In a world where the only magical occurrence is getting paid on time, comes a new dawn, where mysticism and folklore meet to create an artificial dimension,that for one night only will offer you the solace and escapism that you so crave. Away from the bright lights of the big city, where office drones are chained to their desks, lies a beautiful irreality, where faeries meet with juggling acrobats, while stilt walkers stride through empty plains in search of their card playing magician. But while this sounds like some ‘nonsensical dream that I have plucked out of my thoughts, the reality is London houses secret magic too, open to those who dare to life their lives without prohibition. As the masks go on and the disguises begin, elegant gowns and suits traipse into the Roof Garden’s Late Summer Nights Dream Masquerade Ball. Suited and booted, we merge as one;for one night only we are actors, some are Hollywood Starlets poised and elegant while others are Dark Ravens, hungrily scouring the place for mystery and adventure.
There is something rather carnivalesque about a masked ball isn’t there?
I am a flower queen and my guest a dark lady, enclosing secrets behind her gold and black encrusted mask. I stay maskless unafraid to make my mark in this magical alternative universe, a lone voice among many. I am A and the Dark Lady is G, golden flax locks snaking out from underneath her mask and together we are an invincible team.We make our way into the open garden and marvel at the twined arches, overlooking the roof gardens.The ground is wet from earlier rainfall and the puddles create reflective mirages that gleam with red, green and purple. I hear the fairies titter, as they talk among themselves and wander back inside, in search of the musical laughter that entranced us both. We turn and face the stilt walkers who offer to show us the clandestine pleasures that exist beyond the night, watching as their ornately embroidered costumes glint mischievously in the darkness. There is a delicious juxtaposition between light and shadow and we watch the shadows dance, like the impish sprites that they are, before striding purposefully towards the bar. Our cocktails are waiting and we sip thirstily, drained by our encounter with the impish sprites.
We Were Provided Complimentary Cocktails By Official Sponsor BEPI TOSOLINI, master distillers from Italy.
Suddenly we are re-energized but the office drones are still emerging, there is no one dancing save two, the intoxication hasn’t hit yet and us actors have not warmed up to our roles. So we familiarize ourselves with our late night home, people watching if you will, while the DJ sets his tracks. A saxophonist emerges from the shadows and we begin to dance, swaying to an intoxicating rhythm, as we leave our office suits behind. We picture ourselves to be back in summer, at a late night island party where the masquerade ball invites us in so overtly, begging us to leave our real lives behind. We drink more and more and watch the people blur into dancing shadows, the faeries take centre stage now. A red headed faerie strides into the centre of the dance floor and we gasp as her wings light up. They are coated with electric lights, but we pretend not to see, entranced by the magical game of make believe that we have been swept into. The music gets louder as the mating ceremony begins and the fariee queen takes her lover, who steps out from behind the shadows.
The DJ Set was played by DJJoshuaRoberts and The Saxophonist was Benjamin Treacher
The Faerie King clamors for The Queen’s attention, as he weaves glow sticks around her majestic wings, smiling slyly as he weaves his magic. She smiles too but still she waits, watching the lights change from green to blue, purple to red. They dance together and we sidle away,as their public entertainment becomes private, spying a magician in the distance who is dancing with cards. We watch on, curious to see what all the fuss is about. I remain with folded arms, not easily impressed but G watches on with wonder. Then it is our turn to take part and we watch as he makes money disappear, finds our hidden cards and erases memories. But still I remain cynical, unimpressed by card tricks which I have seen a thousand times before. We take our steps back onto the dancefloor, where the room is heaving with sweating bodies. So we join them, dancing to the beat of another world, watching as the vultures circle the female dancers. It’s a scene I know all too well and when a young masked man turns towards us I can almost mouth the words that he will want to say.
G was Entranced By The Magicians Card Tricks
His eye roves over G, spell bound by the mysteries that hide behind her gilded mask and I am the other woman, at one with the dark shadows that envelop me in their penetrative guise. We knock back drinks and I watch them flirt, a spectator watching an intimate scene, but I don’t mind. I’m used to being the one that noone notices, the funny one, whose fun to hang out with but nothing more. We dance with others and let the mysticism of the night take over, as we all merge as one, sharing one singular breath. I remain sober in a sea of merry partygoers but still I dance,for myself more than others. I imagine that I have found a prince. He wouldn’t be a ‘frog prince’ nor would he be a toad; he would be a real man, who would treat me with respect and courtesy. Wherever he was, he wasn’t there that night and as I watched the couples and singletons dance together,I smiled and thought to myself- one day that will be me.
