Above: Aubrey Neely and Franklin McGuire waltz at the FACE Heritage Ball. Upper right: Lori and David Hatcher. Right: Sarah Porter and Banner Plumb Sponsored by the Forest Acres Christian Educators (FACE) homeschool support group, the annual FACE Heritage Ball has attracted over 200 homeschoolers for the past three years. This year, "the ball," was held at the Capital Senior Center November 15.

Young ladies in shimmering ball gowns and evening dresses and young men in suits, tuxedos, and kilts danced with their families and friends to English and Celtic country folk music.

Andrew Lonon, homeschool senior and co- chair of the sevenmember student committee that organized the event, said "the purpose was to honor individuals, families, and God. We believe dance is a beautiful thing, and so we use dancing in a way that glorifies God." His co- chair, junior Aaron Sanders, added, "The ball is a way to connect with our past. Dance today has become very undignified...In our culture, the old noble values are gone, and the ball is an excellent way to bring those back."

The ball is their replacement for the traditional prom. Lori Hatcher, said, "It gives young ladies and young men an opportunity to dress in their finest, put on their best manners, and have a very memorable evening. It is also an opportunity for the whole family to experience the dance."

Grandparents, parents, and grandchildren come and dance to their hearts' content.

The FACE Heritage Ball was first held in 2006. Hatcher said, "Kristen Hatcher, a senior, and Zan Campbell, a junior attended a period ball. They had a vision for making their dance the equivalent to the prom with a period theme. They approached the FACE leadership and asked to organize a student committee with parent advisors. The FACE board unanimously agreed and the rest is history!"

Before the big event this year, participants were encouraged to attend several dance practices.

Among the many dances of the evening, the Virginia Reel, Postie's Jig, and Carolina Promenade were favorites. Thompson said, "I love these dances because you get to interact with everybody in the whole group.

Mary Palmer Richards commented, "I love looking at the dresses— they are all so beautiful!" Taylor Marshall said, "It's a totally awesome reason to wear a gorgeous dress and dance with friends!"

Hatcher summed up the ball. "It's a chance for every lady to be Cinderella and every gentleman to be Prince Charming!"

Shannon Whalen and Dima Lane John Copp and Mary Leigh Hatcher Rebecca King and Andrew Lonon Emily Laughridge and Aaron Sanders Timothy Sarazen and Victoria Unthank Christian Kloot and Karin Strickland Lydia and Aaron