Presentation Ball

On Saturday 22 March, 58 of our Year 11 and 12 students took part in the 2025 Baimbridge College Presentation Ball—an event that continues to be a proud tradition in our school community. With 28 Year 11 students and 30 Year 12 students involved, the night was the culmination of eight weeks of Sunday afternoon dance rehearsals in the gym, guided by our much-loved instructors Mark and Helen Baker.

Mark and Helen once again worked their magic—turning our flock of awkward baby geese into elegant swans. And let’s be honest, they had their work cut out for them. In an age of phones, memes, and minimal eye contact, formal dancing—and being in close proximity to one another—was well outside the comfort zone for many of our students. What started as stiff arms and barely-touching hands became polished performances of confident leads and graceful followers. The now-iconic chant of “Step together, step together, cross, he turns, she turns!” echoed through the gym week after week, slowly transforming nerves into muscle memory. We’re not sure when the skill of bowing or curtsying will come in handy—unless they happen to meet royalty—but if they do, rest assured, they’ll be ready.

One of the more unique aspects of the Presentation Ball is the use of progressive dances—there are no designated partners. Over the course of training and the event, students danced with everyone, another challenge that pushed them out of their usual comfort zones but built resilience, adaptability, and respect for one another.

The event itself was a masterclass in coordination: six dances performed seamlessly by 58 students, with a complex rotation system that meant 16 girls sat out each dance. It was a logistical challenge, but one the students handled with grace and good humour. The flawless execution on the night was proof of their commitment and countless hours of practice.

The students were formally presented to School Council President Mr Hany Samuel, Principal Mr Warwick Price, and of course, Mark and Helen Baker. Master of Ceremonies duties were shared by our fantastic Year 11 & 12 Coordinator Mrs Wendy Phillips and Year 12 Community Teacher / Head of Science Miss Jess Wright, who read all 58 student biographies with warmth and a few laughs along the way.

The Baimbridge Presentation Ball continues to be a community-supported event, and we are so grateful for the local businesses who go above and beyond to help our students feel their best. The team at Buckle Menswear once again worked closely with us to ensure suit fittings and hire ran smoothly. Hamilton’s incredible hairdressers and makeup artists gave students the opportunity to transform, enhance, or simply change up their look—helping many of them step into the night with new confidence and pride.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the PAC staff for their support, and especially to Keith, who was calmly handed a number of last-minute curveballs and delivered every time. We might’ve put the pressure on, but he never let it show.

To all who helped behind the scenes—Adie and Wayne Stiff for the delicious supper, Ben Hunter for tech support across the rehearsal and event, and the many others who chipped in—thank you. Your support made all the difference.

To the families, friends, and special guests who danced alongside the students in the much-loved “special person dances” — thank you. These moments, filled with laughter, wobbly steps, and genuine connection, brought a sense of warmth that makes the Presentation Ball such a meaningful event. While the formal routines were polished and impressive, it’s the heartfelt joy in those shared dances that lingers longest.

To our incredible students: congratulations. You looked amazing, you danced beautifully, and you did Baimbridge College incredibly proud.