If you're curious about New York High Society, The Quadrille Ball is a great introduction. Brimming with glitz and glamour, it's an annual fundraiser for scholarships & a great way to support educational services. But beyond that, I found the attendees to be very friendly and unpretentious. The ball features an elaborate dance "the Quadrille dance" performed by debutante couples (see photos). Each couple is presented one by one in a slow procession through the ballroom. An announcer gives dance step instructions as each couple follows along. It's a highly orchestrated and disciplined routine, almost like a chronograph watch movement, performed with precision step by step. To further complicate matters, the announcer's instructions are given in French, reminiscent of the old European courts. Held at the Pierre Hotel this year, the 59th Annual Quadrille Ball was as elegant as expected. The beautiful crisp white silk dresses, the white tie tuxedos, elegant long gowns, white floral table arrangements with orchids and roses, all made you feel like you were being transported back in time. The food was very good, the wines paired well with each course. This is an event is best enjoyed with a friend or two. Attendees were invited to dance-- go with someone who knows how to waltz! Some of the dancers looked like professionals,, that alone made it worth going to. The dinner portion of the night wrapped up after midnight. Guests who stayed past 1am headed over to the afterparty at the KuKa club. The party began at 7:30 pm and officially ended at 4 am. If you happened to feel tired, there was a nice big coffee urn stationed nearby. As someone who has attended several galas, I think the Quadrille Ball deserves a five star rating. Not only for the quality of the venue, but for the overall experience. read more