Top 5 Reasons to rock out at the Winter Ball

5. With everything people are saying about this party, you want to check it out for yourself

4. You secretly want to perform that awesome dance number you've been hiding for years

3. You're dying to find out what Simone, Lesli, Anne and Brie actually look like

2. You'd like to know what your co-workers look like all cleaned up!

1. You don't want to miss the Whipple or the Gemmill!


Where else can you dance to Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Journey, Kelly Clarkson and Pat Benetar in one night. NOWHERE!!!

Tickets on sale now!

We need YOU! to enter our dance competition

So, it seems that people around here are feeling a little shy. We have a handful of entries for the dance competition, but we need MORE. We need YOU!

The Winter Ball is just over a week away! There's still plenty of time to gather together some friends and co-workers, pick out a killer track and show us whatchu got.

Here are some inspirational clips. Please also refer to the earlier clip in the previous dance contest announcement on this very blog.

Leo Sayer and The Muppets!


Fred and Ginger!


OK GO!


John Travolta!


A guy with a trombone!


Martha Graham!


Learn how to Krump!

The Very Pretty Ladies encourage carpooling and taxi-sharing

Looking for a carpool to the Winter Ball?

Please use the "comments" section to post some details about where you're coming from or to offer a ride from your area of town to the WISE Hall.

Since this blog is technically public please do not post personal details. Leave your name, city that you are driving from and the abbreviation for your worksite. If you see the potential for a carpool, give your coworker a call or send them an e-mail.

And if you are driving, please plan ahead and use a designated driver if you're thinking about drinking. The Very Pretty Ladies will also be happy to call people cabs if you need one.

Here are some taxi services to jot down (or program into your cell phone):

• Yellow Cab - (604) 681-1111
• Vancouver Taxi - (604) 871-1111
• Maclure's Cabs - (604) 683-6666
• Black Top & Checker Cabs - (604) 681-2181

We want to see your moves!

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown marks the Very Pretty Ladies first foray into the world of competitive dance---okay, maybe "competitive" isn't the right word, but we're holding a dance contest and we want YOU to enter! There are prizes, not to mention the glory you will bask in as you bathe in the applause of your co-workers, friends and family.

Here is what is required:

• an entry of one person or more (individual or troupe)
• a catchy song (please bring a CD to the ball or send ahead of time to Brie)
• a dynamic, imaginative dance routine of any style
• costumes aren't required, but are encouraged
• props can certainly be incorporated
• but please NO fire or nudity!

And for inspiration, here is a routine that Brie particularly loves:

Be brave, gather your troupe and send your name and song title (if chosen) to veryprettyladies(at)yahoo.ca!

Our friend and colleague, James, created an amazing video promoting the Winter Ball and showcasing his enthusiasm for the party. We think you'll like it --- We LOVE it! Now what are you waiting for...get your tickets for The Winter Ball this Tuesday and Thursday!

Thanks James!

A reminder...

If you have any questions about The Winter Ball please e-mail us directly at veryprettyladies(AT)yahoo.ca the source for the most reliable and up-to-date information about The Winter Ball.

The Poster is here!

ISKRA POSTERS kindly designed an incredible poster for us! Check it out here and look for a copy at your worksite soon.

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets this week. We had plenty of lunch time visits from folks eager to dance their socks off and shake their mistletoe with us on December 8th. Branch orders have been coming in fast and furiously.

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown is a mere two weeks away!

Frequently Asked Questions...

Is the Winter Ball a union party? / Is the Winter Ball a library party?

No, the Very Pretty Ladies organize and host The Winter Ball on their own time and pay for it with their own funds, therefore it is not affiliated with any particular organization. The Winter Ball is a private party organized by four friends who work at or have worked at the Vancouver Public Library. We invite our coworkers, present and past, as well as their families and friends to come to the party and celebrate the festive holiday season.

Why do tickets cost $10?

Money gained by ticket sales is invested into the party. Presently the Very Pretty Ladies are paying for the costs associated with the Winter Ball themselves. Ticket sales will ensure that the party pays for itself. Some of the costs associated with the party are hall rental, sound equipment rental, event insurance, food, prizes, etc.

Why aren't there any bands playing at The Winter Ball?

The Winter Ball is a dance party. That is why the Very Pretty Ladies have chosen to use only DJs for their party. In addition, there are higher costs associated with the hall rental when live music is performed.

What type of food is served at The Winter Ball?

Snacks and munchies. This year we're asking volunteers to consider donating baked goods to the snack table. We will also have chips, dips and other savoury treats.

How much are drinks?

The bar is run by the WISE Hall who sets the prices for beverages. They offer a selection of beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Prices are comparable to most bars.

Is there a dress code?

There isn't a dress code at The Winter Ball, but we encourage everyone to don their finest and try their hand and taking home the Belle and/or Beau of the Ball crown. This year we don't have theme colours, but we do invite you to embrace the Charlie Brown theme or just dress up (it's fun!).

What's with the dance contest?

We want you to show us what you've got. Individuals and groups are encouraged to submit an entry into this competition. Routines should be choreographed and music must be submitted prior to The Winter Ball. Entrants will be judged by applause from the crowd.

What types of prizes will there be?

We will be holding a door prize draw for a few door prizes, as well as the crowning of the Belle and Beau of the ball. A prize will also be given out to the person whose outfit best captures the Charlie Brown theme. We'll have a 50/50 draw. And prizes will be given out to the best dancers in the dance competition. Basically, there will be lots of prizes.

Where is the WISE Hall?

The WISE Hall is located at 1882 Adanac Street, a few steps west of Victoria Drive (around the corner from the Vancouver East Cultural Centre).

View Larger Map

Any other questions...Please e-mail the Very Pretty Ladies at veryprettyladies (at) yahoo.ca

Ticket Info...

Tickets go on sale next week!

Central staff - Anne and Brie will be selling tickets during lunch on Tuesday November 20th. Further lunch hour sale times to be announced.

Branch staff - Lesli and Simone will be delivering tickets sometime prior to the Winter Ball. In the meantime, you can reserve them now, so e-mail your name and the number of tickets that you will require. Please e-mail your order to anneols(at)vpl.ca

Get into The Winter Ball for *free*

The Winter Ball needs volunteers!

As a volunteer you will help the Very Pretty Ladies ensure that the Winter Ball runs smoothly.
As a show of thanks, you will receive one free entry to the Winter Ball: a complimentary ticket for you or a friend/partner/family member.

We need volunteers to:

• help set up the event (be at the hall at 6pm to help decorate - there will be pizza!)
• help clear tables and maintain a fun atmosphere during the party (shifts TBD)
  
• help us clean up at the end of the night (we encourage all party guests to help with this, but we will need a few dedicated volunteers)

Interested? Please contact Anne: anneols@vpl.ca

We've made you wait long enough! We are officially announcing the 2nd Annual Best Party of the Year!

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown!
Saturday, December 8th; doors open at 7:30pm.

You've all heard the buzz about last year's party, so don't miss out. Tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks for $10, we will be visiting all the branches to take your ticket orders.

Once again prizes will be up for grabs for Belle and Beau of the Ball!

This year we'll be featuring performances from you as we unveil the first Winter Ball Dance Contest! Singles or groups can sign up with Anne Olsen if you want to show us what you got...dance wise, that is. One, if not all, of the Winter Ball ladies will be performing as well, so you'll have to bring it!

Volunteers can also sign up by emailing Anne.
So get your groups together, buy your tickets and get ready for the biggest library bash you've ever seen!

Brought to you by Anne, Brie, Leslie and Simone