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Silvia Izquierdo / AP
Girls turning 15 pose in their gowns for photos inside a pink limousine before their debutante ball, in the Mangueira favela, or shantytown, in Rio de Janeiro.
Silvia Izquierdo / AP
A girl turning 15 pauses to look out the limousine that drove her and other girls to a group debutante ball, organized by the Peacemaker Police Unit program, as the car's interior disco lights illuminate her friend's dress.
Silvia Izquierdo / AP
A girl rests on the sidewalk in her gown before attending the debutante ball in the Rio de Janeiro shantytown.
Silvia Izquierdo / AP
A girl turning 15, dances with her friend during a group debutante ball in Rio de Janeiro.
Silvia Izquierdo / AP
A debutante ball party goer sits on the floor as she adjusts her high heel shoe.
The debutante ball marks girls' transition from childhood to adulthood and is common in Brazil and other Latin American countries. This particular ball was organized by the Peacemaker Police Unit program in Rio de Janeiro's Mangueira favela, or shantytown. All photos were shot on Nov. 8, but made available to NBC News today.
Michael Regan / Getty Images
Brazil's 'cidade maravilhosa' (marvelous city) steps into the international spotlight as it prepares to host the 2014 World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympic Games. Explore some of the sights the city offers.