A coronation ball across the pond - residents in Kenilworth, Illinois celebrate in style
The fancy invitation, though emailed, was sent weeks in advance alerting recipients to the Coronation Ball to honour HRH King Charles III. For attire, tuxedos and gowns were requested.
Among the finery were at least five faux tiaras and many jewels, as well as one feathered fascinator whose owner reluctantly removed it after dinner so it would not interfere with her dancing.
The hors d'oevres table, laden with savouries, was enhanced by facsimiles of the coronation crown, sceptre, and orb, reportedly on loan from the Tower of London. A reliable stand in for the King stood nearby and was the centre of nearly every photograph taken that evening.
Inside the ballroom, the crowd stood and sang as the band played 'God Save the King'.
This celebration on May 6 took place in Kenilworth, Illinois, 3,857 miles (6,207 kilometres) from Kenilworth, England. It was the final dance of the 2022-2023 Town Club season.
The club is a social organisation for couples (those married or in committed relationships) who enjoy ballroom dancing. Each of the six formal dances attracts between 60 and 70 members.
Behind the scenes, each dance has a committee composed of member couples who choose a theme, prepare table décor, and provide hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Waiters serve the meals.
Dorothy Turek, the club's treasurer and the chairperson of the May dance, said: "We get to know one another through committee assignments.
"We've become good friends with people we've met here because we enjoy dancing together. My husband and I joined about eight years ago and we love it.
"Many couples end up taking lessons to improve their dancing."
Seating assignments for the nine tables at Saturday's dinner were made by the club president, Stephanie Russell. Like any attentive hostess, she greeted old and new friends alike while attending to last-minute details.
Couples are asked not to sit next to one another at dinner to get to know other members. Men and women alternate every other seat.
The Town Club still uses dance cards, which the men fill out behind closed doors during a designated period prior to dinner.
As the band played the first song, couples left their seats and danced, swirling around the wooden floor. A tall couple with long, elegant limbs, seemed to float as they danced. Most couples moved easily and confidently together. It was romantic and magical to watch.
The club was founded in 1914; Woodrow Wilson was in the second year of his presidency. Yet the Town Club has survived two world wars, two pandemics, 9/11 and numerous global financial crises.
During the pandemic, the club rented a stage for the bands to play. Couples listened and watched virtually while they danced in their homes.
Next year will mark 100 years of dancing at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall, admired for its beautiful wooden dance floor.
September's theme has not been announced yet, but that won't matter. The Town Club will be dancing.
New kenilworth Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: kenilworth jobs
Share:
