Very Pretty Ladies Present...

Better late than never...

2008-01-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

People have been asking...Who won the contests?

Another big "congratulations" to our contest winners!

Belle of the Ball - Gillian Doan
Beau of the Ball - Jen Caldwell
Charlie Brown of the Ball - Dana Putnam

Dance Competition:
1st place went to Mosh Mount Pleasant
2nd place went to Suzy, Jen and the Swing Dancers
3rd place went to Elektra and her Sexy Back gang

Photos are up!

2007-12-12T19:03:00.001-08:00

Check out the "It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown" set on our Flickr page. There are nearly 200 photos (please, keep 'em coming!)

Keep on dancing!

2007-12-12T14:26:00.000-08:00

Thank-you! to everyone who came to The Winter Ball and helped make our party a great success! We had fun, and judging by the hoots and hollers filling the hall, you had fun too!

If you took any photos at the party, and you’re willing to share, please e-mail them to veryprettyladies (at) yahoo (dot) ca. We would like to upload them to our Flickr account and create a 2007 Winter Ball photo set. We've already received some and they will be going up on the Very Pretty Ladies Flickr page ASAP.

We thought you would like to know that we raised $178 for the WISH Women’s Shelter through our 50/50 draw. Add to that an additional $2 donation and $20 that the Very Pretty Ladies added to the pot, and our donation to WISH reached $200. Thank-you also to those who donated hats, scarves and gloves. WISH were thrilled to receive our donations!

We would also like to thank our prize donors Vision Vancouver, who donated t-shirts and CUPE 391, who donated gift cards. The Very Pretty Ladies provided the rest of the prizes including champagne and chocolates (oooh lala!).

You may have heard that the Very Pretty Ladies have decided to pass the Winter Ball torch on. This is true. However, we hope that the party tradition will carry on and continue to be embraced by our friends and coworkers.

Happy Holidays from the Very Pretty Ladies!

Anne, Brie, Lesli and Simone

A few last minute details...

2007-12-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

The Dance Competition will begin at about 9pm. We're still accepting entries, so if you feel a burst of inspiration while you're putting on your party clothes please bring the song you want to dance to with you to the party and we'll get you up on stage, superstar!

The bar at the WISE Hall is cash-only.

A map to the hall can be found in our FAQ section.

If you take pictures at the party, please let us know so we can post them to our Flickr account. We'd love to see them.

And remember, The Winter Ball is all about having FUN!!!

See you tonight...
perhaps with bells on!
~ the Very Pretty Ladies
(Anne, Brie, Lesli and Simone)

Do you have your ticket yet?

2007-12-05T12:48:00.000-08:00

Tickets will be on sale at Central tomorrow, Thursday December 6, from 12:30-1:30 in the Staff Lounge. Drop by, say "hi" to Brie and pick up a ticket or two. Only $10!

Branch staff who have not placed their ticket orders, but would like to come to The Winter Ball can pick up their tickets at the door on the night of the party. Please e-mail veryprettyladies (at) yahoo.ca with the name of your branch and the number of tickets required. You will be able to pay for and pick up your tickets at the WISE Hall.

A limited number of tickets will be available at the door on Saturday night. However, in order to guarantee entrance to the most fabulous, most fun and most talked about holiday party of the year, it is recommended that you buy your ticket ahead of time!

50/50 Draw!

2007-12-04T12:07:00.001-08:00

It wouldn't be a party without a 50/50 draw! 50/50 tickets will be on sale throughout the night.

Prices:
one ticket for $2
three tickets for $5
ten tickets for $10

This year 50% of the money raised will be donated to the WISH Women's Shelter in the Downtown Eastside. In addition to the draw, we will also be collecting some much-needed items for the shelter. These include: toiletries such as shampoo and soap, feminine hygiene products, gloves, scarves and hats. There will be a box at the event for the collection of these items. If you can make a donation, please bring these items with you to the party on Saturday.

Thank-you!

Birds do it, bees do it...

2007-12-03T20:50:00.000-08:00

Check out this dancing bird...(thanks Diana!)

If this bird can choreograph a little dance routine just think of what YOU could do on Saturday night at The Winter Ball. The Very Pretty Ladies are still accepting names for the dance competition. It's your moment to shine AND potentially win a prize!

A reminder that Winter Ball tickets are still on sale for $10. Visit Anne on Tuesday at Central between 12:30-1:30, or Brie on Thursday (same place, same time). Simone and Lesli will be busy visiting branches Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Friends and family are welcome, so feel free to bring a date or dance partner!

