The Aetheric Navy Grand Admiral's Ball
Update: We hope everyone had a great time this year! The Portrait images have been posted at Dave Nelson's site: http://photo.davenelson.com/Anime-Weekend-Atlanta-AWA/2009-AWA-Ball/9696776_L3xB6#655747080_iD9tQ
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By the order of our most gracious Empress AWA the 15th, the Grand Admiral of the Imperial Aetheric Navy is to host a BALL in honor of the brave men and women who serve the Empire in the Sky. She has further decreed that the Ballroom shall be appointed in the colors of Blue and Gold, in order to reflect the Sky and Sun over which her fleet holds dominion.
The AWA Ball is a formal ballroom dancing event. This is not your standard convention dance. We present an elegant evening of refined music and entertainment. This year's theme is meant to evoke memories of an age that never was (or one that is meant to be). You may refer to it as "Neo-Victorian" or "Steampunk", but for us it is a gilded age when airships rule the sky and steam powers the engines of progress. Sources of inspiration can be found in such diverse properties as "Last Exile", "Steamboy", "Girl Genius", the works of Miyazaki, and many, many others. The Victorian and Edwardian eras along with the Art Nouveau movement also provide plenty of opportunities to stimulate the imagination.
While we understand a lot of the steam influenced costumes are more of the workshop/adventuring variety, we must ask that tools and weapons be left at your current (perhaps temporary) place of residence. Small decorative tools will be permitted, but only if they are no longer than four inches in length and are fastened securely to your person. Weapons are not allowed in the Ball. This is a peaceful evening of dancing and merriment, not a showplace for the artifacts of conflict. Goggles are allowed as long as one does not attempt to waltz in them.
Friday, Sept. 18th 2009
Doors open 8pm, Dining and Dancing until Midnight.
Tickets are $25 until August 15th 2009 (when purchased with AWA membership) or $30 at the door.
Dress Code: Black Tie Invited (formal wear preferred, suits/dresses allowed). Formal Cosplay allowed.
The Ball features our exclusive Live string quartet playing Ballroom dances and Anime themes. Buffet/light snacks included in ticket price. A Non-alcoholic Cash bar will also be available. Ballroom dance class Friday afternoon outside the Williams Ballroom (currently scheduled for 3pm, subject to change).
This event's dress code is "Black Tie Invited."
From Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_tie)
Black tie is a dress code for semi-formal evening events, and is worn to many types of social functions. For a man, the major component is a jacket, known as a dinner jacket (British) or tuxedo (Canada and the U.S.), which is usually black but is also seen in midnight blue. A woman's corresponding evening dress ranges from a conservative cocktail dress to the long evening gown, determined by current fashion, local custom, and the occasion's time.
Given that this is a formal event at a convention, some leeway will be given to con attendees in costume, however the costume must be of a formal nature. A useful guideline is, "What would this character wear to a formal event?" Military dress uniforms and formal kimono are appropriate, informal cosplay will not be permitted. In all cases, cosplay is optional and definitely not required. All judgements on the appropriateness of attire will only be made at the event by a director or assistant director, and are final. Con attendees are encouraged to be conservative in their choice of cosplay to avoid the risk of being denied entry. We request at least a coat and tie for the men (waistcoats without coats at our discretion), and knee length or longer dresses for the ladies.
A few guidelines/general pointers about the dress code:
- T-shirts, Jeans, and tennis shoes are not appropriate for the Ball. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are not, have not ever been, and will never be considered formal, sorry for the inconvenience (Yes, we know it's been done before. That still does not make it formal). Proper footwear for the male is either black patent leather shoes, monogrammed velvet opera slippers, or proper dress shoes.
- Men (or Women crossplaying as Men) should be wearing a Tuxedo or a Suit. A Jacket and Tie will be acceptable. Shirts must be tucked in.
- Women (or Men crossplaying as Women) should be wearing a Ballgown. Cocktail Dresses are accepted. Skirts/Dresses should be knee length or longer.
- Wings and other large accessories are not permitted.
- Trench Coats and other outer wear are not considered formal and should not be worn.
- Masks will not be allowed.
- Weapons of any kind are not allowed.
While tickets will be sold at the door, advance purchase is preferred.
The dress code will be strictly enforced. If you are purchasing tickets for others, please make certain all members of you party are aware of the dress code. Refunds will be given if attire is unacceptible.
As an aside, "Aetheric" is from the Latin æther (‘the upper pure, bright air’)
There will be other activities and surprises as well, so please join us. I hope to see you on the dance floor Friday night!
Jason R. Merrill,
AWA Events Director