Ovation applause how to
However, when musicals evolved to showcase a star performer-think Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly!-the production was staged to accommodate a longer bow. In fact, there’s even a (fantastically named) theory to support this claim.Īccording to McKinley, American musical scholar Ethan Mordden came up with the “Big Lady Theory.” In productions around the 1950s ( My Fair Lady is cited as an example), the music left barely any time for the cast to bow during a curtain call. In a 2003 op-ed piece for The New York Times, Jesse McKinley supposed that standing ovations became associated with theater around the 17th century, but noted that many historians cite the origin to the years following World War II. In contrast, the definition of an ovation is derived from the Latin for “I rejoice” and while it’s still a pretty big deal, it’s a step down from a triumph: “A ceremony attending the entering of Rome by a general who had won a victory of less importance than that for which a triumph was granted.”įast forward a few centuries or so, and standing ovations are solidified in modern culture. At the time, a “triumph” was a rite conducted to publicly acknowledge a commander who led the Roman forces to a great military victory. Although today’s society counts a standing ovation as one of the highest forms of flattery, it was actually a tier below one of Rome’s most honorary celebrations. Like many facets of our culture, this one dates back to Ancient Rome. However, the choice to remain clapping-and, at times, to stand while doing so-is very intentional. On this night, the applause illustrated the love “Beaver Nation” has for him.Applause is one of those cultural rituals so ingrained in our habits that to clap is a nearly subconscious act. I always make eye contact and ask them how they’re doing.” “Witnessing an ovation like that gives me validation that what we do here makes a difference,” Allen says. One that began with a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s a wonderful tradition that takes several people weeks to plan.” It’s so fun seeing students dressed so nicely, singing with the choir, and then taking pictures with each other and Buford. “On top of that, they’re served by members of the faculty and staff, who really work to help our staff as we couldn’t do it on our own. “This is the one time all year students can all eat together if they wish,” Allen says. Melanie Hauser coordinated the 35th annual celebration. Sodexo Executive Chef Phillip Bond created this year’s menu, which consisted of turkey, ham, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, Oreo fluff, and more. Perhaps no day is busier than the one featuring Christmas Dinner, a feast in which BVU faculty and staff join Allen’s crew in serving several hundred students, most of them dressed their best. He now moves freely on his own, taking time to rest at the end of his busy days. He returned to work 10 days later and used a walker for a couple of weeks before graduating to a cane. Surgeons inserted three screws to repair the damage. I lost 35 pounds and have since gained back 20.”Īllen’s hustle around Campus Dining has been thwarted a bit this fall as he recovers from a broken left hip sustained in a freak accident during a day of travel on Oct. “My organs were all in good working order, so I was a good candidate for the transplant. “My wife, Nancy, and I lived at the Gift of Life Transplant Home in Rochester for six weeks as I was treated on an outpatient basis,” he remembers. Nylen Cancer Center in Sioux City referred Allen to the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, where he received a stem cell transplant in August of 2020. Kyle Glienke, a 2009 BVU graduate whom Allen used to serve meals as a student. His second saga occurred in 2020 as Allen fought both a blood cancer and a soft-tissue cancer. I tell people about the importance of early detection of colon cancer. I’m unbelievably blessed to have survived that bout.
“I don’t remember my 50th birthday that year,” Allen says. He would eventually spend six weeks at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls. Dak., following his colon bursting for the second time. The first, a miraculous effort surrounding colon cancer in 2010, resulted in Allen being Life-Flighted from Spencer to Sioux Falls, S.
Both absences were tied to battles with cancer. “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate the support of ‘Beaver Nation.’”Īllen has missed just two Christmas Dinners in his 20 years in food service at BVU.
“You’re giving me goosebumps,” Allen said. Students, soon joined by faculty and staff, then rose for an ovation that went on and on. Students, faculty, and staff applauded Allen’s efforts. Sodexo General Manager Ken Allen stood before Buena Vista University students at the start of the 35th Annual Christmas Dinner.