Top 5 Reasons to rock out at the Winter Ball

2007-11-30T09:57:00.001-08:00

5. With everything people are saying about this party, you want to check it out for yourself

4. You secretly want to perform that awesome dance number you've been hiding for years

3. You're dying to find out what Simone, Lesli, Anne and Brie actually look like

2. You'd like to know what your co-workers look like all cleaned up!

1. You don't want to miss the Whipple or the Gemmill!

Where else can you dance to Dolly Parton, Beyonce, Journey, Kelly Clarkson and Pat Benetar in one night. NOWHERE!!!

Tickets on sale now!

We need YOU! to enter our dance competition

2007-11-29T14:51:00.000-08:00

So, it seems that people around here are feeling a little shy. We have a handful of entries for the dance competition, but we need MORE. We need YOU!

The Winter Ball is just over a week away! There's still plenty of time to gather together some friends and co-workers, pick out a killer track and show us whatchu got.

Here are some inspirational clips. Please also refer to the earlier clip in the previous dance contest announcement on this very blog.

Leo Sayer and The Muppets!

Fred and Ginger!

OK GO!

John Travolta!

A guy with a trombone!

Martha Graham!

Learn how to Krump!

The Very Pretty Ladies encourage carpooling and taxi-sharing

2007-11-29T10:54:00.001-08:00

Looking for a carpool to the Winter Ball?

Please use the "comments" section to post some details about where you're coming from or to offer a ride from your area of town to the WISE Hall.

Since this blog is technically public please do not post personal details. Leave your name, city that you are driving from and the abbreviation for your worksite. If you see the potential for a carpool, give your coworker a call or send them an e-mail.

And if you are driving, please plan ahead and use a designated driver if you're thinking about drinking. The Very Pretty Ladies will also be happy to call people cabs if you need one.

Here are some taxi services to jot down (or program into your cell phone):

Yellow Cab - (604) 681-1111
Vancouver Taxi - (604) 871-1111
Maclure's Cabs - (604) 683-6666
Black Top & Checker Cabs - (604) 681-2181

We want to see your moves!

2007-11-26T18:01:00.000-08:00

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown marks the Very Pretty Ladies first foray into the world of competitive dance---okay, maybe "competitive" isn't the right word, but we're holding a dance contest and we want YOU to enter! There are prizes, not to mention the glory you will bask in as you bathe in the applause of your co-workers, friends and family.

Here is what is required:

an entry of one person or more (individual or troupe)
a catchy song (please bring a CD to the ball or send ahead of time to Brie)
a dynamic, imaginative dance routine of any style
costumes aren't required, but are encouraged
props can certainly be incorporated
but please NO fire or nudity!

And for inspiration, here is a routine that Brie particularly loves:

Be brave, gather your troupe and send your name and song title (if chosen) to veryprettyladies(at)yahoo.ca!

2007-11-25T18:53:00.000-08:00

Our friend and colleague, James, created an amazing video promoting the Winter Ball and showcasing his enthusiasm for the party. We think you'll like it --- We LOVE it! Now what are you waiting for...get your tickets for The Winter Ball this Tuesday and Thursday!

Thanks James!

A reminder...

2007-11-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

If you have any questions about The Winter Ball please e-mail us directly at veryprettyladies(AT)yahoo.ca the source for the most reliable and up-to-date information about The Winter Ball.

The Poster is here!

2007-11-23T16:05:00.000-08:00

ISKRA POSTERS kindly designed an incredible poster for us! Check it out here and look for a copy at your worksite soon.

Thanks to everyone who bought tickets this week. We had plenty of lunch time visits from folks eager to dance their socks off and shake their mistletoe with us on December 8th. Branch orders have been coming in fast and furiously.

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown is a mere two weeks away!

Frequently Asked Questions...

2007-11-19T19:23:00.000-08:00

Is the Winter Ball a union party? / Is the Winter Ball a library party?

No, the Very Pretty Ladies organize and host The Winter Ball on their own time and pay for it with their own funds, therefore it is not affiliated with any particular organization. The Winter Ball is a private party organized by four friends who work at or have worked at the Vancouver Public Library. We invite our coworkers, present and past, as well as their families and friends to come to the party and celebrate the festive holiday season.

Why do tickets cost $10?

Money gained by ticket sales is invested into the party. Presently the Very Pretty Ladies are paying for the costs associated with the Winter Ball themselves. Ticket sales will ensure that the party pays for itself. Some of the costs associated with the party are hall rental, sound equipment rental, event insurance, food, prizes, etc.

