The Ostentatious Ball
This is The Ostentatious Ball at SIRF 2026! A celebratory dance event that invites everyone to step into the spotlight and dance into history.
Below is your guide to the full experience
Jump to a section:
Welcome to the ball
The Ostentatious Ball is all about embracing your most ostentatious self – whatever that means to you.
Never danced before? No problem! The Ostentatious Ball is about expression, joy, and connection, not perfection. If you’re open to moving, improvising, and engaging with others in a fun and welcoming atmosphere, then this is for you.
Thank you for signing up to take part in this mass experience, you will be dancing on a giant disco ball of joy, and we are so looking forward to moving with you.
Inside this guide you’ll find everything you need to know so you can arrive feeling confident and ready.
Accessibility
If you have any specific needs or access needs, then please do get in touch, if you require this webpage in large print, in a different language, printed on paper of a certain colour then we can do this for you don’t hesitate to reach out we are here to support all needs not just the physical stuff this is also about any of the needs that we can’t see.
If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer at SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk
Who are ZoieLogic?
Founded in Southampton in 2000 by Artistic Director Zoie Golding MBE, we are an artistically-led, social impact organisation that delivers powerful projects that connect people of all ages and backgrounds through the power of movement.
We work collaboratively with communities to co-create impactful programmes across arts, education and wellbeing, making a tangible difference to participants and the places they call home.
Our mission is to help people live happier, healthier and more creative lives.
Your experience begins here
To take part in The Ostentatious Ball you need to attend:
- 1 Online rehearsal
- 1 In-person rehearsal
- The Ostentatious Ball (event day)
Online Rehearsals
During these rehearsals you will learn a short section of The Grand Finale, which will be your last dance on the event day.
If you’d like to attend more than one session, to really get to know the movement or people you will be dancing with, you are more than welcome to – just jump online!
online rehearsal 1
- DATE: Thursday 23 July 2026
- TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
online rehearsal 2
- DATE: Thursday 23 July 2026
- TIME: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
online rehearsal 3
- DATE: Tuesday 28 July 2026
- TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
online rehearsal 4
- DATE: Tuesday 28 July 2026
- TIME: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
In-person Rehearsals
The in-person rehearsal is your first chance to meet others taking part face-to-face.
During this rehearsal the ZoieLogic team will guide you through some practice games and creative tasks, to give you an idea of what you might be doing throughout the event. On top of that, you will have another chance to rehearse the movement you learnt in the online rehearsals
In-person rehearsal details
- DATE: Saturday 1 August 2026
- TIME: 1:00pm – 4:00pm
- LOCATION: RC Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL
What3Words: ///paddocks.student.argue
The event day
Yay, the event day! This is the exciting bit where we get to see you in all your ostentatious glory!
event day details
- DATE: Sunday 2 August 2026
- MEETING TIME: 7:15pm
- MEETING POINT: ARC Stockton Arts Centre, Dovecot St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1LL
What3Words: ///paddocks.student.argue - SHOW TIME: 7:45pm – 9:15pm
- SHOW LOCATION: 115 High St, Stockton-on-Tees TS18 1BB
What3Words: ///mixed.bonfires.dodges
How to dress
Whether it’s grandeur, glitter, gothic flair, or your favourite tracksuit… anything goes!
We invite you to dress bravely, boldly, and be unapologetically you. Dress to express!
However, you can come wearing anything you like so don’t let the dressing up put you off. There are no rules.
Check out our outfit moodboard on Pinterest for inspiration
FAQS
We have tried to answer all of your questions below, but if there is anything that we haven’t answered please feel free to contact Jennifer at SIRFAdmin@stockton.gov.uk
What if I’ve never danced before?
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.
What can I expect at an online rehearsal?
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.
What can I expect at an in-person rehearsal?
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.
Where do I need to go for the in-person rehearsal?
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
What do I need to wear to the in-person rehearsal?
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.
What should I bring to the in-person rehearsal?
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.
What to expect on the event day?
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.
Where do I need to go on the event day?
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
What is the schedule for the event day?
- 7:15pm – Arrival and check in
- 7:45pm – The Grand Entrance (the ball begins!)
- 9:00pm – The Grand Finale
- 9:15pm – All Finish
What should I bring to the event day?
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.
Is the space accessible?
Yes, the event space is completely accessible. The space has step-free access, an accessible viewing platform for people watching, and seating for participants.
Is there a space for people to watch?
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.
Can I bring people with me?
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
I’m not familiar with Zoom, what do I need to do?
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