"You're heading to Militeia?" Geoffrey asked. Not that he's eavesdropping but they didn't notice his presence as they were too absorbed in their topic.

Serena did not think that it would matter for him to know so she nodded her head in admission. "Yes, I will be staying there for a couple of weeks during the summer."

"I see." For a second, he thought of joining her, but he knew that his responsibilities won't let him. "I hope you'll enjoy your vacation. When are you leaving? Perhaps I can send you off."

"I'll be leaving on the 20th. However, there's no need to send me as my parents would do so." She declined politely.

Geoffrey just smiled as he nodded his head, then he handed her dance card back. 

"I hope you'll find this satisfactory."

Serena accepted it and thanked him. Since the program was about to begin, Geoffrey excused himself and did not wait for her to open it. He tuned to acknowledge her friends then smiled at Serena again. Then, he left.

--

Serena did not expect much when she opened her dance card. However, when she did, excitement suddenly filled her. She tried hard not to grin like an idiot when she saw Charlton's name. 

Anyway, she did not have the time to revel in that as the Master of Ceremonies started to make his announcement. First, he called on to the principal to do his opening remark. 

The principal thanked the MC and began his speech, "Good evening my dear students. It is a pleasure to see you all on this night of happiness and celebration. As the school year has come to an end, we are here tonight to celebrate all the wonderful things that happened before this day. A year filled with new learning experiences, many accomplishments in academics, sports, fine arts, and much more. We are proud of you.

To the seniors graduating in 2 days' time. Congratulations! You will be making your debut to society soon. As proud graduates of this school, I hope that you will always make good choices, think before you speak and respect yourself and others. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated. 

To the 1st years and the 2nd years, come summer, I hope that all of you would always remember to study hard, read every day, and dedicate yourselves to making next year even better. 

Anyway, I don't wish to bore all of you with a longer speech as I know that you're all looking forward to dance the night away. So, to end this opening remark, let me wish all of you a happy summer vacation. I will miss you all and look forward to seeing everyone back in September. To the graduating seniors, know that the school always have its door open to welcome you should you wish to visit on weekends. Thank you and have a great night."

Then the principal handed back the mic to the MC. "Thank you very much Sir. Now, before we open the dance floor to everyone, as in our tradition, the senior students will be doing their opening dance number. So, may I request everyone to stand on the side to make way."

After that the students all walked to the sides, still separated by gender. All the seniors were easy to identify as the ladies were all wearing a white sleeveless dress with matching white elbow length gloves, while the gents were all wearing black tailcoats, black pants and white gloves and inner wear. 

The ladies in white all stood parallel to the wall of the left side of the ballroom, while on the right were mimicking them were about 32 gents who should be their respective partners for the dance. 

"And now, without further ado, please join me in welcoming the seniors who will be performing the opening waltz to 'Kaiser-Walzer' also known as the "Emperor's waltz", Op. 437 by Johann Strauss Jr."

Then, the introductory notes of the Emperor's Waltz started playing. The gents started to march by twos which followed the beat of the music towards the ladies' side. Each had their hands behind them as they took 3 steps forward then made a hop, then repeat, then took 1 step forward then hop, until all of them were forming a straight line on the dance floor. When they all were able to take their position, they all made a turn, synchronizing a complete rotation of their body, then stopped.

This time, it was the ladies' turn. The ladies started marching by twos, their hands moving with their feet. Finally, when all were standing in front of their assigned partner, they did a raised their left hand and right feet in a somewhat flying gesture, all at the same time. Then, they turned to their partner and took their position.

The gents placed their right hand on the ladies' upper back as the ladies placed their left hand on the gents' right shoulder. Their other hand was raised and linked.

At the same time, all of them made a certain gesture then the gents raised their hand to have their partner make a full circle turn, letting the ladies' ballooning skirts flare.

Then, hand in hand, they all took steps forward to one side of the audience, the gents all bowed, followed by the ladies doing a curtsy. Then the ladies let go of the gents' hand, made a turn, and the gents held their hand again. After, they all walked to a certain position, forming a circle.

This way, the choreographed and synchronized waltz continued, presenting a very beautiful and inspiring sight to all of the audience. When it finally ended, the audience all gave them a thundering applause. The underclassmen, especially the 1st years, more particularly the ladies, who witnessed it for the first time, look forward to the time when it would be their turn.

--

TBC

AN: For reference you can watch (Stanford Viennese Ball 2016- opening committee waltz in youtube)

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