Why aren't there any bands playing at The Winter Ball?

The Winter Ball is a dance party. That is why the Very Pretty Ladies have chosen to use only DJs for their party. In addition, there are higher costs associated with the hall rental when live music is performed.

What type of food is served at The Winter Ball?

Snacks and munchies. This year we're asking volunteers to consider donating baked goods to the snack table. We will also have chips, dips and other savoury treats.

How much are drinks?

The bar is run by the WISE Hall who sets the prices for beverages. They offer a selection of beers, wines, spirits and non-alcoholic options. Prices are comparable to most bars.

Is there a dress code?

There isn't a dress code at The Winter Ball, but we encourage everyone to don their finest and try their hand and taking home the Belle and/or Beau of the Ball crown. This year we don't have theme colours, but we do invite you to embrace the Charlie Brown theme or just dress up (it's fun!).

What's with the dance contest?

We want you to show us what you've got. Individuals and groups are encouraged to submit an entry into this competition. Routines should be choreographed and music must be submitted prior to The Winter Ball. Entrants will be judged by applause from the crowd.

What types of prizes will there be?

We will be holding a door prize draw for a few door prizes, as well as the crowning of the Belle and Beau of the ball. A prize will also be given out to the person whose outfit best captures the Charlie Brown theme. We'll have a 50/50 draw. And prizes will be given out to the best dancers in the dance competition. Basically, there will be lots of prizes.

Where is the WISE Hall?

The WISE Hall is located at 1882 Adanac Street, a few steps west of Victoria Drive (around the corner from the Vancouver East Cultural Centre).

View Larger Map

Any other questions...Please e-mail the Very Pretty Ladies at veryprettyladies (at) yahoo.ca

Ticket Info...

2007-11-17T12:05:00.000-08:00

Tickets go on sale next week!

Central staff - Anne and Brie will be selling tickets during lunch on Tuesday November 20th. Further lunch hour sale times to be announced.

Branch staff - Lesli and Simone will be delivering tickets sometime prior to the Winter Ball. In the meantime, you can reserve them now, so e-mail your name and the number of tickets that you will require. Please e-mail your order to anneols(at)vpl.ca

Get into The Winter Ball for free

2007-11-08T22:24:00.000-08:00

The Winter Ball needs volunteers!

As a volunteer you will help the Very Pretty Ladies ensure that the Winter Ball runs smoothly.
As a show of thanks, you will receive one free entry to the Winter Ball: a complimentary ticket for you or a friend/partner/family member.

We need volunteers to:

help set up the event (be at the hall at 6pm to help decorate - there will be pizza!)
help clear tables and maintain a fun atmosphere during the party (shifts TBD)
help us clean up at the end of the night (we encourage all party guests to help with this, but we will need a few dedicated volunteers)

Interested? Please contact Anne: anneols@vpl.ca

2007-11-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

We've made you wait long enough! We are officially announcing the 2nd Annual Best Party of the Year!

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown!
Saturday, December 8th; doors open at 7:30pm.

You've all heard the buzz about last year's party, so don't miss out. Tickets will be on sale in the coming weeks for $10, we will be visiting all the branches to take your ticket orders.

Once again prizes will be up for grabs for Belle and Beau of the Ball!

This year we'll be featuring performances from you as we unveil the first Winter Ball Dance Contest! Singles or groups can sign up with Anne Olsen if you want to show us what you got...dance wise, that is. One, if not all, of the Winter Ball ladies will be performing as well, so you'll have to bring it!

Volunteers can also sign up by emailing Anne.
So get your groups together, buy your tickets and get ready for the biggest library bash you've ever seen!

Brought to you by Anne, Brie, Leslie and Simone

Announcing...

2007-10-21T12:55:00.000-07:00

It's a Winter Ball, Charlie Brown

Saturday December 8, 2007
WISE Hall
Tickets $10

Stay tuned for announcements including ticket sales, contests and more!!!

Mark your calendars!

2007-06-01T22:28:00.000-07:00

The Very Pretty Ladies want YOU to know it's never to early to start planning the office holiday party. Mark your calendars, peeps...

The WINTER BALL 2007
Saturday December 8th
WISE HALL

More info to come...

Stay tuned for information on tickets, an exciting new competition and other exciting news!!!

Re-live the Magic!!!

2006-12-31T20:32:00.000-08:00

Finally! At last! Photos from The Winter Ball!!!

Click here to view our Flickr page.

Did you lose something?

