By Viktoria Lili Kiss
The Hungarian Piarist Ball is more than just an evening of dancing. It’s a celebration of tradition, community, and shared purpose.
Since it’s ball season at the moment, I wanted to shed light on one specific ball: The Hungarian Piarist Ball is held in New York City every year. The Piarist Ball is more than just a formal evening where girls are introduced into society, but also a cherished tradition that brings generations together with elegance, unity, and a purpose to raise money for the Piarist schools in Hungary. These schools provide excellent quality education to the less fortunate who still deserve the same academic opportunities. Donations made during the ball, as well as through the website, go directly to supporting the schools and ensuring students have what they need in order to learn.
I have been taking part in this ball for four years now, first as a debutante in 2023 and now as a member of the junior committee, helping recruit girls and guys to join the community and experience a night they will never forget.
The difference between the Hungarian Piarist Ball and any other ball is the purpose behind it. The entire evening serves as a fundraiser supporting scholarships, school development, and student opportunities for those facing financial struggles.
For many debutantes, the meaning of the night goes far beyond the dance itself. Alice Dupree, one of the debutantes, shared, “Walking into the ballroom was such a blissful feeling in the best way. You feel proud not just to represent yourself, but your culture and your family, even if some of us aren’t Hungarian.” Another reflected on the charitable impact, “Knowing that our participation helps students in Hungary makes the experience feel more meaningful. It wasn’t just about the dress or the dance, even though that was a really fun part, but it’s also about giving back, which is really powerful,” said Julia Rose French.
Being on the committee has taught me how to carry myself professionally and step outside of my comfort zone, especially when meeting new people, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past. The work is completely voluntary; there is no financial compensation, but the learning experience and community involvement make it worthwhile, especially within the Hungarian community in New York.
Escorts, too, describe the evening as more than a formal obligation. Daniel Galambos, an escort, explained, “At first I thought it was just about learning choreography and showing up in a tux to carry the girl on the dance floor, but it ended up being something I was genuinely proud to be part of.” Another, Mark Szirtes, mentioned the sense of unity built during rehearsals: “The practices brought everyone together so quickly, especially the fact that we only had the day off to prepare. By the time we stepped onto the floor, it felt like we were representing something bigger.”
During the buildup to the ball, we hold meetings and donor gatherings where contributions are made, and ideas are developed for the upcoming event. In the weeks leading up to the ball, rehearsals begin with a professional dance instructor teaching the choreography. On the day of the ball, everyone gathers for a final rehearsal before the formal opening.
The most recent ball, held on January 31, 2026, marked the 63rd annual celebration. In my opinion, it was one of the best not only because of the guests present, but also because of the traditional Hungarian folk dancers, the music, and the enthusiasm that filled the room.
The venue itself is a stunning ballroom with classic cathedral-type architecture, adding to the magic of the evening. It is a private location, accessible only to members, which preserves the exclusivity and tradition of the event.
As the night unfolds with cocktail hour, opening dances, dinner, photography, and music, it eventually comes to an end, but the memories of dancing, singing, and meeting new people remain. The Hungarian Piarist Ball leaves behind a strong sense of pride and unity among its guests. It proves that even a small community can make a meaningful impact through tradition, elegance, charity, and shared spirit. With 63 balls completed and many more to come, the legacy continues.
Whether attending as an escort, debutante, or guest, the experience is unforgettable and well worth taking part in at least once.
Photos by Viktoria Lili Kiss
