The Regent University
Prepping for the Ball
Each attendee prepares for the Ball in his or her own way. Regent student Karissa Krause says that she has been practicing her dance skills at a studio called The Bank. Regent holds their own dance lessons in preparation for the Christmas Ball. In the months before the Ball, students practice ballroom dances including the waltz, West Coast Swing, cha-cha, and salsa. Dance student Raluca Petrut notes, “[The classes] taught me that dancing translates something to the audience, and the different type of dance reflects that message. We learned to rumba, samba, waltz, and it made dancing so much more enjoyable.” Stephen “Xada” Swain is excited for a possible performance that he and his dance company may perform at the Ball this year.
Another area of prep for the Christmas Ball is finding an outfit. Regent senior Jordan Smith represents the majority of male attendees as he is not preparing at all. He is just excited about the festivities. Yet, for the ladies, finding an outfit can be the most stressful part of the preparations. While some of the girls will wear dresses they already own, the dilemma of finding appropriate shoes, accessories, and hair ideas still looms.
This year, Regent participated in an event called the Princess Closet. Student Services allowed students to donate slightly-used formal dresses. The dresses were then put on display for girls to try on and keep free of charge. Hannah Fox, who will be attending the Christmas Ball for the first time, stopped by the Princess Closet and found her dress for the Ball. Regarding her experience at the Princess Closet event, Hannah says, “It was so fun! It was just a bunch of girls in the bathroom trying on dresses!” Michelle Sommers, who enjoys finding great bargains, also found a Christmas Ball dress at Princess Closet.
Highlights from Christmas Ball 2011 and Prep for Christmas Ball 2012
Planning the Event
Rebecca Brittingham is the Event Chair for the Christmas Ball this year. She and her team of seven others have been planning for the event since September, so quite a bit of time has gone into even the smallest details. Rebecca shared that, while overwhelming, planning has been a privilege. There are only 2 weeks left until Christmas Ball, but recent theme and location changes have caused difficulties for the coordinators. Rebecca said that they inherited an attic full of old decorations that they sifted through. Just this week, the team met with the caterers to finalize the hors d'oeuvres that will be served. They also met with the DJ and the Swing band that will provide music for the attendees. Even as the last details are made, the committee will do their best to ensure a flawless and fun event.
Many students wonder what the experience of Christmas Ball will be like. For some, the Ball will be their first time at a formal, prom-like event. Lydia Costello, who attended last year’s Ball, is thrilled at the idea of going again. She says, “There is lots of dancing and music. I was home schooled, so it was fun to experience the dance.” Some students attend for the dancing, others for chance to get dressed up. Yet, all of the attendees look forward to the company. Whether they are attending with a date or a group of friends, Christmas Ball is a time to celebrate this wonderful holiday season.
Kathryn Lopez talks about the Christmas Ball
