Masquerade Ball fills the dance floor
Manakau Hall was transformed by antiques, the sound of jazz, and dancing feet, for In Vogue in the Village on Saturday night. The second annual event, it brought together 90 people from across the Horowhenua and beyond, who dazzled in masquerade.
Noted by one attendee last year to be the classiest event they had been to in the Horowhenua, its return was no different. With a Masquerade Ball theme, there were a unique range of masks on show for the event, with some even dressing in period costume.
The Andrew London Trio, of Otaki, delighted with their playlist of jazz, swing and covers, which had the dance floor full for each set. The moves that had been practised at the dancing classes in the lead up, led by Manakau local Nina Grattan, were showcased on the dance floor.
Organiser Kristy McGregor said the event was a huge success, as indicated by the enthusiasm for the dancing.
“But importantly it was fabulous to see people talking and laughing, both amongst old and new found friends — and neighbours. We had a great turnout from a few of the rural roads around Manakau, including Waitohu Valley Rd and Takapu Rd.
“When attendees weren’t dancing they were in the lounge and dining area, where we had created a scene from a glamorous homestead of another era. Plants borrowed by The Greenery, and antique furniture, framed works and collections from the Levin Little Theatre — along with a raid of my own and families collections — transformed the hall from an empty village hall.”
With a cocktail on arrival — the cocktail menu featuring Manakau Mystique and Veiled Vogue — the bar run by the Manakau Bowling and Sports Club, drinks were enjoyed with fine dining canapes.
A collaboration bringing together four community groups, including the Manakau School, Manakau District Community Assocation, Manakau United Football Club and the Bowling Club, In Vogue in the Village raised funds and breathed spirit into the community.
For Kimbal McHugo, president of the Manakau District Community Association, it was “absolutely fantastic to see the community hall come to life and be used in the way that the fundraisers, builders and residents of Manakau Village had intended”.
The Manakau School was likewise delighted to be part of staging the event. Principal Deb Logan said, “it was fabulous to be part of something that brought so many groups in the Manakau community together. The community hall was the perfect venue, and seeing some of our parents in their masquerade ensembles showed they were keen to support an event with a touch of class. We are already looking forward to the next Vogue in the Village event.”
Organisers are open to suggestions for next year’s location.