Are you still looking for something to treat your better half to over Valentine’s Day weekend? Your search ends here.
On Friday, Feb. 12, the Skule™ Orchestra will host its 10th annual Moment Valentine’s Ball at the historic and stately Great Hall of Hart House. Attendees will be treated to ballroom dance lessons followed by an evening of dancing and live music provided by the Skule™ Orchestra and Skule™ Stage Band.
Skule™ Orchestra violinist and managing director Kenny Kim (Year 4 EngSci) has performed at the last three Moments, but this year will be the first time he’s planned it from the ground up — from booking the venue to marketing the event.
“Moment is catered to people of all dance levels and skill,” Kim said. “This year, the music is going to focus on waltz and swing selections. We’ll be playing really well known pieces, like “The Blue Danube” by Johann Strauss and “The Skater’s Waltz” by Émile Waldteufel, along with a few surprises.”
Sonia De Buglio (ChemE 9T4, MASc 9T8), director of alumni relations at U of T Engineering, makes Moment a yearly tradition, having only missed one since its inception in 2007.
“It takes the planning out of Valentine’s Day,” De Buglio said. “My husband and I usually go out for a nice dinner beforehand and Moment is such a great way to spend the rest of the evening — although there is a little bit of wrestling when it comes to who leads the dance.”
De Buglio joked that Moment is the one mandatory dance lesson she makes her husband attend.
“After nine years, we can now, sort of, waltz our way around the room,” she said.
“There aren’t many opportunities to dance to swing and waltz music in Toronto — especially at events organized by U of T Engineering students,” Kim said. “If you’ve always wanted to learn how to ballroom dance, Moment is a great way to dip your toes into the water and see if it’s for you.”
Tickets are on sale now. Visit skulemusic.ca/moment for more information.
— Jamie Hunter