Have you ever experienced the grandeur of a ball?
While modern times see people socializing and dancing at pubs and nightclubs, attending balls was once a significant cultural affair. Men showcased their elegance in stylish tuxedos and lavish materials, while women adorned themselves in corsets and voluminous dresses.
Even in our futuristic present, the tradition of dancing in ballrooms wearing extravagant ball gowns hasn’t vanished. In fact, various organizations organize events dedicated to commemorating this historical era centered around ball dancing, and one such notable occasion is the Stanford Viennese Ball.
The Stanford Viennese Ball, as described on its website, stands as an exhilarating Stanford institution, featuring social dance, live music, performances, and lively contests. Originating in 1978, the ball was driven by students who had completed the Stanford-in-Austria program and were inspired by the grand balls in Vienna, Austria.
The inaugural event, held in Toyon Hall, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 350 students, marking the beginning of a tradition that has since evolved into a formal affair eagerly anticipated by students. The excitement is palpable as attendees revel in the opportunity to don freshly ironed suits, dresses, and gloves.
A highlight of the event is the opening dance, meticulously curated by the Stanford Viennese Ball Opening Committee. The opening song captivates the audience with its impressive harmony and synchronicity. Men don black suits, while ladies grace the scene in white silk dresses and gloves, executing multiple lifts and quick spins that leave the audience in awe.
The opening committee’s performance is a spectacle that never has a dull moment, featuring a series of captivating maneuvers that seamlessly flow from one to the next. Witness the charm and entertainment of their act below!
MY MIL DRESSED AS A WITCH FOR HALLOWEEN — AND NOW MY KID IS TR.AUMATlZE.D!
It sounds like such a tough situation! Halloween is supposed to be fun, but I can completely see how this went too far, especially for a young child. Here’s a possible approach that might help calm her fears and explain the situation:
First, try gently talking to your daughter and validating her feelings. Tell her it’s okay to feel scared and that even grown-ups can be spooked sometimes. Then, explain that Halloween is a time when people dress up to look silly or different from how they usually do – even adults! You could say, “Grandma was just pretending to be a witch, like when you dress up as a princess or a superhero.”
If she’s still worried, maybe go through some pictures together, like showing her photos of grandma without the costume. You could even do a fun little makeup session at home where you both take turns “transforming” each other, so she can see that makeup and costumes are just ways to play pretend.
Later, maybe you and your mother-in-law can arrange a calm, positive visit where she can be herself, maybe even in “happy” colors instead of the dark ones that might remind your daughter of the witch costume. Hopefully, it will help replace those scary memories with warmer ones, and grandma can be back in her good books soon!
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