ISABELLA INZINNA
Special to The Leader
Image of attendees at the Blue Devil Ball by ISABELLA INZINNA | Special to The Leader.
The Blue Devil Ball was unlike any other ball you may have ever seen in a fairytale. Get rid of all the ball gowns, glitter and tiaras and enter the realm of ballroom culture.
On Feb 24, Fredonia’s EnFusion Dance team, Sister Circle and Pride Alliance joined forces to host the first ever Blue Devil Ball. The clubs encouraged students to attend. The event brought a little flair of New York City culture. The groups felt that students from NYC would especially appreciate the representation this event would give them.
For the clubs involved, the Blue Devil Ball was all about taking the smaller communities at Fredonia and merging them. All three groups aimed to have a fun and inclusive night where everyone could feel free to express themselves.
“This event, over everything, is a place of expression for people that can bring them together,” said Sister Circle president Jacqueline Holmes.
There was some concern with the Blue Devil Ball being the first event of its kind at SUNY Fredonia. However, Enfusion Dance president Iaisha Babb opened up the event and said,“Welcome to our first annual Blue Devil Ball,” giving attendees hope that this event will return next year.
While some attendees wore streetwear, others came dressed to impress in suits and dresses. Rather than imagining a ball where people dance to classy music, imagine a runway event.
The event opened with a performance from EnFusion. Holmes then opened up the ceremony by announcing the four categories that attendees could choose to participate in.
Following that, the categories began.
First up was “Best Runway Walk,”in which participants showed off their model walk and demeanor on the runway.
Next up was “Best Dressed.” Participants were encouraged to show off their outfits and personal style.
“Femme Vogue” followed that. Voguing is a style of dance that imitates a model strutting on a runway or posing for a photo shoot. Participants were able to really express themselves in this category.
The last was “Best Face.” This category was all about showing off your natural beauty and being comfortable in your own skin.
Following each category, the excitement in the room rose through clapping along to the music and supporting other competitors. Though attendees were all technically in competition, everyone cheered each other on.
On the runway, the hosts invited everyone to perform, competitors were even applauding and encouraging one another. The hosts kept some suspense by waiting until the end of the evening to announce the winners. The winners of each category got trophies, all other participants got medals. Pride Alliance PR Director Erin Colaluca said, “We all slayed, we came and we conquered.”
Overall, the event brought clubs and students together for a night in the Williams Center. Students were able to attend and learn about NYC ballroom culture while letting loose in a safe and all inclusive environment.