Have you ever experienced the grandeur of a ball?
While modern times see people socializing and dancing at pubs and nightclubs, attending balls was once a significant cultural affair. Men showcased their elegance in stylish tuxedos and lavish materials, while women adorned themselves in corsets and voluminous dresses.
Even in our futuristic present, the tradition of dancing in ballrooms wearing extravagant ball gowns hasn’t vanished. In fact, various organizations organize events dedicated to commemorating this historical era centered around ball dancing, and one such notable occasion is the Stanford Viennese Ball.
The Stanford Viennese Ball, as described on its website, stands as an exhilarating Stanford institution, featuring social dance, live music, performances, and lively contests. Originating in 1978, the ball was driven by students who had completed the Stanford-in-Austria program and were inspired by the grand balls in Vienna, Austria.
The inaugural event, held in Toyon Hall, witnessed the enthusiastic participation of 350 students, marking the beginning of a tradition that has since evolved into a formal affair eagerly anticipated by students. The excitement is palpable as attendees revel in the opportunity to don freshly ironed suits, dresses, and gloves.
A highlight of the event is the opening dance, meticulously curated by the Stanford Viennese Ball Opening Committee. The opening song captivates the audience with its impressive harmony and synchronicity. Men don black suits, while ladies grace the scene in white silk dresses and gloves, executing multiple lifts and quick spins that leave the audience in awe.
The opening committee’s performance is a spectacle that never has a dull moment, featuring a series of captivating maneuvers that seamlessly flow from one to the next. Witness the charm and entertainment of their act below!
Heroic Marine sacrifices himself by jumping on a grenade to protect a comrade, awarded the Medal of Honor
You may have heard the name William Kyle Carpenter, but there is no denying that he embodies the spirit of an American hero.
At just 21 years old, Kyle reached the rank of Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
During a fierce firefight, a grenade landed dangerously close to him and another Marine. Without hesitation, Kyle jumped into action – a decision that would not only reveal his extraordinary courage, but would change the course of his life forever. He jumped onto the grenade, using his body to shield his fellow Marines from the blast.
In this selfless act, he risked everything to save a life. The explosion left Kyle with severe injuries. His body was riddled with shrapnel and he suffered catastrophic damage to his skull and face. He lost part of his jaw, one of his lungs collapsed, and upon arrival back at Camp Bastion, he was declared PEA (Patient Deceased on Arrival).
Miraculously, Kyle was still alive.
Over the next two years, he underwent an incredible forty surgeries to treat his injuries. His brave actions earned him the Purple Heart and he was later awarded the prestigious Medal of Honor by President Barack Obama. Today, Kyle is retired from the military and is pursuing a degree at the University of South Carolina.
He is a true American hero. Watch the video below to learn more about Kyle’s extraordinary journey. Please share to honor a man who selflessly put himself in danger to protect others.
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