It was my pleasure, yet again, to organize the Victorian Ball in Bath – our 4th! This year it was a little bit earlier, and so far the coldest spring event so far – all the dolmans, mantles, coats … Continue reading
Well, I thought our previous event at the venue was a blast – but this year it was even better! After a year of preparations, marketing, meetings, sales, dealing with emergencies and unplanned changes, sewing and general organisational madness, … Continue reading
And it is done. The Ball has taken place, and what a night it was!
The last few days before the ball ( 27th April) were manic – i only had about a day and a half to get my dress sorted ( a separate post on that here..) and deal with the last minute issues, problems, cancellations etc.
But all was sorted in time and by 1pm we were on the move, driving first to our hotel in Slough, even managing a short nap there, and then by 4 we were at the beautiful Heatherden Hall – a part of Pinewood Studios.
outside, at 4 pm
Inside, the team from Corporate Events already laid up our oak dancefloor, covering the entire ballroom.
flooring sorted!
We had a quick chat with Paul, our DJ on the day ( also from Corporate Events), about the music, preferences, set up etc – and with the music working we simply had to have a go on the dance floor ! we decided to go through our tango routine, but the stress was making it more of a free style improvisation rather than our proper routine! At that point our photographer, Paul Mockford and his assistant Jason arrived – and without much ado filmed the thing! you can see it here…
After that sneaky footage the boys got started on setting their photo studio in the Pools room, and we had a chat with the resident staff who was to care for us in the evening, headed by the competent Ivona. after that all that was to do was getting ready. Sarah and Lizzie, providing the beauty saloon services, were ready at 5, and the ladies who secured their make up and hairstyling slots were arriving on time – the rest of the guests were to start arriving at 6.
Sarah and Lizzie hard at work…
By then I was already dresses, make up and hair sorted ( more or less) and helping other ladies to get dressed – the facilities were great as we had the whole of the Conservatory and the PIne room just for ladies. during various lacing, arranging and pinning, i talked to our dance teacher, Charlotte Ewart, going through the last bits of information on the dances to be taught.
getting ready… the atmosphere was great as everybody was helping everybody else:-)
The weather wasnt perfect – but luckily by 6 it has stopped raining and the guests started arriving on the red carpet. Soon the gardens, patio and the bar, where the welcome drinks were served, were throbbing with people dressed in their finest..
the bar…
having fun on the patio
The gardens, with their bridges, sculptures and the labirinth-like hedges were a popular destination for strolling and taking photos…
Then, at 8 the dancing started. We begun with the traditional Polish dance, Polonaise – it is a promenade dance, easy to follow and it is still the dance that opens every Prom Ball in Poland..
I led with Chris , our musician ( Blast from the Past) and Lucas followed with Charlotte. Our fears that people would be reluctant to dance were quickly dispelled – the dancefloor was packed full as we processed to the polonaise from Eugene Onegin
Lucas and Charlotte
polonaise in full swing…
leading with Chris
After the polonaise Charlotte guided us through the Duke of Kent waltz, proper waltz hold and steps, aend even a few polkas. Polkas were a killer, leaving us completely breathless! all to lovely live music from Sophie and Chris.
a polka
one of the waltzes…
us having a go at a polka
some people preferred a more passive participation though, simply enjoying the view. Some took it very easy indeed!
taking it easy to the next level…
After the lesson the DJ took over and more waltzes, quicksteps, and more waltzes following for another hour. The dance floor emptied a bit as at the same time food was served and most folks made their way to the pools room to partake in the buffet.
The food was delicious – alas so delicious that some people went to get seconds and thirds – and as a consequence a few folks who were still dancing, us including arrived to see empty plates – or half full plates being carried back to the kitchen as people piled more food than they could eat… a bit of a lesson on human nature here, so the food issue is one to be seriously addressed in the future, if i decide to organize another ball. As it was, I was lucky enough to get a bite of a tiramisu Sarah managed to secure for me…
At the same time the photography team had their hands full – people were having their photos taken, printed and mounted in one go!
Paul Mockford at work!
After a few more waltzes ( lots of improvisation on our part – but there were a few good couples who could really whirl around!) music gradually changed to a more modern tracks, including music from Moulin Rouge and a fully eclectic mix of rock, tango ( again, lots of improvisation and silliness here on our part!) and other dance tunes. The Prince Charming theme went down a treat – many thanks to whoever requested it! some gilrs chose to take the log skirts off and boogie around in shorter numbers, but the majority danced the night away in their finery!
prince charming walk….
girls having fun!
And so the evening continued – dancing, drinking, chatting in a relaxing manner.
As far ars the costumes are concerned – I was hugely impressed! I must admit that I dreaded seeing those cheap fancy dress rental pieces, but I shouldn’t have worried. tTe garments were absolutely divine, in most cased hand made by the participants or by few skillful costumiers present at the ball – Felicity Westmacott, Denise Piggin or Christina Dettmers to name just a few – and of course I had a hand in making a few of the costumes too…..:-) ( historical and bridal)
The range was astounding – from pure blown out fantasy, through fashion corsetry to authentic Georgian, Victorian or Edwardian or Tudor garments. Steampunk was very much in evidence as well – in short a true feast for the eyes! just a few picture s here, more can be founf on fb – link here
best hat ever!
The fun ended at about 12.30 when the bar closed, and we saw the last of the guests off just after 1am…
Absolutely knackered, we made our way to the hotel when at last, hungry as we were, we shared a left over bagel… 🙂
after party bagel… yum! and after paerty look, not so yum…
Altogether, a successful night, with the food issue to be addressed at any future events. Feedback so far was good, so many thanks to all of you who contributed to the fantastic atmosphere at the ball – and thank you for those who let me use their photos…
another blog on the ball, written by one of the guests, can be found here
and if you fancy another ball – this year;s event is coming soon! Check out our Victorian Ball
and some of the feedback received on our pages – many, many thanks for it, i was really down because the food situation, and the feebback received did raise my spirits a great deal!:
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What a lovely night! I got to dance to The Sound of Music- Edelweiss and NIN- Closer all in one night… As always I am blown away by the talent that surrounded me. The dresses and coats, the skirts and corsets, waistcoats and pantaloons, each of them were beautifully constructed and many of them by the very people wearing them. It inspires me 🙂 Thanks to everyone who came for making it such a friendly evening, it was a pleasure meeting you, and thank you to the Prior Attire team for putting together a truly Spectacular! Spectacular! event 🙂
A Damsel in This Dress 