The Frog Prince Never Surfaced …
We went our separate ways and I walked miles into the night, the last train had long gone and the next station was half an hour away. I was thankful for the coolness of night, which was a balm to my blistered feet and the fresh air gave me the clarity that I needed. It had been a good night, but now I had to return to reality, where the emails squawked in my inbox to be open and my to do list would grow ever bigger. But for one night only, I too had become an actor and while I might have remained in the shadows, people watching, the music still pulsed through my head the next day.
Have You Ever Been To A Masquerade Ball?
*Disclosure
Please note I was compensated for this post and offered complimentary tickets in exchange for this post. All thoughts are my own and not influenced by monetary compensation.
Tickets To The Late Night Cocktail Club Casino Royale Ball is now on sale. Use My Code Faded-Spring for 20 % off your ticket.
Looks like you had an amazing time. I love nights out like this that are a bit different than the ‘run of the mill’ Saturday night out!
I have never been to a masquerade but I would love too! What a romantic concept! And wearing masks… OMG, dream! I love going out and I am always looking for something different to try! Sounds like you had a blast!
Oh wow this looks fab. The only time I experienced anything on the level of a masked ball was visiting Venice in February. It’s the time they have their carnival and everyone is walking around the city with masks on. We didn’t go a to masked ball but it was wonderful soaking up the magical atmosphere.
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball but it looks great fun
Wow this sounds utterly amazing. I’ve always wanted to go to a masquerade ball!
I have never been to a masquerade ball before… and i would love to go there once… This looks like fun and interesting 😀
Aww it sounds like a mixture of a night and what a nightmare for the last train to have already gone for you, good job you had the balm to keep your feel from being sore.
I’ve always wanted to go to a masquerade ball it sounds so exotic and mysterious with the masks. I’m sure one day you’ll find your Prince Charming.
Looks like your Masquerade Ball turned out really awesome!!! With so many amazing performers, I bet it added the sparkle. I always love reading your description of things & occurrences!!
I have never been to a masquerade ball before but it sounds like so much fun! I need to go to one
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball myself although my husband has. I stayed at home to watch the kiddies that night. It’s a shame you didn’t find your Prince, but one day he will when you least expect it. You don’t want to settle for a common toad now do you!
This looks like such a fun event! I love the look of the lacy mask!
Oh wow this sounds AMAZING and what a fantastic event! I have never been to a masquerade ball but I would LOVE to, you describe it so well!
I have never been to a masked ball, although I think I would like the anonymity of it, it might make me feel more confident socially. Plus, I’ve read many a romance novel where the heroine meets a dashing suitor at a ball such as this. I love your writing in this post. 🙂
It sounds like you have an interesting time. I have been to a masquerade ball and it was fabulous!
I went to a Masquerade ball years ago as a part of Freshers Week at my friends uni and I was her plus one. It really was a magical and mysterious night but nothing in comparison to how yours sounded. I’m busy on the Casino Royale Ball but I’ll have to make it to one of their events
Another super enjoyable post Ana! I’ve never been to a ball but I used to live in a town where the carnival was a huge thing.
I’ve been the a masquerade ball before. no where near as impressive as yours! I guess mine was more of themed birthday really…. we got dressed up and it was loads of fun!
I love the use of images!
What a cool event. I went to one in a country house a few years ago but it felt a bit hidden away. I would imagine it would be much more exciting to do in the heart of London.
This looks amazing! I’ve never been to a masquerade ball before, I love the idea of it!
Wow, Ana. Looks like you had an incredible time. I myself have never been to a masquerade ball however I’d love to! I know it’s not your usual night out but i’m way past that stage now.
Lima
x
This was wonderfully written,Ana. I too,have never been to a masquerade ball but I can definitely tell you and your friend had a great time….
I have never been to a ball like this before. It sounds like a lot of fun! I think I’d like to go to one at some point if I decide to leave the house. I’m a bit of an introvert.
Okay, this looks like it was a blast. I never hear about things like this until it is too late – :(. Granted I wouldn’t have been able to go.
