HI -
Going to my first hunt ball. I have finally found dresses and shoes for daughters that are lovely, age appropriate and don’t make them look like hookers! Do not laugh as this was no small feat.
Now on to me. Do I go long or short for my dress? I have a pair of red satin Kate Spade shoes that I have been dying to wear and would be covered with a long dress. Dare I go short?
Advise please.
Long…with great red shoes that peep out on the dance floor!
I would say all the adult females at our hunt ball wear full length gowns. I think anything shorter would look out of place. It’s not like a cocktail party, it is black tie. At least it is at our ball. You should probably ask women from your hunt what the protocol is. And have a great time!!
Thanks. Then long it is. With the red shoes of course.
Sorry, I don’t hunt so could someone please tell me what a hunt ball is? I know it is a dance, but what is it for? I don’t mean to sound rude, but I’m a H/J and dressage rider, so Im clueless when it comes to hunts.
Enjoy the magic of a ballgown
Hunt balls here in Va are white tie, which is for the scarlet tailcoats of the gentleman members. They wear the facings and buttons of the hunt. Quite handsome!
For the ladies, that means a “real” formal ball gown. Ideally, full skirted, which allows you to dance well and look beautiful at the same time.
I love to dance and adore shoes, so I would have the skirt a bit shorter- maybe ankle length, so I didn’t hook a heel in it on a twirl out. The fabric needs to be light enough to move gracefully out of the way. Chiffon works well, but check the underskirt to make sure it is full enough. Handkerchief hems or slits are another way to show off shoes. If you like a dress that has under netting in the crinolines, make sure that that netting edge is taped, so it doesn’t lacerate your hose. It’s pretty embarrassing when the stockings puddle on your shoes…:eek: (Ask me how I learned)
Your beautiful red shoes are fabulous and need to be admired by all, then for the actual dancing, a different pair could be used. You may want to invest in a pair of “real” ball room dancing shoes, made for the serious competitive dancers. These have a special sole that glides on the ball room floor. It is amazing how much easier it is to dance wearing them. I discovered that whatever aches I have don’t hurt, since there is less torque on my body. They are NOT useable for anything else- too fragile. But, they are quite inexpensive. I have some by Tic Tac Toes that I bought online. They come in several styles, both heeled and flat. There are men’s dance shoes, too.
Our Hunt - while formal - is not so demanding on attire. So, if you had a nice cocktail dress you would not stand out. However, if you are going to be the only person wearing cocktail, then you might feel more comfortable in full length. The men do not all wear black or white tie, either, if they have a nice dark suit, then some will go with that. We are cool with that and your attendance is more important as it is our major fundraiser.
Some hunts are not like this, tho.
Skippy, You would love it!
The hunt balls are given by the hunt as a highlight of the hunt season. They are usually paired with a major hunting occasion, such as opening meets, hunt week or the early steeplechase meets. Quite a few here use the time around Thanksgiving as guests come from around the world to hunt with us.
Think of going back in time in your mind’s eye. Think beautiful, big mansions with exquisite furnishings and paintings. Roaring fires in the fireplaces. Maybe something from one of those period English nobility tv shows…
Add amazing food, served by waiters, the tinkling of crystal wine glasses. A large dining room filled with round tables, covered in heavy linens, unique centerpieces and placecards at each setting. There is a large wooden dance floor and raised stage for the band.
During the cocktail hour, there is time to promenade, perusing the auction offerings. These are a major fundraising area for the hunt. You might need a new bronze sculpture or painting of your hunter. How about pearls or diamonds with a hunt themed pendent? Or maybe you would like to visit another hunt? There are many hunting caps (invitations that cover the fee to hunt). There are trips to vacation, or private lessons with great horsemen.
(Last year, Amwell Valley, in New Jersey, had lessons with different countries team riders in Dressage, Eventing, and Show Jumping. And the riders were there at the ball, keen to talk with everyone. Ceasar Parra is sooo much fun to party with, btw.)
There are small things, too. Offers to groom, braid or clean tack. Stable supplies. Clothes for the four or two legged family member. Great food and wine. The silent bidding continues through dinner.
The music is by a live band, playing from the beginning of appetizers to the wee hours of the morning. Virtually everyone dances. They are very fit from hunting, so the dance floor stays packed.
Sometimes during the band breaks, there will be hunt horn blowing and whip cracking contests to raise more money for the hound fund. These are hotly contested, by both ladies and gentlemen. I found the contrast of the elegant or alluringly dresses with the effort of whip cracking and horn blowing a classic oxymoron. (At Amwell Valley, the “Hot Tamale” bombshell won the competition! She was awesome.:D)
Since many guests come from other hunts, there is lots of visiting and making of new friends. Invitations to hunt/steeplechase/hunter trial are exchanged. Horse hunting is in full bloom, and contacts are made.
