The Beaux Arts Ball is a seventeenth-century festivity that began at L'École des Beaux Arts in Paris, otherwise known as the National Academy of Architecture, Painting, and Sculpture, where masquerades were held in celebration of the ends of exams. In 1911, Henry Hornbostel – architect, faculty member, and a dean of the Carnegie Mellon College of Fine Arts – first introduced the tradition of holding a Beaux Arts Ball to the University. The costume party, held every four years, became so sensational that faculty often incorporated part of its planning in their teachings.

The College of Fine Arts' Beaux Arts Ball is returning this year, after a ten-year absence, in recognition of the College of Fine Arts' 100 years anniversary. The ball will be held on Saturday, March 4, from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. in the College of Fine Arts Building.

The Carnegie Mellon Beaux Arts Ball Committee, which is made up of faculty, staff, alumni, and students, chose the theme of "Light and Shadow" for this year's ball. This theme commemorates polar opposites, from light and dark to art and technology; in effect, the ball is designed to cater to everyone. CFA faculty and students will be making decorations to convey the theme.

The ball includes a costume contest and musical performances by current students. While costumes are not mandatory, there will be prizes presented to those who have the best costumes. Food will also be served.

Student tickets cost $35 if reserved by Friday, January 27, and $40 if they are purchased after that date. Tickets for alumni, faculty, and staff are $75. All tickets must be bought before February 28, as tickets will not be sold at the door. Tickets are available only to current Carnegie Mellon students, faculty, staff, and CFA alumni, through the School of Drama box office in the Purnell Center for the Arts, which is open from 12-5 p.m. Tickets cannot be bought online, and people are limited to two tickets each. For more information, call 412-268-2407 or visit the College of Fine Arts Centennial webpage.

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