SIGHTS
Vaulted ceilings (embellished with scalloped edging, plaster medallions, custom moldings, painted artwork), glossy hardwood or marble floors suitable for dancing, thick velvet drapes over large French windows, high walls with crown molding, curved observation balconies on an upper level, massive tiered crystal chandeliers glittering in the soft light, indoor fluted columns with gold leaf accents and scrollwork, archway entries, panel moldings, decorative inserts and sconces, a spiral staircase and balustrade to the second level, a small orchestra or live band, a baby grand piano, guests wearing tuxedos and gowns, women with updos and expensive jewelry, circular dining tables (with white tablecloths, napkin puffs in wine glasses, perfectly polished and spaced silverware, gold-edged china place settings, candle or flower centerpieces), wait staff circulating the crowd to offer canapés or to exchange empty glasses for fresh ones, golden bubbles rising in flutes of champagne, dancers swirling on the floor, elegant floral arrangements and sprays, large ornate doors manned by white-gloved staff, ruby carpet runners flowing down the stairs, metal-framed mirrors spaced along the walls, the sparkle of jewelry, sequins, and expensive watches, black dress shoes polished to a bright gleam
SOUNDS
Musical instruments harmonizing, the murmur of many voices, the clink of glasses and cutlery, laughter, the rustle of dress fabric while one dances, heels crossing the marble floor or climbing the stairs, people calling out to one another, echoes (especially when there are less people in the room)
SMELLS
Food odors, perfume and cologne, sweat after too much dancing, polish or wood oil, smokers with bad breath or who carry an odor of stale cigarettes, fresh floral arrangements
TASTES
Food being served at the event (tenderloin steak, fish, elegant pastas and artisan salads, wild game dishes, creamy tiered desserts), beverages (bubbly champagne, appetizers, wine, water), lipstick, breath mints
TEXTURES AND SENSATIONS
A smooth banister on the stairway, heels sinking into a thick carpet in the foyer, pushing open a heavy door into the ballroom, holding a clutch purse under one’s arm, air-kissing a friend so as not to smear one’s lipstick, a glass champagne flute pinched between one’s fingers, the silky fabric of one’s dress, clasping hands with a partner during a dance, the pressure of a hand at one’s back, cool silverware in one’s hand, the heat of a tuxedo in a crowded room, the pinch of tight shoes, hairspray and pins pulling one’s hair into a stiff arrangement, sitting carefully in a tight dress, an expensive necklace lying heavily against one’s throat, the pinch of heels or new shoes, a bowtie constricting one’s neck
POSSIBLE SOURCES OF CONFLICT
People drinking too much and becoming obnoxious or clumsy
Rivals meeting and getting into a heated argument or fight
A pickpocket working the crowd
Losing one’s invitation and being denied entry
Accidentally spilling a drink on someone or dropping food, which causes another guest to slip
Dance floor mishaps
Two women wearing the same dress
Wardrobe malfunctions
Falling off a riser or down the stairs
Dating more than one person and having them both show up at the same event
Dangerous political maneuvering—especially if one is playing to opposing sides of a conflict
Having one’s borrowed jewelry stolen
Saying something that one should not and having the wrong people overhear it
PEOPLE COMMONLY FOUND HERE
An event coordinator, attendees, guest dignitaries or celebrities, hotel or establishment staff (waiters, musicians, bartenders, kitchen staff, caterers)
RELATED SETTINGS THAT MAY TIE IN WITH THIS ONE
Rural Volume: Mansion, prom, wedding reception
Urban Volume: Black-tie event, limousine
SETTING NOTES AND TIPS
Ballrooms are often found in opulent hotels, wealthy private residences, and in certain state buildings. In an older location, they may be carefully restored to protect the historic nature of the room; newer ballrooms may be designed in a specific architectural style.
SETTING DESCRIPTION EXAMPLE
It was a night of flickering candlelight, soft music, and tastefully decorated tables holding blue rose centerpieces. Attentive white-gloved servers held trays of sparkling champagne flutes aloft, filtering through the crowd as they waited for the final donation tally to be read. It was also the night that Belinda, the forty-something charity organizer for the McMann Arts Center, discovered she was not a size nine. In truth, she was not a ten either, but something closer to a twelve or perhaps a fourteen. The size of her didn’t matter, at least not to those who knew and loved her. The only one who really cared was her sleek green satin dress. As she ascended the stage for the announcement, her outfit chose to protest that second piece of blackberry tart from dessert. A mighty tearing sound rang through the chamber—a herald trumpeting the announcement that her form-fitting dress could take no more. Splitting right up the backside, the slit showed the crowd more than Belinda intended, including her propensity for going commando.
Techniques and Devices Used: Metaphor, multisensory descriptions, personification
Resulting Effects: Characterization, establishing mood, tension and conflict