Oh, the sixties: A glamorous era known for its themes of social change, groovy style, and elaborate celebrations. With all things “retro” and “vintage” trending, many parts of the past seem intriguing, especially to those who didn’t get to experience it. For our winter dance on February 28, Haldane students found themselves in their own celebration inspired by Truman Capote’s famous 1966 Black and White Ball.
Student council president, senior Josephine Foley-Hedlund, said that the idea of a Black and White Ball theme for the winter dance first came up last year during an AP English Language lesson on author Truman Capote. She noticed a lot of hype and excitement around events like Prom and Homecoming at Haldane, so she and the student council had to think fast to make the new winter dance just as exciting. “If you add a theme, it gives people a little more motivation,” Foley-Hedlund said. The senior class was intrigued by elegant snapshots of the original Capote event and imagined how exciting it would be to participate in their Black and White Ball. Like Capote, the student council wanted their classmates to “have something to celebrate.”
Truman Capote was an American author, especially known for his books In Cold Blood and Breakfast At Tiffany’s, as well as his eccentric persona and open homosexuality. The Black and White Ball itself was a publicity stunt, joining together different sectors of high society to celebrate his fame and achievements–something he had always hoped to do once he struck gold with his writing. Throughout his career, he had been exposed to extravagant parties held by his rich friends, though he himself had struggled to make a living at the time. He held the Ball at the Plaza Hotel in New York City, spending $16,000 on it, equivalent to $150,000 today.
As for Capote’s character, there is no denying his faults. Many of his actions hurt those around him– such as publishing a small piece in The New Yorker exposing the secrets of some of his closest friends. The Black and White Ball was an elitist statement meant to show off his newfound power and wealth to those below him. However, Capote’s experience with a turbulent childhood and struggle as an openly gay man in an incredibly close-minded period allowed his success to symbolize how anyone can rise to the top; the Ball itself was a celebration of uniqueness. Capote encouraged guests to arrive in lavish attire: elaborate black and white costumes displaying the attendees’ radiant individuality.
Though he made many mistakes, in his best moments, Capote was an activist. Despite losing focus at many points in his career, his privilege as a wealthy white man ultimately allowed him to fight for the causes he believed in. He advocated for the abolishment of capital punishment through his work with In Cold Blood, and encouraged those around him to be open about their identities, blazing a trail for future LBGTQ+ artists and writers.
As we look back at the original Black and White Ball, it is important to acknowledge the Capote event’s aspects of inequality. Even as a celebration of differences, the Ball was still predominantly white and affluent, with only a few prominent wealthy Black leaders in attendance. It was a privilege for Capote and his high society friends to celebrate their differences. As Cold Spring is similarly non-diverse, we must also acknowledge the privilege we hold when remembering the past.
Haldane students pose for pictures at The Black and White Ball-themed winter dance on Friday, February 28.
