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Hidden behind a mask, anonymity allows students to be whoever they want to be.
On Oct. 4, 73 students gathered in the Red Barn adjacent to the Student Activities Center to participate in U of L’s first Dark Masquerade Ball sponsored by Dancing with the Cards.
Guests adorned themselves with masks ranging from the elaborately decorated Venetian-style and Mardi Gras-style to the classic and simple Phantom of the Opera-style, while others displayed early Halloween costumes, or chose to take a casual approach and not disguise themselves.
Traditionally, a masquerade ball was an event where guests arrived in costumes wearing a mask. It was a popular aspect of gatherings, and it was based on increasingly elaborate?pageants and triumphal processions celebrating marriages and other dynastic events in life.
Building on that notion, the executive officers of the recognized student organization and sports club, Dancing with the Cards, decided to fuse the “fun” ideas of a masquerade with contemporary music and traditional and modern dancing.
“It went off without a hitch,” said sophomore Spanish and political science major, Boris Yelin, who also happens to be the Vice President of DWTC. “We were happy with the attendance for our first public event and how the night progressed.”
DWTC President Allison Thompson, a sophomore Spanish major, added, “It was a successful event. There was great food, great music, great decorations and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.”
The event required several months of planning and organizing from the officers.
“The initial idea originated last semester around March, but the fundraising and coordination began early this semester,” said Yelin.
In keeping with the DWTC’s plan of remaining financially independent, several members of the organization volunteered for the U of L Intramurals Department setting up volleyball courts (for a special event at the Fair Grounds) and helped fund food and decoration costs. Members bought and cooked food while Yelin also served as the disc jockey.
The Red Barn – clad with a black, gold and burgundy color scheme to invoke a “mysterious and festive” mood among attendees – was chosen for its “prime” location.
Tickets were sold for $3 to compensate for the rest of the costs not covered by fundraising, and free dance lessons were offered to all attendees.
“The atmosphere of the dark masquerade was ghoulishly inviting-a great October event,” said Kimberly Hurt, a senior liberal studies major and member of DWTC. “With so much good food and fun for such a low cost, I can’t wait for the Winter Ball.”
Those interested in joining or finding out more information about DWTC should contact Yelin or Thompson. The one-time membership is $20 and encompasses both semesters, and the group meets every Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. in the aerobics room of the Swain Gym.
