National Debutante Cotillion Foundation, Inc.

History

Our Beginning
Miss Mary-Stuart “Studie” Montague Price made her debut at the Bachelors Cotillion in Baltimore and at a private ball hosted by her parents in Washington, D.C. While still a young socialite in her 20s, prominent local families asked her to assist in presenting their daughters to society. This launched Studie into what became her life’s passion - bringing people together at great parties and promoting the enduring charm of a young lady in a white ballgown. By the late 1940s, her successes in individual debuts led her to start The National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball. In the seven decades since, hundreds of young women and their families have traveled to Washington, D.C. at Thanksgiving to “have a ball.”

Traditions

Known for her welcoming personality, Studie's leadership drove the Ball's growth and defined its character. She brought people together from a variety of backgrounds, inspiring a culture of belonging and friendship. Her magical blend of lively inter-generational gatherings held in elegant historic settings continues to capture the hearts of long-time attendees and newcomers alike.
Studie's deep respect and admiration for military service men and women inspired their participation. This tradition continues today as we proudly welcome both debutantes and floor committee members from the service academies and those in active service.

The Cotillion Family
Through the decades, the Cotillion “family” has grown with former debutantes, escorts, families, and friends. Debutantes can return the following two years as post-debutantes wearing black dresses and post-post-debutantes in red. Some return as Debutante Coordinators for several years following their debuts. Floor committee men who serve as escorts and dance partners also participate annually. Many women and men serve on Cotillion committees and attend year after year to see old friends and welcome new ones to the family.

About Miss Price, Chairman Emerita

Beyond the National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball, Studie facilitated international debutante presentations in London, Madrid and Versailles. She was the Washington Chairman of the "Ball of the Silver Rose" in Vienna, Austria; its successor, the Ball des Rosenkavaliers; and the New York Debutante Assembly and New Year's Day Ball. She was a sponsor of the Palm Beach Opera Ball and Debutante Cotillion, the International Debutante Ball of Dallas, the Sons of the American Revolution Colonial Ball, the New York Debutante Cotillion and Christmas Ball (Infirmary Ball), and the Debutante Register. She was the honorary Chairman of the La Jolla Debutante Ball.

The 75th Jubilee Celebration

The transition to a Foundation and 501(c)3 non-profit and all-volunteer public charity brings the Cotillion into the modern era. Our celebration began with a gala weekend at The Greenbrier Resort complete with sumptuous meals, an elegant ball and outdoor adventures. Friends from the Social Register joined with the Cotillion family as we made lasting memories together.

About Colonel Kenneth Kraft,

Chairman of the Ball

Following careers in public service and the private sector, Colonel Kenneth Andrew Kraft became Chairman of the National Debutante Cotillion in 2017. A native Washingtonian, Kenny has been with the Cotillion for over 45 years during which time he went from Floor Committee member to Vice Chairman of the Ball. He has escorted debutantes at the National Debutante Cotillion, the Colonial Ball, and the Debutante Assembly. He has presented Debutantes at the Queen Charlotte's ball in London, England where he is the American Patron. He is also a committee member of the Bal du Bois in Richmond, Virginia, and the International Debutante Ball in New York.

The 77th National Debutante Cotillion and Thanksgiving Ball will be held in Washington, D.C. on November 28, 2025. The National Debutante Cotillion is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and all-volunteer public charity, which supports humanitarian works and organizations, including the Children’s National Hospital of Washington, D.C.