Did the Christmas Ball Meet Students’ Expectations?

On Dec. 6, students gathered at the AUBG Sports Hall to celebrate Christmas during the annual Christmas Ball organized by Student Government. This year, there was a four-time increase in the budget for the Christmas Ball event, which raised students’ expectations.

 

The Christmas Ball Committee, the organizing team, and AUBG students expected more food and drinks, a Christmas tree, and more decorations to create a more grandiose and enjoyable event.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What did the higher budget do?

“The increase in the budget really helped us not to decide between, say, decorations and food,” Gabriela Tsvetanova, the Chair of the Christmas Ball Committee, said. “Now, we have both. We even have more lights.”

 

As Gabriela and her team wanted, the higher budget allowed for more items to be bought, like food and beverages, a photo booth, games, and a Christmas tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 “We got enough food and drinks for around 500 people. We estimated a bit more so that we have extra,” Gabriela said.

 

“The expectations were high as we had a higher budget this year. We had a bunch of food and drinks. Therefore, the concerns from last year were addressed,” Radko Mishev, one of the Ball’s hosts, said.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What went according to plan?

The organization of the Christmas Ball required much time and effort. The members of the Christmas Ball Committee started planning and preparing more than a month prior, which helped them.

 

“It went surprisingly smoothly considering how many elements we had. We had to coordinate with the people who work in ABF, and they were very accommodating and helped us with everything,” Gabriela said.

 

With the help of AUBG faculty and staff, the Christmas Ball Committee achieved results that students could enjoy.

 

“After we finished decorating, we all turned around at each other and said how well it looks here. We were so excited,” Gabriela said. “When you are organizing such a big event in which there are so many things to coordinate, you are worried that things might go bad. So, the fact that it looks how we wanted it to is great.”

 

What went wrong?

“Microphones stopped working in the middle of the event,” Radko said.

 

The technical issues during the Ball did not remain unseen by the students.

 

“I didn’t like that there were some technical difficulties with the microphones and the sound system, which lasted throughout the night,” Kristiyana Kiranska, a first-year student, said.

 

Overall impressions

Some students had positive attitudes toward the Ball.

 

“The lighting set the stage for an evening of nice chats and socializing in this Old Hollywood-style Christmas Ball. I was impressed by how many people had come dressed for the show. It made the atmosphere enjoyable, and it was fun complimenting other people's outfits,” Lyubomir Yanchev, a third-year student, said. “I think the best part was when the dance floor was finally open and people started moving. It was great fun. The music was also pretty good.”

 

Others were not impressed and pointed to several problems that disappointed them.

 

“I think the lighting was not enough; I could not see anything properly. The songs were not loud enough, and I felt like it was better last year,” Ekaterine Rukhadze, a second-year student, said. “It needed a better organization, I would say.”

 

The order of the tables, photo booth, and couches created the atmosphere that the Christmas Ball Committee desired.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“I think the couches and the cocktail tables, providing spaces where people can stand and talk, are good, and I see people are enjoying them,” Gabriela said.

 

The atmosphere gave people the chance to gather, chat, and be together with their friends and colleagues. 

 

“I enjoyed being in the company of my friends, inspired not only by the beautiful atmosphere but also by the diverse performances,” Natalia Ymeraj, a second-year student, said. 

 

There was a visible improvement in comparison to last year’s Ball. However, there were missing parts as well.

 

“I think they [the organizers] tried harder than last year. I liked the Christmas tree and the photo booth. The idea for having a red carpet was also nice,” Galina Velkova, a fourth-year student, said. “However, some people were bored because there were not enough dances.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Students’ recommendations

“Do more microphone and sound checks beforehand, so you have more time to solve the issue,” Kristiyana said. “And the Christmas tree could have been decorated better.”

 

“I would most probably change the sound system. We could have used either the sound system of the Sports Hall itself or bought a new one,” Radko said.

 

“Maybe for next year, they [the organizers] can put more decorations, stick more to the program, and ensure more dances,” Galina said.

 

“My suggestion would be to provide more food, fewer alcoholic drinks, and more fruit juices,” Natalia said.

 

“I will emphasize on the audio issues. Let's hope that isn't the case next year. Overall, I think the ball was a definite improvement over last year, and SG did well. Here’s to many more!” Lyubomir said.