The next day, there maybe a late starting hunt. Riders may look a bit hung over, but soon the hounds find a fox and the field takes off in hot pursuit. At the check, I look around, and everyone is grinning ear to ear. Sheer Bliss!
Whicker–that was the perfect summation! You described the best of the best about Hunt Balls. The one night of the year when we all get to act like high falutin’ snobs instead of the muck-encrusted working stiffs that most of us are in real life.
I have never been to a hunt ball but as a former ballroom dancer I completely agree about dancing in ballroom shoes. I used to carry mine with me in a small drawstring bag and switch to them when the dancing starts. They make a huge difference in your dancing. :yes:
For those of us who dance like Elaine on Seinfeld, you can just take your shoes off and be fine, too. ; )
Um… I thought it only gentlemen could wear scarlet at a hunt ball? Ladies are supposed to wear white or black, maybe something else but definitely not red. Maybe that’s gone the way of “no white after Labor Day” but that’s what I’ve always been told and what I’ve read.
Kryswyn,
The lady was asking about red shoes.
Not a red dress. I’ve never heard of shoes being included in the old black or white gown commandment. Please tell us of your current hunt dress requirements. There are certainly more exactingly correct hunts than ours.
We are trying to encourage new members to try the sport of hunting. Anything that will make them feel more comfortable in testing the waters is helpful. If they feel happy to be with us, we have a chance at getting them out again. Then they will be interested in learning all the details of the culture and the history behind them.
Our hunts have given up on the black/white gown requirement, and now there are many colors on the dance floor. It is hard enough to find a ready made dress that fits and functions at that time of year in the shops…
Le sigh.
I want to hunt. SO I can go to the hunt ball. What are good hunts near me, in Connecticut? I have only heard of golden’s hounds in NY, close enough to bee sure, but are there hunt in CT its self?
[QUOTE=Kryswyn;6221608]
Um… I thought it only gentlemen could wear scarlet at a hunt ball? Ladies are supposed to wear white or black, maybe something else but definitely not red. Maybe that’s gone the way of “no white after Labor Day” but that’s what I’ve always been told and what I’ve read.[/QUOTE]
Is scarlet actually a color or a term? Does anyone wear ‘Scarlet’ to the ball?
Those Dashing Swoon Worthy Men in Scarlet!
Kate,
Please look here for examples…
http://www.horsecountrylife.com/
Scarlet is both a color and a term for the men’s formal coats. The designation of “colors” is a hard earned privilege and honor in the hunt club. It means that that person has enough knowledge and riding ability to be able to safely act as a fieldmaster or temporary leader across the hunt territory. In the hunts that I have earned colors, it takes about 3-4 years of hard work helping the hunt function. I’m sure that others will chime in with the subtle requirements of their hunts, as each hunt does it differently.
When most hunts award colors, it is an important ceremony. Depending on the hunt’s choice of official colors, a man may wear a bright red coat, “scarlet”, or “Pink” or Pinque", with the hunt color collar and buttons. Then it is always easy to find that member in the hunt field, which is quite useful when separated from the group. The men love this privilege, as they look quite dashing in the new outfit.
At the hunt balls, the men with colors are asked to wear “Scarlet, If Convenient”. This is another outfit that has a formal indoor tailcoat similar to the ones used on the classical concert stage by soloists and conductor. It is “white tie”, the most formal of men’s dressing designations. The tailcoat is the scarlet color, like in the hunt field, the collar, facings, and buttons are the hunt colors. There is a waistcoat which is usually white. The men now usually wear tux pants with the black stripe down the side. The shoes may be black dress shoes. I have seen embroidered dress shoes, too. These are referred to as slippers. The fellows who are dedicated ballroom dancers will use ballroom dance shoes when they actually dance. One of my favorite individual choice details are the studs and cufflinks. These may be gold fox heads with ruby eyes. I wish we ladies could wear such a stellar outfit!
In days of old, before ladies were liberated, they had to wear black or white so men’s outfits would shine. (I think this rule was thought up by the all men governing boards). While the rule has changed in the hunt balls that I have attended, one still tries not to clash or up stage the scarlet.
BUT, the hunts use the hunt balls as a major fundraiser for the club. So, we are encouraged to invite non-hunt guests and have tables of new people to introduce to the joys of the hunt club. Young adults are especially encouraged, with special lower priced tickets. We want the young people to carry the hunt on, as we lose older members from life’s vicissitudes. We welcome the guests even if they aren’t wearing black/white ball gowns.
If you are interested in learning more about hunting, check the Masters of Foxhounds Association site for locations of hunts.
If you want to join us on one of our coth hunt with clinic, please contact us. We have a wonderful time introducing the newbies to our joy. There is always something going on year round in the hunting life. Plus, if we know you, then we can invite you to the hunt balls!:winkgrin:
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