This Saturday, March 18, the Community Activities Board (CAB), Ballroom Dancing Club, NU Alliance, Soccer Club, and Hip Hop Dance club will put on the 2023 Spring Ball at 7 p.m. in the Plumley Armory. With the theme of Masquerade, the event will ensure a night of mystery and fun for all Norwich students. 

 “The theme is welcoming and the idea of being masked in mystery and draped in decadence. A masquerade ball is nothing short of a magical experience,” said Crystal Drown, class of ‘19, Assistant Director of Student Activities. 

 The Ball is a collaboration of many different organizations on campus that have all worked together over the winter months. Not only is this an excellent opportunity for students to dress up and dance with their friends and peers, but there will be various other activities at the event as well, including Casino games, a photo booth, and live performances from campus dance clubs.  

 Mark Thomas, 23, a junior Business Management major in the corps of cadets, is the President of the campus Ballroom Dancing club. He is a part of the planning committee for the dance that executes the setup and cleanup. Thomas said, “Personally, my favorite part of the planning process is the brainstorming of the theme of the dance. This is the foundation of how the rest will pan out.”  

 When asked about the significance of the Masquerade theme, he said, “We wanted an atmosphere where it felt fun, inviting, and exciting for all students who’d like to attend… Our objective is to create an environment for both corps and civilian students to interact in a semi-formal event to build cohesion between the lifestyles, as well as to encourage leadership and confidence in new and returning students…”  

 In addition to the Ball itself, the planning conglomerate will host a mask-making event Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. in the WCC Fishbowl. They will provide decoration supplies while they last so that students can create a unique mask to wear at the Saturday event. By hosting this preparatory event, they encourage student engagement and offer opportunities for students to explore their creative side on campus in non-traditional ways. 

 The event is open to all students and has a semi-formal dress code; cadets will not be required to wear their dress blues. Tickets are available for purchase in the Cadet Card Office throughout this week, up to and during the day of the event. By purchasing tickets, students are supporting the clubs involved in the planning process and helping to fundraise for future events.  

 Drown said, “Co-hosting events is a great way to introduce more potential members to student clubs, boost event attendance, share resources, and save money. Collaboration between clubs means more allowances and organizational help and increased student engagement as students work together to create the best event possible.” The Ball is sure to be a night full of mystery, music, and magic that all students are invited to attend to have fun and create connections within the campus community. 

 You can find information about this event using this Engage link.