Okay, I’m just going to lay it out front for you all: I’m a huge “Harry Potter” fan.
I don’t mean that lightly either, and I’m not exaggerating with one syllable when I say that J.K. Rowling’s series impacted my life for the better. Without “Harry Potter," I never would have started reading as early and eagerly as I did. I never would have become fascinated with the art of storytelling, and ultimately, I never would have wanted to write.
Yet here I am: a freshman college student studying journalism, French, and music, as well as writing for five publications -- plus a music blog -- and volunteering devotedly in my spare time. I'm also about to make my first trip to New York City in January to expand my knowledge of journalism and the media. That level of dedication stems directly from Rowling, and for that, I thank her.
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s get to the topic at hand.
On Dec. 11, Indiana University hosted its second annual Yule Ball, held in its glorious Alumni Hall. Hosted by the Union Board and the Harry Potter Society at IU, Yule Ball is one of the most celebrated and looked-forward-to events held in the fall semester (and maybe perhaps the whole year), not only for “Harry Potter” fans, but also those who love to dance and wish to get a break from the monotony and anxiety of the impending cataclysm that is finals week.
While Yule Ball is certainly not something that is unique only to IU, it is definitely not a very common event held in many colleges and universities. As a lifetime zealot of “Harry Potter,” dancing, and everything magical, I decided to compile list of reasons why every college should host their very own Yule Ball:
1. Pre-Yule Ball.
I have had many friends and colleagues tell me in the past that the best part of prom was not the actual dance, but everything that happened before prom: picking out a tux or dress, finding a date and/or group of friends, eating dinner, walking to prom together with your date and/or group of friends, and witnessing the extravagant beauty of the dance floor the moment you walk in. For prom, I totally agree with this. While I would disagree in the case of Yule Ball, those dinner conversations among friends (for Bloomington residents, Runcible Spoon is the place to go) and seeing my date for the first time in her dress are college memories which I will always cherish.
2. Walking into the “Great Hall” for the first time.
This is a picture of Alumni Hall decorated as the Great Hall shortly before the ball began, and I promise with utmost sincerity that it doesn’t do a fraction of justice to just how gorgeous it was. My date literally exclaimed, “It’s like we’re in a fairy tale!” Candles hung in the air, violet lights enchanted us with a winter wonderland aesthetic, and each table was decorated with a perfectly-crafted ice sculpture. Fairy tale, indeed. Watching those doors open to such a picturesque panorama of magnificence – matched with John Williams’s timeless score – solidified my belief that this was going to be a night I would remember for the rest of my life. All this beauty is attributed to the hard work and dedication of the Union Board and Harry Potter Society, who spent days perfecting their artwork, a feat capable of any committed host.
3. Finals week? What finals week?
Considering that Yule Ball is always held near Yule time (hence the name), it’s almost always a week before finals at IU, meaning that students don’t have to say that they spent all weekend stressing and weeping. Think of it as the calm before the storm.
4. Dancing!
Honestly, dancing is truly one of the most glorious and spectacular acts a human can engage in, and every time I partake in it, it’s like some sort of religious experience. Before the ball commenced, IU Breakdancing, IU Ballet, and IU Ballroom Dancers made guest special performances to re-enact the dances performed by Durmstrang, Beauxbatons, and the Hogwarts students, respectively, in the film version of “Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire.” While most of the music being played at the actual event was not really my taste and the “dancing” by most of the guests was more reminiscent of twerking, I still was able to lose myself in the act of dancing itself with my date and all my friends, making it my personal favorite part of the night.
5. Dumbledore was the speaker of the event.
That’s right. Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore opened and closed the event, as well as walked around during the event itself, dancing, taking selfies, and chatting with the guests. What could be more perfect? Dumbledore costumes are not difficult to come by, so this could be a lovely addition to your school’s Yule Ball. You could also step outside of the box and have it hosted by Professor McGonnagall, Snape, the Minister of Magic, etc. The possibilities are endless!
6. Fundraising for the hosting clubs/organizations.
While the Union Board and Harry Potter Society made money from selling tickets, of course, but they also fundraised by selling “Harry Potter” memorabilia. Everything from Quidditch broom and Golden Snitch ornaments, to puppets and Ancient Rune necklaces are sold at affordable prices for what are truly well-crafted gifts. The majority of these items were made by heads of the Witchcrafting Club at IU (a branch of the Harry Potter Society), but this is an economically sufficient idea that can be performed by anyone involved with the event who has a talent for crafts. If not your style, then maybe have a little Honeydukes set up where you can sell an assortment of “Harry Potter” candies and goodies.
7. Meeting new friends.
I know, I know, it’s sort of a cliché thing to put down, but I mean it most truly. These kind of social events are held for the sole purpose of interacting with your fellow students and making friends. I grew stronger in my established friendships as I birthed light into new ones. By the end of the night, all I could think of was when Dumbledore said, “We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.”
8. It’s “Harry Potter.”
‘Nuff said.
