a night at the ball

Saturday was the annual Winter Formal. I would have to agree that on many accounts this year's event was better than last, but to be fair, we did get several inches of snow the day of last year's formal, which could have had something to do with it. Plus I don't think the Chicago Cultural Society would have been too keen on fire jugglers or acrobats hanging from the ceiling.

The theme for the event was Le Cirque, as in Cirque du Soleil. There were actual artists from the show. And even the food was based on the various shows over the years.

The event was held in a Streeterville Art Gallery. You walked into the second level, and there was a round open space where you could see the first floor. Outside there was a guy juggling fire.

We were greeted by an acrobat hanging from the second floor over the bar set up below. For over an hour she did all kinds of amazing tricks while trays of finger foods seemed to almost magically appear from thin air.

We were then moved down to the lower level where the first act was a magician. He was amazing. He made two doves appear, and then transformed them into a live iguana. Truly amazing.

They opened the food stations and the DJ took over. There was also a guy on giant ball, moving about the room while juggling. And another artist who rode about on a tiny tricycle.

We managed to find a table and hung out with some friends for a bit before heading back upstairs for dessert. The magician made a stop at our table, and performed various tricks including an amazing card trick.

Dessert came around on little trays. They were fun. I think the best was a mini chocolate chip cookie ice cream sandwich on a stick. Quite tasty.

We also learned that outside there was a local hot dog vendor set up with hot dogs and cheese fries. Not sure if that is good for a hangover, or what. But it was fun.