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49th Quadrille Charity Ball at the Pierre Hotel, New York, NY
Mrs. Herz,
Friends and sponsors of the Quadrille Charity Ball,
Honored guests,
It is a distinct honor to join such a wonderful audience and Quadrille performers in a splendid setting to celebrate this unique occasion. You are all looking terrific tonight: This promises to be a wonderful evening - marking the 49th Quadrille ball in NY and paving the way for the celebration of half a century of Quadrille in 2010.
Keeping this tradition alive is a major accomplishment in these times of global financial crisis and diminished sponsorship on both sides of the Atlantic. I would like to commend you, Mrs. Herz, your team and in particular all sponsors who have contributed into making the Quadrille Ball once again such an outstanding event. I would also like to thank the Quadrille Committee of the Columbia University, the Germanistic Society of America and the Institute for International Education for their much appreciated support.
In the early 1960ies, the Quadrille was founded to enhance the image of Germany and German-Americans after the damage the two World Wars had done; to show - as Mrs. Ina Kessler said so eloquently - a genteel side of German life and to emphasize the contributions of German-Americans to this country. It also serves to honor those who engaged in fostering German-American relations.
The Quadrille Ball is an event which uniquely combines pleasure with enhancing a good cause, namely: Fostering understanding among young people of different nationalities, in particular forging lasting friendships between young Americans and Germans – and – I was told – this understanding has on occasions turned into marriages - even lasting marriages.
Since 1961 the Quadrille Ball raised 3 Mio USD and extended scholarships to approx. 500 American and German students. This is very impressive indeed. But it is not the only impressive record: As impressive is the tradition and the history. There are plenty of people in this audience who are far more familiar with all the details about the origins of the Quadrille – experienced veterans of the Quadrille, fans, teachers and dancers alike. But there are also newcomers, freshmen who like me have the pleasure to attend this sparkling event for the first time. I have had the advantage of getting a glimpse at one of the Quadrille rehearsals and here is what I learned so far.
I have learned that the Quadrille was first performed by horses drilled by humans to do the required formations. When people saw that horses could perform quite well they decided to try it themselves – this time with the horses cheering on the human performance from the sidelines. With time the Quadrille became more sophisticated. In fact it turned into the mother of many other dances such as the square dance popular here in the United States. And so the Quadrille started a tradition which is very much alive today.
The Quad-drill - true to its name - is a drill for four persons – and its formations are performed upon the orders of a “drill master”. I solemnly admit, this first reminded me of the time when I paid my dues in the military service. But rest assured – no whips, no sticks, no tricks and no penalties. And today there is a more accommodating name for the “drill master” who actually is a very fine teacher.
Is the Quadrille difficult to dance? Well, it’s up to you. I have two left feet - and my wife’s toes can certainly testify to that - but even I manage to succeed. I was told that if you can walk fairly straight, you can also dance the Quadrille. So its “ok” to drink wine and beer before hitting the dance floor. For the advanced course all you need to know is French: Then the Quadrille is in your blood. I thus recommend French wine for tonight. And remember, there is someone who will tell you what to do and it’s not your wife or husband, but someone neutral and objective. So “yes, you can” dance the Quadrille.
A very warm welcome for the young performers who will kick off the Ball season in New York tonight. I do wish all of you a very enjoyable night.
