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AbstractHistoryArchive Description
'When Ruby Langford Ginibi and her daughter Pearl prepared for the Foundation
for Aboriginal Affairs Debutante Ball in 1968, they contributed to development of a
significant new expression of Aboriginal identity and community belonging. Debutante balls
were traditionally staged as a rite of passage that introduced a select group of young ladies to
British high society. They went into decline in the UK in the late 1950s, under pressure from
anti-establishment and sexual revolutions. The tradition remained popular in Australia, as the
debutante ball had developed important status as fundraising events for local organisations.
This article examines the history of Aboriginal girls 'coming out' at a debutante ball. While
the inclusion of Aboriginal girls in debutante balls was encouraged as a means to achieve
assimilation, proud celebration at all-Aboriginal events provoked controversy. Ruby
Langford Ginibi's reflection upon her daughter's dance with the Australian Prime Minister at
the 1968 Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs Debutante Ball is instructive. It explains how an
exclusive, sexist British ritual has been transformed into a vital, inclusive Aboriginal rite of
passage and challenges non-Aboriginal readers to re-evaluate their assessment of the
tradition.' (Author's abstract)
Publication Details of Only Known VersionEarliest 2 Known Versions of
Last amended 6 Nov 2017 16:19:05
101-113
http://www.ub.edu/dpfilsa/jeasa4jenniferjones17.pdf
Dancing with the Prime Minister
Journal of the European Association for Studies of Australia
Subjects:
- Don't Take Your Love to Town 1988 single work autobiography
- All My Mob 2007 selected work autobiography
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