[Bloo09]

We are happy to announce that our formal dance, the Crystal Ball, will be returning this year! A few changes have been made to create a better experience for our attendees:

- Since we filled our ballroom last year we’ve moved the event to a new location that is twice the size giving us a larger dance floor, more seating, and a better atmosphere overall.

- Per attendee request we’ve decided to move the ball to Saturday night to provide a second event option for the night.

- Our best announcement: We’ve lowered the ticket price to $15 each!

- As usual there will be a gift bag for each attendee, a cash bar and good music!


Price – $15 per ticket
Date – May 18th 2013
Time – 7pm – 12am
Location – International Ballroom, Basement International Level of the Hyatt

Ticket and Convention badge are needed for entrance.

Tickets will be available for sale in our registration system until we are sold out. In order to keep the event from feeling overcrowded and creating a more intimate atmosphere there are only 500 tickets so get them early! With a convention our size, tickets will sell fast so we suggest buying online. Any tickets left will be sold at the door 30 minutes before and during the dance but we do not guarantee that there will be tickets left at the convention. You do not need a badge to purchase your tickets online, but a badge for the convention is needed to enter the dance (the name on the badge must match the name on the ticket). Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable just like our badges.

If you are buying a ticket as a gift for someone and don’t want them to know you can create an account for them and purchase their ticket through it.

To Purchase your ticket make sure you are logged into your Registration System account and follow this link – http://www.ACen.org/...all-ticket-2013

Dress code must be followed to be admitted into the dance. Dress code rules are listed below. It is solely up to the Crystal Ball event managers if attire meets the dress code. If you are unsure about your outfit please feel free to email us at CrystalBall@ACen.org and we will let you know if it is alright. We encourage you to send a picture of the outfit for us to best judge if it is appropriate.

We are currently looking for music! If you are an event DJ, Band, Musical Act of some kind and would like to perform at the Crystal Ball please contact us at CrystalBall@ACen.org. This is a formal event so we are looking for a mix of modern, Japanese/Anime, and formal music. If you’re up for the challenge we’d love to hear from you!

[Pyrochan]

Hm, you said the dress code rules were listed below...but where did you mean? Or am I just blind and daft at 2am...

I'll be wearing a Renaissance dress, from the manga Cantarella. Think Assassin's Creed. I wore it at a previous con, so I already know I have to make a few adjustments to make it easier to walk in, and better, dance in.

[pyrrhicvictini]

Here's what the Crystal Ball states on the site:

Females:

• The neckline of shirts, dresses, etc. must be tasteful.
  
• Your mid drift must be covered. No belly tops, crops, etc.
  
• Dresses must be knee length or longer.
  
• Large accessories such as weapons or large wings are not permitted.
  
• Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, torn clothing etc. are not considered formal attire.
  
• Dress pants are acceptable with a formal top.
  
• Cosplay and Crossplay are acceptable if appropriately formal.
  
• Military Dress and formal kimono are considered formal attire.

Males:

• The neckline of shirts, dresses, etc. must be tasteful.
  
• Your mid drift must be covered. No belly tops, crops, etc.
  
• Long dress pants, khakis, or linen pants are required (cargo pocketed khakis are not acceptable).
  
• A button up shirt with long sleeves is required.
  
• Military Dress and formal kimono are considered formal attire
  
• Cosplay and Crossplay are acceptable if appropriately formal.
  
• Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, tennis shoes, torn clothing etc. are not considered formal attire.
  
• Large accessories such as weapons or large wings are not permitted.

I've never been, though, so does anyone know what style of dress is usually worn?

[GazeGirl]

Bought a ticket and i'm sending the payment via money order. When will the tickets be sent out?

[Bloo09]

Probably starting in March

[Twilight Sparkle]

I am just curious as to why all female dresses must be knee length or lower. Most formal dresses that department stores carry are above the knee, around mid thigh length. I am just honestly curious and have no intention of breaking this rule I just have to question "why?".

[Bloo09]

It is an easy marker for us to use so we don't wind up with women in very short dresses that aren't so "classy". I know schools and other events use the fingertip rule but even then with flare, dancing, etc.. those can be risky. Those dresses in stores are normally meant for cocktail parties and similar events, while we are a formal ball.

[Sailor Luna]

Twilight Sparkle, on 15 January 2013 - 11:19 AM, said:

I am just curious as to why all female dresses must be knee length or lower. Most formal dresses that department stores carry are above the knee, around mid thigh length. I am just honestly curious and have no intention of breaking this rule I just have to question "why?".

Think of the like of the dresses for the grand galloping gala that the mane 6 had ,except applejack all of them were long.
Fancy event = longer more tasteful dresses
someone should totally get a group to do grand galloping gala cosplays.


Are informal kimonos acceptable?
( mine will be made of cotton/polyester and the hakama is from a martial arts shop (although I think it just means it has different pleats)
It's an Erika from pokemon cosplay.

This post has been edited by Sailor Luna: 21 January 2013 - 12:56 PM

[Bloo09]

Sorry I missed this question. A kimono is fine as long as it's one of the long/knee length or longer ones.

[YoungBirdcall]

Twilight Sparkle, on 15 January 2013 - 11:19 AM, said:

I am just curious as to why all female dresses must be knee length or lower. Most formal dresses that department stores carry are above the knee, around mid thigh length.

