Rondelet returns with cheaper tickets
Rice students who missed Esperanza have another chance to don their suits and cocktail dresses during this year’s reinstated Rondelet.
The campus-wide spring formal is scheduled to take place March 28 at Trevisio’s restaurant in the Texas Medical Center. After Rondelet was suspended last year due to low student interest and financial worries, the Rice Program Council hopes to bolster attendance this year with a new theme, which has yet to be determined, cheaper tickets and a more convenient venue.
RPC decided to bring back Rondelet because of the popularity of Esperanza last semester. RPC Formals co-chair Ekta Kakkar said 550 students attended the fall formal. Though Kakkar, a Baker College sophomore, anticipates a turnout of only 350 students to Rondelet, she said higher attendance at the fall dance is typical, based on previous years.
Rondelet tickets will be sold for $10 starting March 24. RPC Formals co-chair Michelle Kerkstra, a Will Rice College sophomore, said ticket prices were reduced from $20 to generate more attendance.
But more than just ticket price has changed for this year’s Rondelet. Though formal dance themes are traditionally vague, RPC is trying to attract students to the dance with a distinctive theme that encourages creative attire.
“We were comparing Rondelet to Archi-Arts, where everyone gets really into their costumes,” Kakkar said. “We think that more people will attend if they can get involved with the theme.”
RPC is currently considering a masquerade or a water-related theme since the venue is filled with decorative indoor waterfalls. Kerkstra said a masquerade is a more likely choice, as Esperanza in 2006 was at the Downtown Aquarium, and RPC wants to avoid duplicating past themes.
Lovett College freshman Margaret Diddams said she thinks the changes to Rondelet will be effective.
“There will definitely be more interest if the theme is something quirky,” Diddams said.
Kakkar said she hopes the venue will increase dance attendance.
“Since the Texas Medical Center is so close to Rice, we hope that more people will want to go,” Kakkar said.
Kerkstra said the location is almost within walking distance and will appeal to those looking to spend an evening dancing.
“It’s a beautiful location that is very hip and trendy on the top floor of the waterfall building,” Kerkstra said.
RPC will also provide free shuttle service to the site.
Kakkar and Kerkstra estimate the dance’s budget at around $5,000 to $6,000. Costs will be offset by money saved from Esperanza, Kerkstra said.
Other news stories
- Chao center inaugurated with China speech
- Gender inequality, AIDS focus of Duvvury lecture
- Mr. Rice University contest raises money for clubs
- Presidential candidates speak at the Thresher/RTV5 debate
- Program for studying in Los Angeles now opened to Rice students
- Several candidates ruled ineligible to run, complaints filed
- Students found Rice's first undergrad science review
- Vision Weekend attendance reaches record high
Sports
- Bower breaks down barriers to bring you Rice sports
- Class of 2007 one of best in Rice's history
- Five years removed from national title, Owls hope this is the year for repeat success
- Loss to UTEP stops women's two-game win streak
- National foes join Rice on quest for Omaha
- Owls fall to No. 26 Texas but rebound against Northwestern State
- Riding a seven-match streak, men's tennis welcomes No. 5 Texas Sunday
- Sports notebook