'Excited' Russian school debutantes embrace culture, prepare for their big night

By Josh Dye
Updated July 30 2016 - 2:08am, first published 12:15am
Marina Kojevnikov will make that special step towards adulthood exactly 30 years after her mother, Larisa Lapardin-Kojevnikov, did the same. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Marina Kojevnikov will make that special step towards adulthood exactly 30 years after her mother, Larisa Lapardin-Kojevnikov, did the same. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Maya Cole tries on her dress with her mother Elena Cole ahead of the White Debutante Ball. Photo: Wolter Peeters
Maya Cole tries on her dress with her mother Elena Cole ahead of the White Debutante Ball. Photo: Wolter Peeters

The debutante ball is a special night. It's a tradition practised across many cultures. A rite of passage on the pathway to becoming an adult.