ARTS BALL

Evening Star, Issue 22442, 12 September 1936, Page 11

ARTS BALL

Very shortly Dunedin will have its first opportunity of attending an Arts Ball, end the question naturally arises IVhat is an Arts HallP ” This question is somewhat difficult to answer, but it migtif be described as the big brother to u fancy dress ball, and as big brothers are usually housed in larger rooms than little brothers, so is an Arts Bali housed in a very much larger setting than the usual fancy dress ball. Tne first feature of an Arts Ball, therefore, is its setting, and one need only mention the fact that not . only will the whole Town Hall be decorated from floor to ceiling with artistic paintings, but some of the figures alone will be over 30 feet high. The second distinctive feature is that many of those who intend to participate decide to go together as a group representing some particular symbol, period, event, etc. In the famous Chelsea Arts Ball, these groups are frequently arranged as tableaux and brought into the Albert Hall ou “floats.” This is not practicable in Dunedin, however, but the “ group ” idea will be carried out as far as possible. Of course, neither here nor elsewhere is it essential to be in a group, in fact, it is the blending of the groups with those in individual fancy dress that gives an Arts Ball its wonderful kaleidoscopic effect. As is usual on these occasions, very handsome prizes are being offered for the best costume, most original costume, and for the best group, and this should prove a decided incentive to producing some startling effects. ' “ The Arts Ball on this occasion is being organised by Mr J. D. Charlton Edgar, who has had a wide experience in the organisation of similar events in England. He is assisted not only by a team of follow artists, but by a very strong and enthusiastic committee. As no event of this description would be complete without ballets in keeping with the nature of the evening, arrangements for these are now in the capable bands of Miss Barbara Williams.

Lastly, it should be mentioned that although this Arts Ball is actually under the auspices of the Dunediu Repertory Society, it is being organised for the' -whole dancing public of Dunedin, and tickets are now on sale at the D.I.C.