I love masquerade ball. Its grandeur is exciting and one of the occasions that I am pushed to dressed up. It reminds me of Panthom and the Opera.
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball before but they look and sound so much fun! Would love to go soon!
Looks like you had an amazing time! Would love to do something like that.
i have been to one once and it was a blast. i hope to go to another soon. sounds like you had a great time.
I kept sliding back and forth whether this was a review or a piece of fiction. Really great and captivating read, especially with all the “we” in there, I really was pulled into the ball and dancing and magician watching myself. You really did justice to the event.
I have always wanted to go to a Masquerade Ball, looks like you had an amazing time
I love going to a masquerade ball. I always look forward to jazz and romantic music, slow dance and great time with friends. A good cocktail gives a party a life!
What a great experience. I never bee to a ball, I wish I will go at least once. I love the costumes and the dances.
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball but I’ve always wanted to, I love the idea x
I have never been to a masquerade ball before, it sounds amazing x
I am totally jealous, looks like you had the most amazing time at this ball. Bet the costumes and masques were a fabulous sight 🙂 x
Loved reading your post. Seems like you had a great time. I havent been to a ball before but I would love to.
What a fun night out. What a great way to add mystere’ and adventure to your life and create memories to last a lifetime. I love the pictures you shared.
Looks like it was a great event, I have not been to a ball in a long time. By the way love the photography.
It is one of my dreams to go to a proper masquerade ball – one day! I would have LOVED to have attended this event!
Yes, I have been to a masquerade ball back in college years but I guess this is much more realistic that what I have attended before. Maybe because it is just in school compared to this.
You really just took us on a mystical journey! I was so entranced throughout the entire post. It sounds like you had a blast and I know it was must deserved.
Attending a masquerade ball is on my bucket list! Love the idea!
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball but I’d love to. Your story sounds so interesting and mysterious. I see this event all the time in tv shows and movies – can’t wait to experience on my own!
Looks like you had a great time. I would love to attend a masquerade ball too. I’m sure it was memorable.
I have never been to a masquerade ball before but have always wanted to go! It sounds like you had an amazing night 🙂
Firstly your writing enchants me. It is so beautiful and poetic. Secondly how amazing does this night out sound?!?!? I have never been to a masked ball so I would love to give this a go. Glamourous and exciting, it is right up my street xx
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball before but you’ve made it sound amazing! And hurrah for complimentary cocktails!
I really like the concept of having a mysterious look behind the mask. Although I never been to masquerade ball but would love to go now since it looks like you had amazing night to remember 🙂
Sounds intriguing and we love magic tricks! This Masquerade Ball is right up my folks street! They love to get dollied up x
I been to small versions of Masquarade Balls but not big ones. I love the mystery in them I want to go to a big one!
What a brilliant night out, I absolutely love the idea of a masquerade ball!
I went to a masquerade ball when I was at uni and it was so fun! Makes me feel like I’m in a different era
I’ve never had an opportunity to attend a fabulous masquerade ball. I was pulled in and entranced by your gorgeous description of the ball. What a fun and unique experience!
Love your post and your way of writing! It took me all the way from where I’m right now to an imaginary world of charm and mystery!
Ooh this is the stuff of my childhood dreams when I was a little girl. What a shame your Frog Prince never arrived – who needs a prince anyway?!
I’d loved to have gone to this ball, it sounds wonderful. And I can never say no to a good cocktail.
This looks absolutely amazing! I would love to go to one of these balls!
wow this sounds like a fantastic night and that they thought of all the smaller details! I love new finds in london and there is usually a seasonal pop-up here or there to enjoy! Sounds great
I would totally love to go to a masquerade ball! I think its very fairy tale like. Like that of a princess. While your frog prince never turned up, at least you had a blast. Thank you for sharing this. I hope to be able to experience this someday soon.
When I was a kid I was obsessed with glass masquerade masks and collected tons of them. I thought they were the coolest things.
I’ve never been to a masquerade ball but I have always wanted to. It looks like you had a blast.
absolutely love the masquerade theme. looks like so much fun. I’ve always wanted to throw one myself but, i’m too lazy. maybe for a milestone birthday.
This sounds like such a great event! Glad you had a good time 🙂
It sounds like a magical experience! Almost get a sensual vibe from the event! How does when get into these parties – do you have to get invited or is it ticketed? I’d love to do something like this!