I'm really surprised that so many people are complaining about the ball this year! I thought it was beautiful. From the moment I walked in, I was rather enchanted. The dress code wasn't super-super strict, no, but there were still so many people in such beautiful clothes. There were at least a half dozen ballroom versions of different cosplays, which were completely awesome. (Formal!Zuko, you rule.)
So in short, before I start into my own little soap-boxy constructive criticism, I just want the world to know that, overall, I thought the ball was a HUGE SUCCESS this year and I loved every last minute of it (we only tore ourselves away to leave early because we felt guilty making the people in line wait^_^;;;).
I have to agree - it should have been held in a much larger space. But I understand that Fanime probably didn't count on such a big turnout (especially since last year's ball, to be frank...SUCKED).
Some of the music was a little hard to follow, but overall I thought the music choices were very good, and very appropriate. Even at the raves and things, there's often not a lot of anime, video game or even Japanese music, which is disappointing - I was happy to hear a lot of all three at the ball. I also really appreciated that the type of dance was generally announced when the music started - very helpful.
We came in at the very beginning, so perhaps it changed after we left, but when we got there the dress code was being pretty darn well enforced, and everyone looked wonderful.
I also really liked that there were dance lessons this year, since not everybody has had the opportunity to learn how. I especially liked that the instructor stressed the importance of changing partners and socializing - I think it made the event a lot more fun for everybody. I got to meet a lot of new people, and even got introduced to a new show to watch.
I have to agree also that there's nothing wrong with one or two random dances, like the conga line - especially since you don't need to worry about having a partner. I would have liked to see some mixers - they're really simple, you get to dance with a bunch of people very quickly, and everyone can participate. They're also relatively simple to explain, and could easily be attached to the ends of several classes. Have a quick review at the event (also for the benefit of those who didn't make it to the class) and everyone can join in pretty easily. My social dance teacher does it this way at our end-of-semester party and it doesn't seem to interrupt the flow of the event at all.
Overall, though, GREAT JOB, GUYS! I'm really looking forward to the Black and White Ball 2009. Already thinking about what I'm going to wear. ^_______^ Thanks!
So in short, before I start into my own little soap-boxy constructive criticism, I just want the world to know that, overall, I thought the ball was a HUGE SUCCESS this year and I loved every last minute of it (we only tore ourselves away to leave early because we felt guilty making the people in line wait^_^;;;).
I have to agree - it should have been held in a much larger space. But I understand that Fanime probably didn't count on such a big turnout (especially since last year's ball, to be frank...SUCKED).
Some of the music was a little hard to follow, but overall I thought the music choices were very good, and very appropriate. Even at the raves and things, there's often not a lot of anime, video game or even Japanese music, which is disappointing - I was happy to hear a lot of all three at the ball. I also really appreciated that the type of dance was generally announced when the music started - very helpful.
We came in at the very beginning, so perhaps it changed after we left, but when we got there the dress code was being pretty darn well enforced, and everyone looked wonderful.
I also really liked that there were dance lessons this year, since not everybody has had the opportunity to learn how. I especially liked that the instructor stressed the importance of changing partners and socializing - I think it made the event a lot more fun for everybody. I got to meet a lot of new people, and even got introduced to a new show to watch.
I have to agree also that there's nothing wrong with one or two random dances, like the conga line - especially since you don't need to worry about having a partner. I would have liked to see some mixers - they're really simple, you get to dance with a bunch of people very quickly, and everyone can participate. They're also relatively simple to explain, and could easily be attached to the ends of several classes. Have a quick review at the event (also for the benefit of those who didn't make it to the class) and everyone can join in pretty easily. My social dance teacher does it this way at our end-of-semester party and it doesn't seem to interrupt the flow of the event at all.
Overall, though, GREAT JOB, GUYS! I'm really looking forward to the Black and White Ball 2009. Already thinking about what I'm going to wear. ^_______^ Thanks!