1794 REGENCY BALL IN REVIEW
Maggie Zhu
On 11 November, the St Andrews Union Debate Society hosted their 1794 regency ball, a new annual social soirée of the society in the name of their founding year. Tucked in the beautiful Swilcan Suite of Hotel du Vin, the ball was the perfect way to end the busy midterm coursework weeks with music, dancing, drinks, and a sprinkle of magic. Although this was their first year of hosting the event, the committee performed an amazing job in setting up the venue and providing a conformable yet immersive regency-themed ballroom environment for guests to spend their nights.
Candles, fairy lights, and flowers decorated the walls and ceiling of the room, and the built-in bar is fully stocked with a variety of drinks to choose from. Upon entering the room, guests received a warm welcome from DJ Rory MacLean’s fantastic tracklist. The tracks included songs for guests to waltz or slow dance to, as well as bops that made the entire ballroom spark with energy. At various points during the event, guests also took the initiative to gather everyone on the dance floor for a circle dance or a conga line.
Aside from the musical entertainment on the main dance floor, the ball also provides other fun activities for guests who wished to have a quieter experience. In arguably the most popular corner of the room, a tarot reader sits with a crowd of curious eyes queuing for their turn to have their fortune told. Although a rare scene at balls, the tarot reading adds a mysterious and interactive layer to the event. Overall, with its aesthetic decorations, wonderful music, creative activities, and the stunning gowns of fellow guests, the 1974 ball was guaranteed to be a night you won’t forget.
This article first appeared in PRISMA, Issue 1.