My dear friend found the Starfall Ball event page and so there we were, two dedicated booklovers entertaining the idea of going to a ball.
Anne and I bonded over our shared interest in books at the baby and toddler group I ran, years ago. Between bottles, soft play and nappy changes we bonded over our shared interests. We both love books a lot and happily shared novels and series progressions but we also love the theatre, shows and special events, the things which add flavour to life. These book related balls have become a thing now, a real thing which is ever growing in popularity, with candles, string quartets, costumes and immersive performers walking through your evening as though you are living inside a novel. And honestly haven’t we all wanted to at one time or another? A spot of Lost In Austen, though less mortifying, thankyou.

I find it fascinating, how something that starts in pages and paragraphs becomes an excuse for a ball in a manor house. A night with guided dances in a candlelit lounge, themed cocktails and people roaming around in costumes as courtly fae. It feels like book fans finally getting the party they always wanted but didn’t know they could have. And yet, tragically, by the time we came to buy ours the elite tickets were already gone. Gone. All sold out and I can still taste the sadness of it, it’s my first ball.

I can see others on social feeds gearing up for these things, picking their courts, discussing whether Winter Court or Night Court feels more them. All creating GRWM reels. There is a wild breadth of choice, a layering of symbolism, magic and sophistication over what is essentially an evening of dance and drink. It is in that layering that this thing becomes interesting. It is a reflection of something writers feel all the time: the worlds we make in our heads are now pulling us into the real world, instead of the reverse. It feels indulgent and glorious. Doesn’t everyone want to wear a fantastic dress and pretend the world is magical?

I can’t imagine how much time I’ve spent looking at gowns, Anne possibly even more time. I’ve ordered the first one I loved. Anne has ordered about four!  I saw another I really liked,  I am so tempted to order it though I don’t have a good reason. I only need one dress….. for now! But after this maybe I’ll need to go to more balls. Surely one isn’t enough. There’s been a delight in the shopping and a giddiness, because this is something I’ve only ever read about.
It’s a curious experience, interpreting the world of frocks and gowns in a way which represents ourselves and our interests. One of the gowns I saw was a twist of gothic, like Rose Red in her dark era, I like it, but it seems even more extreme than the others. So the one I’ve chosen is a wine red, full skirted, off the shoulder number with a delightful lace up bodice. There’s a thrill there, a real pleasure in imagining how fabric moves, where the light might catch a bead or a shimmer. This is the adult version of dressing up and it costs a lot more, but then I have the adult money to go with it.

This whole idea of book inspired balls shows how the written word influences our world in a new way. For years it was assumed the printed word would disappear but now there is increased value in first editions or special covers again. The world of books continues to expand in a way no one could anticipate.  Whether it is ACOTAR inspired events, Fourth Wing or other realms of fantasy come to life, it says something about the hunger for whimsy, indulgence and pleasure. And Anne and I, besides other book lovers will unite, travelling around the UK, buying gowns aplenty, shoes and jewellery aside.   
The best I could imagine, once upon a time, as an opportunity to wear something so dramatic and fabulous would have been getting married or performing on stage. I’ve been fortunate enough to have done the less committed parts of that. Fabulous hair and stunning gowns for faux opera and in regal roles in other productions, for a bridal photoshoot and more recently for modelling with https://uptightclothing.co.uk/ I’d have gladly worn one of Janice’s stunning dresses for this ball but perhaps I’ll reserve that for a more grand event.

In June I shall join the Autumn court, in deep red and absolute glee. And then there are ripples in my creative world which indicate that the gown will be brought out for a Christmas event which thrills my little festive heart.
I suspect this will be the first ball, but not the last.