Galentine’s Ball: A Redemption of St Andrews’ Ball Culture

An hour before the ball, my room was a battlefield of pink and red dresses, half-empty nail polish bottles, and the creeping uncertainty of attending solo. It was 15 February — the night of the Galentine’s Ball — and unlike most of my friends, who were off to the St Andrews Charity Fashion Show, I had no plus-one.

At first, the thought of going alone felt daunting. But as I scrolled through the Ball’s Instagram, its feed awash with soft bows, red hearts, and a clear promise of a welcoming atmosphere, my hesitation faded. This wasn’t an event that required a carefully coordinated friend group: it was a celebration of something bigger. 

That sense of inclusivity is at the heart of the Galentine’s Ball, an event organized by EmpowHER. Founded in 2020 during the pandemic, the society was created to provide a welcoming space for women, promoting wellbeing through exercise and community. The Ball itself was designed to reflect these values, with tickets priced at £35 for members and £42 for non-members. Including welcoming drinks, delicious treats, face gems, and a thoughtful goodie bag included, it offered far more than most events at a fraction of the cost

As I approached the Rusacks, a lively stream of women — some teetering in high heels, others confidently stomping in Doc Martens — made their way up the steps, dressed in everything from flowing gowns to sharp pantsuits. 

At the entrance, co-directors Lily Poklembova and Lauren Buckbee greeted each guest with a warm smile, checking wristbands and creating an instant sense of welcome. Just past the doors, a glass of prosecco awaited attendees, along with two signature cocktails, the Pink 75 and Whisky Sunshine, both specially crafted by EmpowerHER for the occasion. As I wasn’t drinking, I made my way to the bar for a £4 lemonade instead.

After wandering around the venue, I stopped by the snack bar, drawn by the tempting promise of something sweet; the cakes of every flavour, cookies, and brownies were impossible to resist. With no plates or napkins, I had to grab a brownie by hand — a choice that was both delectable and a dilemma. Incredibly moist, it clung to my fingers like glue. As a fan of fudgy brownies, I had no complaints, but discreetly peeling melted chocolate from my hands was an unexpected challenge.

Near the snack bar, Hollie Rose, a Master’s student and Feminist Society member, ran a face gem station in collaboration with EmpowHER. She was lovely to talk to, chatting enthusiastically as she picked out colourful gems for me. The final touch of sparkle made me feel truly beautiful for the night.

As I settled into my seat, I struck up a conversation with a few society members. Patricija Ĉesonytė, a Master’s student and member of EmpowHER, confessed that she had always been hesitant about attending balls. She’d heard mixed reviews. Nothing scandalous, but enough negative experiences to make her wary. Her friend, who had been to Welly, painted a vivid picture of guests drinking heavily out of their wellies. “I never thought balls would be for me,” Ĉesonytė admitted. However, here, at an all-female event, she felt something different: comfort, inclusivity, and the freedom to be herself. “A safe place to express yourself,” she called it. 

That same warmth was embedded through every detail of the night, including its entertainment. Call me biased, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the all-girls choir, the Hummingbirds. Their performance at the Galentine’s Ball was nothing short of delightful, their harmonies filling the Rusacks and adding a layer of charm to the evening. 

Towards the end of the night, I had the chance to speak with the event’s co-directors, who, fittingly, had themselves met at the Galentine’s Ball during their first year. When asked about her favorite part of the evening, Poklembova reflected, “So many smiles, so many happy faces. University can be so intense at times, so being part of an event that brings people together and gives them a night to celebrate love in all forms is really special.”

By the end of the night, the dance floor was packed with a sea of red, white, and pink as everyone moved to the DJ’s music. The atmosphere felt effortlessly inclusive — a space where everyone could celebrate, dance, and simply enjoy the moment. In this vibrant energy, women were not only embracing the joy of the night but also fostering supportive friendships and sharing laughter and encouragement as they danced together.

From sweet treats to curated drinks, from music to carefully chosen decorations, every detail of the night felt intentionally crafted. The effort poured into this event was undeniable, creating an ambience that was both lively and welcoming. In a town known for its extravagant, and sometimes chaotic, ball culture, the Galentine’s Ball felt like a refreshing redemption — an event that proved you don’t need excess or exclusivity to create a magical night. Whether you attend with a group of friends or go solo, this is one ball where you’re guaranteed to feel celebrated.

Photo by Laurel Lazzareschi