Those are not formal dresses.

[Jessie Dean]

Hello. I'll be the Dj host and dance instructor for this ball

In relations to dress code I would just like to say the following.

once you find something that applies to the dress code it's still a great Idea to ask yourself two questions, "does this make me truly feel classy?" and "Do I look like I put effort in looking nice?" If the answer is yes you are ready to have your night like a sir...or Madam

Can't wait to see you all. Myself and the staff have a great event planned for you Feel free to drop me questions!

Jessie Eckles

Hello. I'll be the Dj host and dance instructor for this ball

In relations to dress code I would just like to say the following.

once you find something that applies to the dress code it's still a great Idea to ask yourself two questions, "does this make me truly feel classy?" and "Do I look like I put effort in looking nice?" If the answer is yes you are ready to have your night like a sir...or Madam

Can't wait to see you all. Myself and the staff have a great event planned for you Feel free to drop me questions!

Jessie Eckles

[pyrrhicvictini]

Hmm. I was hoping to go as formal Femshep from Mass Effect 2 (with significant other as military dress Maleshep), but I'm not sure now if I can. It would definitely make me feel classy, & I would definitely have thick tights (even black ones) underneath, but I'm worried about being turned away since I'm tall, meaning dresses tend to be shorter on me than others.

This post has been edited by pyrrhicvictini: 06 March 2013 - 07:30 PM

[Skylerrelyks]

So if I wanted to wear a long (as in floor length) prom dress, that would be acceptable? It wouldn't be too much?

[Jessie Dean]

Skylerrelyks, on 06 March 2013 - 08:40 PM, said:

So if I wanted to wear a long (as in floor length) prom dress, that would be acceptable? It wouldn't be too much?

Of course not. This is a formal ball. Formal being the operative word. Some people will do just what is required to get by the dress code. but if you want to do it right then you should pull out all the stops and and make sure you are majestic and breathtaking

As for fem shep i really can't comment. I'm not that familiar with what it would look like made formal. and having a future base I'm not sure if mass effects idea of dress military garb meets classic specs. Sorry I can't be more help on that one.

[pyrrhicvictini]

Jessie Dean, on 07 March 2013 - 02:45 AM, said:

Of course not. This is a formal ball. Formal being the operative word. Some people will do just what is required to get by the dress code. but if you want to do it right then you should pull out all the stops and and make sure you are majestic and breathtaking

As for fem shep i really can't comment. I'm not that familiar with what it would look like made formal. and having a future base I'm not sure if mass effects idea of dress military garb meets classic specs. Sorry I can't be more help on that one.

Well, the dress that she wears is typically just above the knee, so I'm trying to see if I can make it knee-length, but it'd be just that. (Femshep & Maleshep have multiple outfits they wear & a dress is an option for Femshep.) The problem is just taller people tend to make dresses look shorter. For the Maleshep, it's similar to what we see with Navy military dress clothes today except with more gold decorative stripes, & less buttons. Luckily Shepard's outfits don't follow the "oooh it's in the future let's put spandex on it" like some of the other outfits.

This post has been edited by pyrrhicvictini: 07 March 2013 - 11:35 AM

[Jessie Dean]

pyrrhicvictini, on 07 March 2013 - 11:33 AM, said:

Well, the dress that she wears is typically just above the knee, so I'm trying to see if I can make it knee-length, but it'd be just that. (Femshep & Maleshep have multiple outfits they wear & a dress is an option for Femshep.) The problem is just taller people tend to make dresses look shorter. For the Maleshep, it's similar to what we see with Navy military dress clothes today except with more gold decorative stripes, & less buttons. Luckily Shepard's outfits don't follow the "oooh it's in the future let's put spandex on it" like some of the other outfits.

Doesn't sound to bad. Though female navy uniforms usually cut off just below the knee. so i would have to say just for the sake of keeping the dress code please do the same. I look forward to seeing it

[kambay]

since its almost time to party and cut some rugs /> just want to make sure i can still get a tick if so would i be able to pick it up at con or even buy one there i can get it on Thursday after the staff meeting if possible

This post has been edited by kambay: 03 May 2013 - 06:30 PM

[chytastic]

I am making a dress and it will be knee length since i am short but will it be ok.
[media]http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6647-products-29589.php?page_id=109[/media]

[wenchman]

Good thing my under-dress for the cosplay I'll be wearing can be adjusted--we all know how those Italian renaissance gowns are.

[Feudalistic_Pop-Tart]

After reading some reviews about last year, I'm a little skeptical that it may be a repeat. Granted I wasn't there last year, but the Crystal Ball should live up to it's name. School uniforms don't strike me as formal unless it's something out of Ouran Highschool Host Club.

[Jessie Dean]

This year we have people who know what a ball is hosting. My experience is in actual ballroom instruction and events. I've also run over 15 such balls within the Anime Convention Circut it's self. This will be my first year doing ACen. But I can promise you I Will create a setting you will enjoy

[Jessie Dean]

chytastic, on 02 May 2013 - 05:31 PM, said:

I am making a dress and it will be knee length since i am short but will it be ok.
[media]http://mccallpattern.mccall.com/m6647-products-29589.php?page_id=109[/media]

it's not bad. semi elegant. not quite ball. I personally would let it pass so long as it appears elegant once all finished up but if you can do something to make it look a little bit more formal that would be appreciated.