I remember my dad always talking about this experiences at the Fancy Dress Ball back in his days as a student at Washington and Lee University (circa 1985). The moment I was accepted into W&L, he filled my head of the great times I would have when I would attend Fancy Dress. Now, I am preparing to go to my second ball and I couldn’t be more excited.
Fancy Dress is the biggest social event of the school year. The Fancy Dress Committee spends countless hours throughout the year developing a theme and planning all sorts of entertainments for the special week. This upcoming theme is “Party on the Moon” (named after the band performing at the actual ball). The theme is revolving around a space theme of a sort which is very different from last year’s “Alice in Wonderland” theme. The entire Warner Athletic Center and Doremus Gymnasium are transformed by committee members with elaborate decorations.
Fancy Dress is a quite famous tradition that’s been around for nearly 100 years. The first ball was held in 1907 when the librarian at the time, Anne Robertson White, organized the W&L event for the male students (girls weren’t admitted into W&L until 1985). She hoped the men could enjoy a classy event in which they would invite girls from neighboring women’s colleges like Hollins College and Mary Baldwin College to join in on the fun as their dates. Miss White headed the planning committee until 1920. Since then, dedicated students and faculty members have worked tirelessly each year to put on a Fancy Dress better the year before.
The attire today is black-tie formal. So that means that the boys put on their best tuxes and girls search the stores for the perfect long or short dress for the event. The entire week is filled with cocktail parties and concerts leading up to the main event on Saturday night. The committee often hires popular bands or performers to come to W&L’s campus to put on concerts for the student body. Last year, Cherub was the selected performing artist. The band performed popular songs including “Doses & Mimosas” and “Freaky Me, Freaky You.”
This year’s upcoming performer is A$AP Ferg. A$AP Ferg fans at W&L are hoping to hear his classic hits including “New Level,” “Shabba,” and “Work.” The concert takes place on the Friday before the ball on Saturday.
Overall, Fancy Dress is the highlight of the year for most W&L students. Think of it kind of as a college prom -- just like a regular prom but the college version so that means 10 times more fun. Being a W&L tradition means that W&L takes a great deal of pride in the event and we spare no expense in preparing for the night of all nights.
