The 16 th LGM Ball, CB 28 January 2002.

In the weekend of november 17 and 18 last year, the Dorint Hotel of Neuss Germany was the meeting place for the 142 visitors of the 16th 'Bal des Gracieuses'.
Actually, the Fridaynight already offered an opportunity to informally meet one another, that about 90 Corsetlovers made use of. Never before in the existence of 'Les Gracieuses Modernes', were there so many people from both Europe and the US to attend the LGM Ball.
Apart from the regular LGM team, Rudi van Ginkel (who is the actual founder of the LGM Ball) did a lot of the organising. And what a delight it is, to realise that so many new people had found their way to the Ball.

Photo: This year, Cathie and Bob Jung had made the trip from the USA to Neuss. On Ballnight this couple could be admired in their wonderful Victorian outfits.

It is rumoured that the Fridaynight was more interesting than the Saturdaynight. If so, the reason could well be that it provided the opportunity to meet informally. And also of course, in terms of beautiful clothes and special outfits, this night already had a lot to offer.

Photo: Cathie Jung, in a corset by Dean Sonnenberg, and Jutta van Ginkel meet again on fridaynight.

On saturdayafternoon, in the Hotel, the attending corsetmakers once again presented us with many wonderful creations. Unfortunately, Michael Garrod of True Grace Corsets was not present, due to illness.
The arrival of a new generation of visitors to the Ball however, did lead up to some criticism regarding the organisation of the event. The Dorint Hotel Neuss was deemed insufficient in several areas.
We have no doubt however, that the LGM Team will take all remarks into consideration, when preparing for the 17th Ball. And we can easily say that the success of the Ball was also due to the presence of Cathie and Bob Jung, as well as to the popularity of the 'Stammtisch', organised monthly by 'The Right Place'.

Photo: Cathie in a blue leather dress.

In the afternoon, most guests returned to their rooms to prepare for the Ball, as at 19:00 hours that evening, it would start off by welcoming the guests and offering them a glass of German Sekt. They could then continue to the actual ballroom, not just to dance, but also for either cold or warm food. With all the attention everybody had paid to their clothes and outfits, everybody looked very festive. The ladies in a gala dress or galaskirt with corset worn 'outside', and many of the men wore dinner-jackets or evening dress.
A small orchestra provided the music for the evening, and many a couple left their footprints on the dance floor.

Cathie enjoys the Ball very much.

Besides dancing and dining, once again people were really anxious to meet again, get better acquainted and make new appointments for the future.
In smaller groups, meetings are organized where, next to the corset, the authentic seamed nylon stocking for example, is the key focus.
And also, people make arrangements privately, sometimes driving hundreds of kilometers to meet and share a nice weekend.

Once again, it was a social ball with many things to enjoy. Sunday morning was used to regain strength by means of an extensive breakfast.
Then, the inevitable goodbyes are there, although everybody is certain they will meet again. One of the first, larger meetings, is 'The Right Place's' Stammtisch, to be held March this year.
The guests that had to travel very far were brought to the airport by taxi, but most guests used their own cars to head home.

You will find more photos of the Ball on LGM Bal 2001.