FAIRY BALL ON THE
PASEO THIS SATURDAY. 
CHANGE OF VENUE: 
1st CHRISTIAN CHURCH

 
 Photo by Skip Largent
The annual TheatreUpon a StarDanceSwan Fairy Ball On The Paseo has been moved to the First Christian Church at N. W. 36th and Walker because of predicted weather. Enter through the north door of the sanctuary.

“How shall we beguile the lazy evening, if not with some delight?”   This question inspired by Shakespeare is the theme of the 14^th annual Fairy Ball on Paseo to be held on Saturday, September 20, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Paseo artists invite children to dress up for a Fairy Ball and come to the historic arts district to create an eveningmade of visual delights, music and dance.

The Fairy Ball is a time for make-believe when children of all ages are encouraged to create a costume at home to wear to the ball.  Many kinds of whimsical characters are expected to appear at this year’s gathering.  Bugs, blossoms, elves, muddy trolls, an array of fairies, autumn leaves, vegetable imps, sky creatures, comets, moon men and dragons, little mice and furry kittens, any fanciful being that can be imagined is welcome.

The Fairy Ball begins at 7:00 PM with ‘Flower Magic’ when artists show children how to finish their costumes by weaving flowers into crowns, wings and ‘flowerfulls’.  Mysterious music fills the air at 7:45 as twilight gathers children to the sound of a whisper.  Rainbow lights inspire the StarDanceSwan Fairies to spin color into motion and invite all children to follow them in rounds of dance.  Children are encouraged to move in their own naturally expressive ways to music made just for the ball. Steve McLinn’s Ojas Music bedazzles the ears, makes little feet spin and fills the evening with his electrical acoustical fusion songs of the imaginary world.  Parents can watch their children dance and there will also bean area where families can dance together.

“The Paseo Artists and StarDanceSwan dancers wish to evoke a sense of wonder in each child as this yawning eve of summer welcomes the awakening of fall, “ says Lorrie Keller, designer of the event.  “The Fairy Ball is a playful time, while offering an authentic learning experience that provides the ideal stimulation and engagement to expand imaginations.”

The fun begins at home before the ball starts when children and their parents explore the endless possibilities for a costume.  Parents are encouraged to let their children be the guide.When beginning to make a costume, parents can enrich the creative process by engaging their children in imaginative thinking. Parents can even step into the creative realm with their children to make a story and a dance.This event offers infinite ways for parents and children to explore the arts at home together.

“Where can one find the materials to make a Fairy Frock?  You can rummage through vintage clothing stores and thrift shops. What goodies lie in your grandparent’s trunks?  Find forgotten treasures in the back of your closets.  Repurpose what you find and go for originality,” suggests Lorrie Keller, who has been building costumes for StarDanceSwan with these ideas in mind for years. “You will be surprised by what you can create.  The characters who come to the Fairy Ball are always enchanting and bring the Ball to life.”

On the eve of the Fairy Ball, everyone gathers in the sanctuary of the First Christian Church.   ‘Flower Magic’ is from 7:00 to 7:45 PM.  The dance is from7:45 to 9:00 PM.  The Fairy Ball is free to the public; donations are accepted to help offset the costs of the event.  Children must be accompanied by an adult.   The Fairy Ball is made possible through the support of the State Arts Council of Oklahoma, the Paseo Arts Association and Theatre Upon a StarDanceSwan.   For more information call the Paseo Arts Association, 525-2688, or go to www.thepaseo.com