By Maggie Schecter ('13), Alexa Strabuk ('13), and Sophie Reingold ('14)
There was an air of drama and mystique on January 28 as partygoers, hidden behind lavish masks, flocked to the annual Winter Ball. The masquerade theme was represented through all sorts of masks ranging from paper cut-outs to Spider man. Numerous limos pulled up in front of the Seattle Art Museum, something onlookers thought was rather strange.
This year we were lucky enough to hold the event at the Seattle Art Museum, one of the most respected places in the Seattle area. Renowned for its stunning collections and cavernous gallery space, the SAM has housed all sorts of fundraisers and other social events. In years past Winter Ball was held at places including the Space Needle and the Argosy Cruise passenger boat, but never the Seattle Art Museum.
So what made ASB choose SAM for Winter Ball 2012? As ASB Treasurer, Elliot Frank ‘13, stated in an interview, “SAM will be a fun, energetic location for Winter Ball.” The dance was held in the SAM lobby which exhibits the famous car display by artist Cai Guo-Qiang. “It's a really cool building and SAM is also conveniently located in the heart of downtown,” Elliot said.
In order for ASB to make this year memorable, they brainstormed ways to secure such a renowned location. Through parent connections, ASB was able to reserve the lobby of the SAM and negotiate lower prices. Due to ASB’s hard work this year, ticket prices were much cheaper than years past.
The best, but most anxiety provoking, part of every dance is inviting a date. Students at SAAS tend to have extremely creative ways of asking other students to the dance. Methods include baking cupcakes or cakes with the words “Winter Ball” written across them in icing, singing a song with creative lyrics involving Winter Ball, asking with candy or flowers, or taking the traditional route by just asking someone. No matter how people choose to ask, it’s always a fun and important part of the dance.
This year’s Winter Ball also featured student DJ, Max Pfeiffer ’13. “Max did a great job DJ-ing the first dance so we hired him again,” commented Elliot. With the photo booth run by Nick Lew’s father, along with drinks, snacks, music and a stunning location, Winter Ball was more fun than ever!
Masquerade was officially over at eleven, but the evening continued for some who had parties at their homes after the dance was done. Examples of fun after parties include movie outings and late night dining. The post-Winter Ball parties carried the fun of the night into the late hours.
Perhaps the night was summed up best by eleventh grade student, Matthew Callaghan, “The lights of the cars in combination with the great music created an experience that truly outdid any previous Winter Balls. I had a great time.”
Photography by Sally Slade