The Ostentatious Ball

Perfect – you’re exactly who this is for. No experience needed. No pressure to “be good”.

The only bit you’ll learn is The Grand Finale, and we’ll teach you that step-by-step in the online sessions, then run through it again at the in-person rehearsal. The same dance leaders will be there on the day, doing it with you, so you’re never on your own.

Everything else? You’ll be guided through it by a host. No awkward guesswork.
If you want a bit more confidence beforehand, you’re welcome to jump into multiple online sessions, but you’ll be absolutely fine either way.

We’ll start with a short, easy warm-up to get you moving, then learn a sequence of steps designed for everyone. If anything doesn’t quite fit your style or space, the Dance Artist will help you adapt it.

Clear a little space; a kitchen or living room works fine. You don’t need loads of room, just enough to move safely and comfortably.

Online rehearsals last around 1 hour and are led by a professional Dance Artist – “professional” just means they know their stuff and are here to help, not intimidate!

We’ll start with a short, easy warm-up to get you moving, then learn a sequence of steps designed for everyone. If anything doesn’t quite fit your style or space, the Dance Artist will help you adapt it.

Clear a little space; a kitchen or living room works fine. You don’t need loads of room, just enough to move safely and comfortably.

In-person rehearsals are your chance to bring The Grand Finale to life alongside other participants, with support from a professional Dance Artist.

We’ll kick off with a short, easy warm-up to get everyone moving, then recap the dance sequence that you previously learnt online. The movement is designed for everyone, and the Dance Artist will help you adapt it if needed.

After that, we’ll explore some of the guided movement moments you’ll be doing on the actual day, giving you a taste of the fun and activities you’ll be part of at The Ostentatious Ball.

For the in-person rehearsal head to the below location. You will see the team in ZoieLogic t-shirts, alongside some Ostentatious Ball branding.

LOCATION: ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL

• Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WUwyHzP7PjPRkp9EA
• What3Words: ///paddocks.student.argue

Wear comfy clothes and sensible shoes, and make sure you’re ready to move. We recommend leggings, joggers, shorts, t-shirts etc. There will be toilets where you can change, if you wish to do so.

You don’t need to bring much at all. A water bottle and maybe a snack is always a good idea. There will be places for you to refill your water bottle. If you have bags there will be places to leave these. Either in a secure room at the venue or just at the side of the room.

When you arrive at The Ostentatious Ball, you’ll spot a sparkling disco ball over the floor (and plenty of ostentatious outfits!). Head straight to the big red ZoieLogic gazebo, that’s your registration desk.

After you’ve checked in, one of our team will show you to your dance area. Then it’s time to dive in – meet people, explore the movement, and enjoy the experience! The Ball will be guided by our host and Dance Artists, so you’re in safe hands the whole time.

We’ll also be using Fans and Dance Cards as part of the event (don’t worry, we’ll provide everything you need).

• Dance Cards – These show the order of the dances so you know what’s happening during the event. We’ll explain exactly how to use them on the day.
• Fans – These will be used in one of the dances. You’ll get your fan at registration, and we’ll guide you through how to use it during your in-person rehearsal.

On the event day you will be performing on Stockton High Street. But you will be meeting the team at the below location:

LOCATION: ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL

• Google Maps pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WUwyHzP7PjPRkp9EA
• What3Words: ///paddocks.student.argue

• 4:30pm – Arrival and check in
• 5:00pm – The Grand Entrance (the ball begins!)
• 6:15pm – The Grand Finale
• 6:30pm – All Finish

Keep it light and practical:

• Water bottle (there will be water available to refill your bottle)
• Layers (it’s the UK… be ready for rain or shine)
• Waterproof
• Sun cream / hat if it’s hot

Bring as little as possible, small bags only (think bum bag or small shoulder bag). 

There’ll be a box on the floor in the event space for belongings. Space is limited so we can keep the area clear and safe. The event space will be continuously monitored by members of staff, so your belongings will be safe.

And most importantly bring yourself, and be ready to enjoy it.

Yes, the event space is completely accessible. The space has step-free access, an accessible viewing platform for people watching, and seating for participants.

Yes! The event space is designated for those taking part, however outside of the barriers there will be plenty of space for people to watch the event.

Of course you can! The event space is designated for those taking part, however outside of the barriers there will be plenty of space for people to watch the event. If you would like someone to come into the event space to support you, we can also accommodate this – we would just appreciate you letting us know. Please let Jennifer know by contacting her at SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk

To sign up for your own free Zoom account:

• Visit the Zoom sign up page.
• Verify your age by entering your birth year.
• Enter your email address.
• Click Continue.
  You will receive an email from Zoom (no-reply@zoom.us) with a verification code.
• Enter the verification code sent to your email.
• Click Verify.
• Enter your full name and password.
• Click Continue.
  Your Basic account will be created.

Once signed up, you can also download the Zoom app on most devices to make joining meetings easier. Download the app for your device here: https://zoom.us/download

To join the online rehearsal, just click the relevant link in the above section. Make sure you do this on the device you are logged in / have Zoom downloaded.

If you still have questions, please contact Jennifer at SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk