyone and they were all there for me and that was really touching for me to experience.”
However, the perfect night comes with a cost. It is a very stressful time for the girls and their families to make sure everything works according to plan.
Resquer said, “It was really stressful. We began planning this a year in advance. My mom and I did everything and on top of college applications, school work, and other commitments, it was a lot to handle.”
Perez agreed. “The time commitment is the most challenging thing to get over. You spend months and sometimes years getting all the little details planned out,” she said. “And it’s really hard coordinating with your court to learn dances at times that work for everyone.”
But the feeling of accomplishment and the special night outweighs the stress. “It was so worth it,” said Resquer. “I wouldn’t change a thing about the night. I love my family and my friends for being there for me. I truly felt like a princess!”
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