Review: DRA/FP Arabian Ball

Shisha, tea lights, belly dancers … the DRA and Fife Park ball on Friday was an Arabian night to remember. The organisers truly outdid themselves this year, and DRA ball was unlike any other event that I have attended at Kinkell Byre. Not only was the décor simply beautiful, the organisation of the venue was flawless and the music made you never want to leave the dance floor … except to maybe get another Jannetta’s.

Guests were immediately greeted with drinks upon arrival, and the theme “Arabian Nights” permeated throughout the entire venue. From the warm colours and Moroccan lamps, to the shisha tent and belly dancers, the atmosphere was magical – flawlessly managing to be exotic and authentic without being stereotypical and overwhelming. The decorations of the event managed to make up for the dress of the guests, who didn’t seem to get into the theme beyond wearing a gold chain headband.

There were many staples of a successful ball including; the free Jannettas, the food that Butler’s provided and the roaming photographers capturing every moment. However, what really distinguished the night was the shisha tent. It was a popular hangout throughout the evening, despite people often forgetting smokers etiquette (nah, that’s alright – just smoke all of it … the rest of us didn’t want any anyway). The chill, relaxed atmosphere provided ball-goers with a space to rest their feet from dancing and be able to talk to friends, or, like one girl, to take a tactical slumber.

The ball, however, was a night to remember for more of a reason than its exotic atmosphere and activities – the music made the night a banging’ success. Featuring not only popular local talents like April Vellacott and The Other Guys, but also famous performers such as; Britain’s Got Talent, Afishal, the only downside is when your feet hurt too much to keep dancing (at which point many would retreat into the shisha tent).

Overall, the night was a rip-roaring success, with the only complaint that I have heard being, “I’m just sad that the Arabian Nights Ball isn’t an annual one.” Final score: DRA Ball was a 9/10 – and only because I have to wait an entire year for the next one.