2006-12-18T16:44:00.000-08:00

First of all...A great big THANK-YOU to everyone who came to the Winter Ball! It was so great to see everyone dressed up and having a great time. As one of the two DJ's it was a thrill to see so many people on the dance floor. Who knew that library workers had so many moves!!?? It was amazing!

Stay tuned for a picture post in the next few days. If you were there and took pictures please contact me about getting them put up on the blog.

Finally, if you were one of the few that happened to leave their jacket or coat or scarf, etc behind please contact the WISE Hall directly at 604-254-5858. If you left your red umbrella, please contact Lesli.

Thanks again!

~ brie

Carpooling

2006-12-13T10:30:00.000-08:00

Looking for a carpool to the Winter Ball? Use the comments option to post where you're coming from or to offer a ride from your area of town to the hall. Because this blog is technically public please do not post personal details. Leave your name, city that you are driving from and the abbreviation for your worksite. If you see the potential for a carpool, give your coworker a call or send them an e-mail.

This is an experiment! We hope it works :)

Where the heck is the WISE Hall?

2006-12-08T17:48:00.000-08:00

The WISE Hall is located at 1882 Adanac Street (one block north of Venables Street and just west of Victoria Drive). Here is a link to Google maps where you can search for directions from your home or branch to the hall. It's a big green building!

There is free parking on the streets around the hall and bus stops close by.

Do you have what it takes?

2006-12-06T15:42:00.000-08:00

No --- rhinestones and cumberbunds are not too much!

Big hair and bow ties? Bring 'em on!

We are pleased to announce that at the upcoming Mix and Mingle Winter Ball we will be crowning the first ever

Belle and Beau of the Ball

Time to dust off those party dresses and tuxedos ladies and gentlemen! The Winter Ball committee (aka Anne, Brie, Lesli and Simone) will be selecting the best dressed “belle” and most dapper “beau” to be crowned during the party.

The Belle and the Beau will receive fabulous prizes as well as the obligatory crown!

Who will it be? Come to the Winter Ball to find out!

Keys Please

2006-12-04T10:35:00.000-08:00

Thinking of driving to the Winter Ball? Want to make sure you AND your car get home safe? Consider booked ahead with Keys Please, a service that will drive you and your car home for a fee not much more than a cab.

You can call the night of the event - we'll have the number (along with taxi numbers) handy - but they book half their fleet in advance. So if you already know you're going to be bringing your car, don't have a designated driver, and want to book ahead, here's the info:

Keys Please - Your Designated Driver

Sunday through Thursday 4 p.m. until 4 a.m.

Friday & Saturday 4 p.m. until 5 a.m.

Service required outside of these hours must be pre-arranged.

604 - 581 - 0558

http://keysplease.net/Vancouver.htm

Frequently Asked Questions

2006-11-28T10:10:00.000-08:00

Winter Ball FAQ

In which the Very Pretty Ladies attempt to address all of your queries

Is the Winter Ball only for young people? Is it only for old people?
The Mix and Mingle Winter Ball is for EVERYONE! Young, old, in between, everyone is invited to the Winter Ball…and we hope that you can all come!

What kind of music will be played?
The DJs will be playing songs that you know NOT crazy thump-thump dance music. The object is to make you dance and nothing is more fun that dancing to songs that you know. Expect a wide range of songs from the 1960s right up to contemporary hits. Brie and Aili have been DJ-ing for years and promise an eclectic mix with a little something for everyone.

Do I have to dress up?
Dressing up is not mandatory, but it is certainly encouraged. We’re looking at the Winter Ball as a chance for everyone to get gussied up in their finest, but if you want to wear jeans and a t-shirt then you should wear jeans and a t-shirt. We want the Winter Ball to be fun, so wear what you want.

Do I have to wear a ball gown or a tuxedo?
Like we said above, dressing up is not mandatory. However, you should know that we plan on holding a contest for the “Belle and Beau of the Ball”. The Very Pretty Ladies will be choosing the winners and the fancier your outfit, the better chance you have of winning.

What type of food are you going to have?
Snacks. Finger food. You know, stuff like little sandwiches and tiny brownies. We're not serving dinner - so have something to eat before and don't come with an empty stomach - but there will be plenty ofsnacks throughout the evening to keep you going! We’re going to provide both savoury and sweet snacks.

Where is the WISE Hall?
1882 Adanac Street (just west of Victoria Drive)

Where do I buy advance tickets?
Advance tickets will be on sale for $10 in the Staff Lounge at lunch on Tuesday November 28th and Tuesday December 5th. Branch staff can request tickets by e-mailing Anne at Hastings. After December 5th tickets will only be available at the door for $15 from 7:30-8:30pm.

