Michaelmas Ball and Dance Collegium 2005

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Event Details

About the Event

A Return of Tradition and the Joy of a small event

Michaelmas was one of the major holidays of the medieval calendar, and this year the Cleftlands Dance guild gave us all a new reason to celebrate this ancient holiday with the Michaelmas Ball and Dance Collegium. This event also revived the past tradition of fall collegium events in the Cleftlands; which 9 years ago or so was known for the odd Dance and Music Colligium or Needleworker's and Armourer's events.

A cool, bright October day saw approximately 85 visitors to the lovely Grace Lutheran Church for the event. Hawise de Cumberworth debuted as a graceful, and always on top of things event steward with a talented team which included Katherien verch Rhys as the gatekeeper, Master Aiden as the class coordinator and the incomparable Ealdred of Gwyntarian organizing the kitchen.

Clairiel du Vent Argent, with the help of Gwen, Claire and newcomer whatshisname decorated the main hall in true style with fresh herbs and flowers from her garden as well as some garlands purchased just for the event and the "market stalls" she created for the fall 1999 Faire Weather Friends event (which coincidentally marked the debut event for our dance guild which performed at the feast.) Also adding to the beauty of the day were Their Majesties, Alaric and Noelle resplendent in Their Coronation garb for this, Their last event before the Coronation of Their heirs.

It was a relaxed and good natured event featuring an all-day tavern style feast which was international in flavor, under-budget, on-time and delicious! The feast site tokens were paper fans which saw much use throughout the day by tired dancers. Visitors came from as far as Pentemere and Aethelmearc to enjoy the Cleftlands hospitality, and teach a dance or two. After a quick Royal court, which found one award recipient, Pietro, (who living near by had gone home to change) arriving back at the event shortly after court ended. Undaunted Their Majesties and Their entourage re-assembled on the stage, called him forward, and with some good natured ribbing presented him with a well deserved King's Chalice for his excellent efforts toward authenticity in his attire.

The final course of the tavern was served, and many, sometimes silly, presentations of special dishes made by the kitchen. After everyone had eaten their fill, what very few leftovers remained were packed up, the tables and chairs cleared away and the ball was ready to begin. The very first dance was the Danse de Cleves which featured most of the dance guild processing in before our Baron and Baroness and finally Their Majesties. Everyone got a full serving of dancing and when the site closed smiles and words of "We have to do this again!" were common. Hoobah to the event staff!

Court List

Brice Colquhoun - Award of the Doe's Grace
Erzsebet of Cleftlands - Award of Arms
Giovanna Giovannelli - Award of the Purple Fret
Katerina Mähler - Award of the Purple Fret
Pietro Nicolo da San Tebaldo - Award of the King's Chalice
William Ransom - Award of the King's Chalice
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