‘Wonderful’ Winter Ball Held at HSE University in Perm

On February 8, the most long-awaited event of the winter—the HSE Winter Ball—took place at the Triumph Private Philharmonic in Perm. For several months, the participants rehearsed a variety of dances, prepared gorgeous outfits, and created a charming masquerade fairy tale featuring lace masks, swirling ball gowns, waltzes, mazurkas, and more. The participants of the event have shared their impressions with the HSE News Service.

Victoria Vedernikova, student of HSE University in Perm, head of the ARTeria Theatre Studio

The Winter Ball is a special event for every HSE student. This was the second time I’ve participated in the event; last year I was an actor, and this year I was an assistant director and was responsible for staging a theatrical performance. The most difficult part was probably taking part in rehearsals almost daily for two weeks, including weekends. In addition, I was responsible for many administrative tasks, and at the same time I had to work on the production with the actors.

Despite all the difficulties, this experience inspired me, and now I'm even thinking about staging something myself! We achieved a great result, and I am incredibly happy with the magic that happened on stage on February 8th!

Maxim Osvin, student of HSE University in Perm

It was the first time I danced at the HSE Winter Ball, and the most difficult thing, in my opinion, was not to get upset that it wasn’t possible to attend all the rehearsals. Despite the fact that they were difficult and time-consuming, looking back, everything was very cool. The main emotion of the winter ball is delight, because there is nothing cooler than preparing something for three months and then presenting it with your friends. This is an amazing event that I would advise absolutely all students to attend next year.

Varvara Osoka, student of HSE University in Perm

The Winter Ball gets more wonderful every year. This time, the preparation was complex, but everything went great. The key to a successful Winter Ball is, of course, the participants, who create this winter fairy tale atmosphere!

Anton Dmitruk, student of HSE University in Perm

This is my third Winter Ball, but it feels like my first thanks to the new people and acquaintances, new dances, and new theme. This year it was a bit difficult to combine rehearsals with work and study, but nothing is impossible.

After the ball and all the rehearsals, only positive feelings remain, because every year at the ball you meet incredibly good, open-minded, and outgoing people. All the memories I have of the event will help me to look forward to the next ball and immerse myself in this atmosphere once again!

Alina Lutz, student of HSE University in Perm

This is the first time I've participated in this event, but I'm sure it won't be the last time! The most difficult thing in the preparation was to realise that soon our rehearsal atmosphere would come to an end and we would have to wait for this wonderful Winter Ball again. Participating in the event left me with a lot of positive emotions: happiness, admiration, delight, and a lot of inspiration!

Gelya Gribova, student of HSE University in Perm

The Winter Ball is one of my favourite events at our campus. I am sure that our masquerade ball was a success. The organisers did a very good job communicating with the participants, announcing, and decorating the event. I'm really excited to be a part of it all!

The success of the Winter Ball definitely lies in the fact that a large number of students participate in it. Students from different courses and programmes get to know each other and have fun. Many of the participants said they would miss rehearsals and wanted to come to the ball next year. It seems to me that this shows the success and uniqueness of the event—after three months of rehearsals, the ball has become part of their pleasant winter routine.

Alexandra Shchelchkova, student of HSE University in Perm

The Winter Ball is my favourite student activity. The work always starts with developing the concept and ideas of the ball's fairy tale. It seems to me that the masquerade, with its playful, lively mood and colours, fits perfectly. The participants and guests prepared great costumes and masks! I look forward to watching the video to bring back the atmosphere of that evening!