Miss Belarus 2018 Maria Vasilevich (L) and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko dance at the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018. Nearly 300 of the country's most talented students, who have made their mark in various areas have also earned scholarships, were invited to the ball. [Photos: IC/Maxim Guchek]

Miss Belarus 2018 Maria Vasilevich (L) and Belarus' President Alexander Lukashenko dance at the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018.

Students take part in the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018.

Students take part in the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018.

Students take part in the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018.

Students take part in the first nationwide New Year's ball in the Palace of Independence in Minsk, Belarus, December 28, 2018.