As a new born ball in its inaugural year, being part of ‘That Ball’ proved to be a highlight of my second year spring term experience. As part of the management team, it was a joy to work with passionate people who enjoy making experiences for themselves and others as much as I do, it was an opportunity I’m grateful I didn’t miss. With the impressive turn out for a ball as new as this one, bearing in mind that it was in competition with many others in the same week, it is safe to say that it was an event students will look forward to for years to come.
Arriving at the bus point at the Savoy Cinema in Lenton, I was delighted to see so many excited students all dressed in their finery board the bus to make their way over to the awaiting venue of Goosedale. If you’ve been to a university ball before (and I trust most of you have given the amount on offer) no one was surprised to be greeted by a red carpet to take us in to the marquee, ushered in by an always keen photographer who was ready to take our photos. With impressive décor that our dedicated directors took 5 hours to put up in preparation for this glorious event, it was the perfect way to make our entrances’. The props that were used this time around consisted of the statue of a lion and a unicorn. Given the slightly unexpected cold weather and the sharp icy wind, I quickly made my way inside to be greeted by a glass of champagne (or two).
After finding our seats on the table plan, we made our way into a room that you could not help but gasp at in delight. Everything that we had visualised in our minds during our 10pm meetings weeks before were finally brought to life. The colour scheme (in fitting with the Greatest showman- our chosen theme, of course) consisted of red, black and gold colours- be this presented in the large feathers standing in the tall clear vases on the tables; as well as in a napkin, tablecloth, and of course the wall and ceiling decorations.
The promised entertainment was nothing short of impressive: hired acrobats and dancers taking to the stage, all dressed as characters from the film phenomenon itself. My personal favorite must have been the dancer who dressed as Zendaya’s character ‘Anne’ the trapeze artist: the well-known pink wig and purple leotard proving truly dazzling. The majority of the films hit songs were also included on the sound track. We were even treated to a dance from an actor who dressed as the greatest showman himself! A memorable moment must have been when a performer beckoned various students to lie on the stage floor whilst he jumped/ flipped over them was something that had to be seen. I was honestly on the edge of my seat as the act took place.
At around 7:30pm, we were invited to enjoy the buffet meal- an around the world style set of choices that I know was unlike anything that a ball has ever served: no 3 course menu in sight. The top quality of what was on offer was also a delight. Our dinner consisted of a spread of jerk pork, chicken curry, vegetable stir fry (post salad bar with a range of choices) to then be followed by a pick and mix lot of brownies, strawberry cheesecake and fruit salad. Over there really was something for everyone.
Of course the dodgems were another highlight of the evening, along with dancefloor and funfair side stalls that were open for both entry and dinner ticket guests to use. The evening finally ended at around 1am, leaving everyone with a bunch of memories that I am sure will be hard to forget. Campus truly won’t be the same now that those black balloons have disappeared from sight.