I heard the party is for Central staff, not branch staff. Is that true?
No it’s not true! The party is for EVERYONE.

Can I bring my boyfriend/girlfriend/husband/wife/BFF?
Yes! You’re welcome to buy a ticket for a companion. In fact, you’re encouraged to bring a spouse or friend. It’s all about mixing and mingling!

How much will drinks cost?
The bar is operated by the WISE Hall staff and prices are set by the Hall (not us!). Drinks cost typical bar prices (ie. $4.50 for a bottle of beer, etc). It is a CASH ONLY bar, so be sure to bring some cash with you. They will be serving both non-alcoholic drinks and alcohol.

2006-10-31T11:52:00.000-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen...I know you've all been chomping at the bit to get your hands on the Mix and Mingle Winter Ball tickets and the moment is here.

Tickets go on sale starting November 2 at the Meeting. Tickets are $10 each. This pre-sale will end December 1st or when we sellout. Please note that there are only 250 tickets available, so don'twait until the last minute.

Branch staff: Here's how to order your tickets

Print off attached order form. One form per branch please.
Designate someone reliable to collect money.
Once complete, Fax form to Anne at Hastings Branch.
Anne will co-ordinate the ticket/money exchange with each branch.
You must have all money collected at time of ticket drop-off.

Central Staff: If you miss the All-Staff Meeting, there will be several other opportunities to purchase tickets. We will be available in the Staff Lounge on Level 7 between 12:30 - 1:30 on the following days:

Friday Nov.3
Wednesday Nov. 8
Tuesday Nov. 14, 21, 28

Now if those dates and/or times don't suit, please resist from sending me angry hate email. You can also purchase tickets from any of the Very Pretty Ladies (Lesli, Anne, Brie or Simone) however we ask that you try to co-ordinate with us before hand because we are all extremely diligent library staff and can't be distracted during working hours.

Stand out or blend in!

2006-10-31T11:34:00.000-08:00

The theme colours of The Winter Ball are

blue
silver
white

Please feel free to dress to match our decorating scheme!

Formal wear is encouraged but not necessary.

Nerd Alert!

2006-10-17T12:28:00.000-07:00

Music at the Winter Ball will be provided by Nerd Alert!!!

Library Assistants by day, DJs by night, Miss Aili and Miss Brie will play a little something to please everyone. The ladies will make you wanna dance all night long!

Save the date! Friday December 15th!

2006-10-04T12:28:00.000-07:00

It's time to officially mark your calendars for the EVENT OF THE YEAR!!!
For the first time, in a very long time, there will be a VPL Staff Holiday Party, henceforth to be called:

2006 MIX AND MINGLE WINTER BALL

Every year individual worksites get together to celebrate the holiday season but it's time to think BIG. A small group of us (Lesli Boldt, Brie Grey-Noble, Anne Olsen, and Simone Hill) have taken it upon ourselves to organize a Holiday Party for ALL VPL STAFF, friends and family. There will be music, munchies, door prizes, 50/50 and more! So brush off your party clothes, and your spouses/partners and get ready for the event of the season!

Details:
Friday December 15th 2006 (yes, it's a payday!)
WISE HALL (1882 Adanac Street)
Doors Open 7:30pm - 1:30am
Cost: Tickets are $10 pre-sale; $15 available at the door until 8:30pm.
No tickets will be sold after 8:30pm
Cash Bar
Sorry, no minors.

This event will be independently funded by the organizers. However, we would like to thank members of LMT who have personally donated cash and prizes to make this a truly memorable event: Paul Whitney, Sandra Singh, Corinne Durston and Shelagh Flaherty. Special thanks also go out to CUPE 391 who have also stepped up to help sponsor our event.

We will also be looking for volunteers to help us out, so if you're>>interested please send me an email and I will give you more details. More information on how to purchase tickets will sent out soon

Funds go towards hall/equipment rental, catering, etc. Any residual profits will be rolled over to the 2007 Holiday Party. Should this event be the overwhelming success we hope it will be, additional funds may be donated to the VPL Foundation.

Mix and Mingle at the Winter Ball

2006-08-22T16:48:00.000-07:00

We're in the process of confirming a venue for the first ever "Very Pretty Ladies presents..." event, The Winter Ball. Stay tuned for more details!

Very Pretty Ladies Productions

2006-08-14T20:49:00.000-07:00

Stay tuned for event information...