Themes
Early Years
In the early years of Fancy Dress, the students kept dance cards. As seen in these cards, there still appears to be a theme from these galas, but it's not stated as prevelantly as it is on the posters. Prior to playing at the gala, the band would release the songs they would be playing, and the students would reserve dances with their dates. The students and the women coming to the gala, would list the songs that would be played, and keep note of their dance partner. Culturally this was much more formal than the Fancy Dress galas in years to come.
1970's
The first Washington & Lee Fancy dress was held in 1907, however Washington and Lee's collection of posters begins in the late 1970's. Prior to this, Washington and Lee printed dance cards for their gala. Featured above are the Fancy Dress themes from 78' and 79'. Pictured on the left was the 'Glories of Egypt' themed ball hosted Early Fielding. The poster pictured on the right illustrates the theme, "A Taste of the Big Apple", the following year in 79'. These themes shifted far from the historically southern culture that was notorious at Washington and Lee. In this decade, the themes were still a significant aspect of the event. These themes represent the expansion away from the small town of Lexington, for one night a year. The event was decorated to match the bright lights and many buidlings of New York city, featuring several bands including the Lester Lann and HS Orchestra.
1980's
During the 1980's Fancy Dress had fully transformed into a black tie event. Some of these themes from this period would be considered controversial in our society today. It is significant that Fancy Dress was now a black tie event because themes such as 'The Dark Continent' would be much more offensive, had students dressed up in costumes. These themes are very telling of society in general at the time. Although segregation had ended decades early, there was still a racial charge present in these themes that was considered socially acceptable.
1990's
In 1990, Washington and Lee hosted the 83rd Annual Fancy Dress themed 'The Great Gatsby.' Early Fielding was decorated to match the elegant and extravigant style to match the parties hosted by Jay Gatsby in the Novel. 'A Magic Carpet Ride' in 1994 has clear ties to 'Aladdin,' another literary classic. The themes during this time transitioned toward more socially correct topics that had historical relevance. Given these themes, it's clear that they were a predominant aspect of the event.
2000's
In 2005 Fancy Dress had a similar theme to the 78' 'Glories of Egypt' however the event had changed dramatically. The gala was now hosted in the Doreamus Gym, a much larger space. Instead of dressing to theme, students now continued to dress in tuxedos and long dresses. The difference in 2005 from 1978 is that the theme no longer was as relevant to the event. Although the gym was still decorated in accordance with the theme, it was not the events primary focus, as it was in 1978.
2010's
In the 2010's through the present day, the theme of Fancy Dress has little to no meaning to the attendees. It is still strictly a black tie event. Decorations are put up, but they are not directly related to the the theme, as they were in the 1960's. For this reason, the themes have also become more general, including these such as "A Night of Lights." That is, the decorations may match the colors associated with the theme selected. That is not to say Fancy Dress is any less special to the students. Rather, the anticipation and preparation around the event are simply different.