early-dance.de

On 11 December 2010 I participated in the Winterbal at Kastel d'Ursel. The ball has been organized by Johan Goessens, Koen de Vlieger and Verle Fack from Antwerpen. They were supported by a large group of friends. And first of all, let me tell you, that they have done an outstanding job!

Around 100 dancers and baroque enthusiasts have gathered coming from Belgium, from the United Kingdom, from France, from the Netherlands and from Germany. It was the second baroque ball, which have been organized in the chateau, but it was the first of that huge size. Johan, Koen and Verle were overwhelmed by the response as there were hundred participants and again hundred people who were on the waiting list.

Most participants were accommodated in the youth hostel Lathoof, which is conveniently placed directly next to the castle. The event started at 19.30pm with a reception in the ball room, which was illuminated with many candles. It was a pleasure to see the guest arriving in their splendid costumes.

The main topic of the evening were of course the dances. And we had the pleasure to be accompanied by a live music ensemble! And they were playing all night long.

The complete castle was in the hand of the ball people. We could walk all around in nearly every room, enjoying the authentical furniture and the precious interior. In some rooms, there special attractions such as a gentleman doing calligraphy, a lady -the Mme. Silhuoette-, who was cutting silhouettes of the guest into paper in way like it was fashionable in the 18th century. And then there was of course the dangerous gambler Holger, who tempted the guest to play Pharao and to loose money -- as i did :-(

The ball was really a marvelous and inspiring event. I enjoy a lot to look at all the photos.

Once again: Bravo and thanks to Johan, Koean, Verle and their friends

More information

There are more photos of the ball: scroll down and use the pager links at the bottom!