“President Matthew S. and Paige Holland formally request your presence…” was the warm invitation given to students and guests alike to grace the Grande Ballroom last Tuesday evening, Oct. 5.
The Second annual Presidential Fall Ball proved to be an elegant and well-planned event that brought the campus together to enjoy delicious food and entertaining dancing.
Being a formal occasion unlike any other, which most have not had the pleasure of experiencing, it trumped expectations that were constructed by years of mediocre high school formals and proms.
A string quartet provided a soothing buzz for socialization and a meet-and-greet with President Holland in the light-streamed lobby of the ballroom. Many delectable desserts and dishes were catered, including a pair of chocolate fountains that pleased scores of taste buds.
Student Body President Richard Portwood also made acquaintances throughout this hour of discussion. This portion of the night was well-designed in helping attendees converse, giving the campus a better feel of connection.
The ballroom opened at the close of the hour for guests to begin cutting the dance floor. Older and classier music was provided for various dances including the waltz, salsa and cha-cha.
The crowd cleared the floor for various entertainment pieces provided mid-way through the festivities. First, our very own internationally award-winning UVU Ballroom Dance team presented a routine that humbled onlookers. They also performed the same routine that scored three perfect “10s” for their winning appearance on Dancing With the Stars.
Sandwiched between these two marvelous routines, reigning Miss UVU, Valerie Moon, presented her own dance routine titled “Bend and Snap.” Acrobatically, she illuminated the room graciously leaving the, crowd mystified as she changed her outfit in the blink of an eye.
This mid-section concluded when President Holland and his wife, Paige, shared the “first dance” in the middle of the floor in the midst of a circle of hundreds of attentive eyes.
Contemporary music then upped the tempo for the students who don’t know how to dance any other way.
The night proved to be magical when Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” was specially requested and a marriage proposal delighted not only the scores of onlookers, but also the recipient of the proposal.
Overall, the evening was well-planned to give those that attended a night that was enjoyable in every aspect. Next year’s event is definitely something that should not be missed by anyone.
