Beacon Hill ladies and gentlemen were in their ballroom best Saturday night as the the 39th annual Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Annual Winter Dance was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. This year’s theme of “Old Hollywood Glamour” made the dance helped make this year’s dance one of the most glamorous annual events for Beacon Hill residents, which featured live music, elegant food, fine cocktails, and even a professional dance performance.

Dressed in sweeping floor-length gowns, opera length evening gloves, and beaded dresses, the women of Beacon Hill did not disappoint, pausing only briefly before entering the hotel from the lobby after changing out of their practical, yet very necessary snow boots to change into their designer heels. The men were classic in tuxedos, with a few showing their personalities, and penchants for fashion, in more unusual accessories, like pocket watches, cream-colored jackets, and spats.

“This is wonderful. We had about 84 people for dinner here at the hotel, and the community flavor has just been wonderful, with both new and old friends attending, and everyone in such amazing outfits!” said Alyson Lindsey of River Street, who attended her 5th dance this year with husband Jeff, and was also on the dance committee.

Susan Symonds from Infinity Portraits handled the photography for the evening, providing feather boas, top hats, cigarette holders, and other old style props for guests to wear and pose with for their souvenir photos. Cardboard cutouts of classic movie stars like James Dean stood along the outside of the room, and a Marilyn Monroe impersonator circulated among the guests, signing autographs and entertaining the crowd.

“The theme is wonderful, its really exciting to be able to enjoy an event that blends together all the different demographics of ages that live in Beacon Hill,” said Amanda Dunker, who was attending her first Winter Dance.

Later in the evening, the ballroom doors were opened to the partygoers, who were treated to a performance by the professionals at the Arthur Murray Dance Studio, who then helped warm up the crowd before the Beacon Hillers took over the dance floor. The guests were treated to live music by the Perry Ross Orchestra, who played many 60s and 70s era classics by Gloria Gaynor, James Brown, and the Four Seasons, among others. To keep their energy up, an array of bite sized desserts were served, buffet style, including apple crumble, vanilla and chocolate creme brulee, slices of Boston creme pie, and coffee and mascarpone tira misu shooters.

Tabletops were decorated with calla lilies and white ostrich feathers from Jeri Solomon Floral Design of Melrose, lending itself quite easily to the classic elegance that infused the evening. All attendees were also invited to enter to win a special door prize from footwear designer Jimmy Choo. 

Sarah Redmond, a member of the dance committee and co-president of the Beacon Hill Young Professionals attended her 2nd dance this year and helped hand-make some of the decorations at the party.

“This space is really great for our theme. When we brainstormed ideas, we wanted to find something that everyone could have fun with, and I think everything turned out really great,” said Redmond.

Two different types of tickets were available for purchase; dinner tickets, or cocktails. A large portion of the proceeds of all tickets go to the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s Annual Appeal. This was the second year the event has been held at the Mandarin.