Ring Dance

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2KPsons

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It may seem like a very long way off to parents of Plebe Candidates, but tonight is the Ring Dance, where the 1st Class Mids receive their rings. I hope that some photos get posted (I will try to get some from my son and get them up on Picassa).

See you all at Parents' Weekend.
 
Those of us with midshipmen who are "less communicative" would really appreciate your efforts.
 
I am at KP today, and it is really fun seeing all the 1st Class Mids so excited about the dance tonight. Most of them have picked up their dates and are heading into the city.

Dipping begins tonight at 9:45 :)
 
dipping?

kpmom2011 said:
I am at KP today, and it is really fun seeing all the 1st Class Mids so excited about the dance tonight. Most of them have picked up their dates and are heading into the city.

Dipping begins tonight at 9:45 :)
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translate please.:biggrin:
 
As I understand it, the rings are dipped in a vessel or container that holds water from each of the seven seas.
 
That is correct. Their dates wear the ring around their necks and dip it into the basin before presenting it to the mids.
 
Dipping - At the Ring Dance, the Mids' dates wear the rings ("Knockers") on a ribbon around their neck. When the rings are given to the Mids, the date removes the ribbon and dips the ring in water from the Seven Seas, then places the ring on the Mids left ring finger - seal facing the Mid. At graduation, they turn the rings so the seal faces out.
 
OK, saw the hundreds of professional photos of the ring dance. They cause a newbie parent like me, to come up with a few questions......

I did not see any female 1st class members in the photos....at least not in uniform. Did I miss them? Were they there?

Looking at each of the 1st classmen in uniform, there are differances in their shoulder boards. What do the perpendicular gold stripes represent. Most had one stripe. Some had two. Some had three. A few had four.

Also, what do the stripes mean if they are at a 45 degree angle? Saw a few of those too.

Looked like a party that should not be missed. Is it an event that each student pays a fee for or is it thrown by the Academy?

Finally, what is the average cost of one of the rings.....looks like DS better start saving now!
 
2013Parent said:
OK, saw the hundreds of professional photos of the ring dance. They cause a newbie parent like me, to come up with a few questions......

I did not see any female 1st class members in the photos....at least not in uniform. Did I miss them? Were they there?

Looking at each of the 1st classmen in uniform, there are differances in their shoulder boards. What do the perpendicular gold stripes represent. Most had one stripe. Some had two. Some had three. A few had four.

Also, what do the stripes mean if they are at a 45 degree angle? Saw a few of those too.

Looked like a party that should not be missed. Is it an event that each student pays a fee for or is it thrown by the Academy?

Finally, what is the average cost of one of the rings.....looks like DS better start saving now!
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looking at the pictures, (trying to find pictures of the firsties on our deck:wink:) alot of the firstie girls were there. most were just wearing dresses rather than uniforms.

as for the shoulder board stripes, it denotes their M/N rank. one is Ensign (not holding a current company or regimental position, but eligible), 2 is Lieutenant Junior Grade, 3 is Lieutenant, 4 is Lieutenant Commander, and 5 is Commander (M/N Vincent, 1/c). you got me on the angled stripes, but im betting those are the seniors that have either accepted an active duty commission or are going to. some of the armed forces dress uniforms do things a little differently, but again, not sure.

no idea about the price of the dance/ring, but i guess ive got 4 years to figure that one out!:biggrin:
 
OK lets start with the easy one. Diagonal stripes are underclassmen 1 stripe for a 4th class m/n (there shouldn't be many of them yet) 2 for a 3rd class and 3 for a 2nd class. Straight stripes are 1st classmen. The number of stripes represents the midshipman's rank within the regiment (Ens, Ltjg, Lt, Ltcmdr etc.) The rank they have is for the most part determined by the position they hold within the regiment with the highest obviously going to the regimental commander. The females have the option of wearing evening gowns to the ring dance and most do. One way to pick them out is to look at their escorts. If he is wearing a ring around his neck then she is a midshipmen. In some cases they are both wearing rings which would indicate that they are classmates who went together as one another's escort.
 
Some rings worn around the neck had a silver ribbon, some had a blue one? What's the difference?
 
The ring dance costs about $200.00 and the rings can vary in cost depending on how it is "accessorized" My D/S shelled out about $1800.00 which seems to be pretty average. He saved the money from his pay while he was at sea.
 
KPMarineopsdad said:
OK lets start with the easy one. Diagonal stripes are underclassmen 1 stripe for a 4th class m/n (there shouldn't be many of them yet) 2 for a 3rd class and 3 for a 2nd class.
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ahh ok. they havent gone over that with us yet. thanks:thumb:
 
Thanks for the info....looks like at least two lucky 3rd classmen were escorts........
 
KPMarineopsdad said:
OK lets start with the easy one. Diagonal stripes are underclassmen 1 stripe for a 4th class m/n (there shouldn't be many of them yet) 2 for a 3rd class and 3 for a 2nd class. Straight stripes are 1st classmen. The number of stripes represents the midshipman's rank within the regiment (Ens, Ltjg, Lt, Ltcmdr etc.) The rank they have is for the most part determined by the position they hold within the regiment with the highest obviously going to the regimental commander. The females have the option of wearing evening gowns to the ring dance and most do. One way to pick them out is to look at their escorts. If he is wearing a ring around his neck then she is a midshipmen. In some cases they are both wearing rings which would indicate that they are classmates who went together as one another's escort.
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close, but not quite. one diagonal stripe is 3rd class. 2 diagonal stripes is 2nd class. no stripes whatsoever are plebes/4th class.

the ribbon differences were simply this: if the ring was worn by a female, it was on a white ribbon. if it was worn by a male, it was on a blue ribbon.

the Ring Dance is unfortunately a bit more costly than just $200. it's $200 PER TICKET, then you have to factor in hotels, possible airfare (if you fly in a date), etc... i believe i spent a grand total of about $900 for the one night. a bit steep, but you only do it once, so why not, right?
 
I stand corrected regarding the underclass rank insignias. They are published in the parents handbook, but frankly, I was too lazy to look them up. You are right it is indeed $200.00 per ticket and we also shelled out for a hotel and airfare as well. But, the way I see it, this amazing experience hasn't really cost us much and you guys and gals have certainly earned an incredible night out (or two) :)
 
KPMarineopsdad said:
.... You are right it is indeed $200.00 per ticket and we also shelled out for a hotel and airfare as well. But, the way I see it, this amazing experience hasn't really cost us much and you guys and gals have certainly earned an incredible night out (or two) :)
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i agree :thumb:
 
Hey everyone...couple of questions....

What happens to the giant mock-up of the class rings after the ring dance?

Also, does KP have any traditions regarding having at least one example of each previous class ring being collected and displayed? I think they even have a bank where rings can be donated and then loaned out if someone's is destroyed or lost? .... could be wrong on that one.... ( I see the USNA has a good deal of focus on that...and I think the alumni are in charge of it)
 
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