Quadrille Ball: Behind the Scenes

Every year, New York society descends on The Pierre hotel for a magical night of dancing, dining, and révérences.

Quadrille Ball - New York City - Wanderlust in the City

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Wondering what a révérence is? It’s a French word for bowing and curtsying. These movements are heavily incorporated into the evening’s rendition of the quadrille, a 17th century dance that is performed every year at the ball. Last year I was a dancer, and it was an absolutely amazing experience that you can read about here.

This year I served on the ball’s junior committee, and it was fun getting a different perspective on one of the most magical nights in New York City. A perspective that I will now share with you!

Here is our junior committee:

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And here are this year’s classy, distinguished dancers:

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During countless Tuesday rehearsals in the weeks prior, Kendall and I, as this year’s dance masters, taught the performers all of their moves for the big night. So at dress rehearsal on the day of the ball, all the dancers needed were a few run throughs to practice dancing with those hoops!

During rehearsal I snuck a peak at the programs. Look familiar?

After rehearsal, the junior committee took a break to celebrate all of our hard work with well-deserved champagne.

Then it was time to head down to the event.

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When guests arrive they’re ushered to the evening’s step and repeat.

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We didn’t need anyone ushering us, my friends and I are all about step and repeat photos!

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After one too many pictures, we followed the crowd into the cocktail reception, where guests are able to enjoy appetizers and drinks while getting a sneak peak at the dancers.

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When the trumpet plays, it’s time to enter the ballroom for the main event!

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I absolutely love the entrance. Dancers line the pathway, révérencing to the guests as they walk by. It makes you feel like royalty, even though they’re the ones in the tiaras!

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Before dinner, there’s dancing. Lots and lots of dancing!

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Until finally the guests sit down to enjoy their meal and await the big event.

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After dinner, the dancers are presented by couple, and parade around the room to show off their elegance and grace.

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Then the pages, with burning candles that always make me nervous, clear the way for the performance to begin.

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Kendall and I were anxious to see how our protégés performed!

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They were absolutely wonderful!

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We were so proud.

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After the dance was over, all alumni are invited to the floor to join in the dancing.

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Every year, Bill Cunningham from the New York Times is on hand to take photos. My friend Nick and I were determined to make it into the paper! Sadly, we were unsuccessful…

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Who wouldn’t want us in their newspaper?!

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I guess there’s always next year, Nick!

Halfway through the evening, the quadrille dancers pair up with guests and teach them the quadrille dance moves. It’s always a lot of fun watching people try to learn the steps after they’ve had one too many cocktails!