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First Timer's Guide
Registering for Esprit
Registration is a simple process. You choose one of the plans that covers the days you want to attend, follow the instructions on the registration page to submit your fee and form, and you're done. This registration fee will get you a name tag and allows you to attend all of the classes, visit all of the resources, participate in the Big/Little Sister program, use the Clothing Exchange, attend the open activities, and receive a yearbook by mail. You will also enjoy the specific meals and major parties that accompany the days in your registration package. You will have to pay the going rate for other food and elective activities such as a trip to a casino, a ferry ride to Victoria B.C., and for services such as nails and photography sessions, but for the average attendee, there are no other registration fees to worry about. Scholarships must be applied for separately.
When the registration process is firmed up, the registration form will be available for download from this site. You can also ask any member of one of the sponsoring organizations for assistance in obtaining a hardcopy. Please follow the registration instructions carefully. These are meant to improve reliability, save Esprit time and money, and ensure that you are properly registered.
Depending on the method you specify, you will receive email, written, or telephone confirmation of your registration. If you do not receive confirmation several weeks before Esprit, you may contact the registrar.
We recommend that you register as early as possible. The registration cap of 160 attendees has been reached in recent years and an earlier registration reduces your chance of missing out. There is virtually no room for extending this cap because the largest meeting rooms at the hotel are unable to accommodate any more than this number. The Esprit Committee also has a longstanding tradition of intentionally keeping the number of attendees in this neighborhood in order to preserve Esprit's intimacy.
Reserving a Hotel Room
Esprit has been held at the Port Angeles Red Lion since 1989. The hotel eagerly looks forward to our event and joint planning for the next Esprit begins literally the day the previous Esprit ends. Official information about the Red Lion hotel is here.
"All rooms feature coffee makers, free Net4Guests high-speed wireless internet access, telephone dataports and cable TV with HBO. When it's time to relax, we also have an outdoor pool, whirlpool and fitness center." --The Red Lion
You must make reservations directly with the hotel. The national Red Lion reservation service and travel agencies do not know of the special rates and you may not be placed in the rooms nearest to the Esprit activities. Follow the instructions on the accommodations page to ensure you get the best rates and room selection. The trip can be much more affordable and enjoyable when shared. Check our rideshare/roomshare bulletin board to make connections with other attendees.
If you need to save money, there are alternate hotel choices nearby. However, you will be inconveniently far enough away from the Red Lion that you will miss out on much of the atmosphere. Much of the magic of Esprit results simply from being in the middle of everything as it happens. The inconvenience of going back to a different hotel will complicate plans for changing clothes, freshening up, or retrieving forgotten items such as purses and tickets.
Big Sister/Little Sister and Significant Other Program
The Big Sister/Little Sister Program is a popular tradition at Esprit and comes at no extra cost. This program pairs you with an experienced Esprit attendee who is comfortable out and about in Port Angeles. As a first timer, you should indicate that you are a first timer on the registration form just so the registrar is aware of who is attending for the first time. Furthermore, we strongly encourage you to sign up for the Big/Little Sister program prior to your arrival by contacting the program coordinator and explaining your needs and interests. There are plenty of Big Sisters ready to help you out.
"I have been crossdressing for many years and I consider myself self-assured. Despite this, in 2003 I asked for a Big Sister. It was the right choice. It is so nice to be met by someone, shown the ropes, so to speak, and get your feet on the ground. Then you are off on the adventure of a lifetime."
If you wish, your Big Sister may be able to help you get ready for your first day, accompany you for a meal or a shopping outing around town, or at least hook you up with a group doing the same. Even if you are comfortable out on your own, your Big Sister can fill you in on the details and traditions of Esprit, where the secret restrooms are at the formal party so you don't have to wait in line, and other helpful information.
"I didn't request a Big Sister because I thought I was OK and I didn't want to take one away from someone else. The day of the first big night, I was in a blue funk and almost didn't go. Having a Big Sister at that point was imperative."
The Significant Others Program is recognized as one of the best in the country. Esprit offers a series of individual and couples sessions specifically geared to the needs of individuals and couples who are working through the challenges of their relationships. Couples are strongly encouraged to attend, and everyone truly appreciates the uniquely warm atmosphere that the Significant Others bring to Esprit.
Costs
Costs can be a challenge for some, but there are a number of strategies that you can apply to help keep the experience affordable. In summary, the major costs to consider are:
- Registration fee
- Travel expenses
- Food (exclude the meals in your chosen registration package and estimate the rest)
- Hotel (roommates affect this significantly)
- Shopping, resources, etc. (this can be as much or as little as you want)
A number of partial and full scholarships are available. Scholarships are funded by generous donors and individual donations from past attendees and are awarded at different levels based on need. Scholarship applications are reviewed and awarded by each sponsoring organization and the process strives to be as fair and representative as possible. Applications are treated in confidence, so please don't be afraid to apply.
Room costs can be significantly reduced by sharing a room with another attendee. The math is pretty straightforward, and if you are willing to share a room with 3 others, your hotel costs will be only about $25 a day. Transportation costs can be a challenge, but even catching a ride with someone for the last leg of the trip can save money and you can leave the driving to someone who has made the trip before. Feel free to use the Esprit-Exchange mailing list to try to arrange roommates and rides.
"Esprit-Exchange was very helpful. I knew there were ferries from Victoria but couldn't find the schedule. Sassi put me on to the COHO website."
Esprit provides a number of meals as described in the weekly schedule, but you'll need to cover yourself the rest of the time. There are some affordable restaurants at the hotel and within walking distance. For the greatest savings, you can go to the grocery store up the street and stock up on anything you need.
Resist over-buying before you get to Esprit. It's only a week long and buying a lot of stuff beforehand eats away at your bankroll. You'll want to be able to buy things while you are here and there are many stores that will give you friendly service unlike anything you may be used to at home.
Packing Checklist
Make Plans
Spend some time to plan well before you need to pack. Identify the outfits that you want to take, the jewelry, the accessories, wig care items, the bathroom supplies, and all the other things you will need during your trip. The simplest plan is to organize two outfits per day: one for "classes" and one for the evening.
"I examined the program which was published on the Esprit website and decided on eight day-time costumes, three ensembles for special events, two formals and two semi-formals, sleepwear (pajamas, a nightgown and a robe), and my bathing suit."
You may want to define each outfit down to the smallest detail. This will help ensure that you bring everything you need. Or you may want to just bring a variety of clothes and accessories and enjoy the freedom of picking what you want for the situation.
Of course, you can go crazy and divide the day into as many sections as you'd like and wear a different outfit for each of them. But, make sure that you have time to change! You can also take it easy if your budget or interests don't lean towards bringing lots of clothes. You won't get kicked out of a party if you don't have a ballgown.
Packing
Be creative and imagine what you might need, especially if this is your first time out of the house for an extended time. You may find yourself needing some of the most mundane things that wouldn't normally demand attention during an evening out with your friends (such as nail clippers, a sewing kit, lint brush, cooler, a dinner coat, robe, slippers, and who knows what else). This suggested packing list can be printed or copied/pasted into a word processor for further editing.
"It is much better knowing what to pack before packing. And make a checklist and do the Santa thing - check it twice. I forgot all my jewelry I packed."
"Do you have a special dress which requires a special lipstick? Don't forget to pack it as well (and don't forget to use it, either)."
"I really think that a makeup suitcase would be handy but I hadn't found one before leaving so I just used a bunch of cosmetic bags."
"I found packing my jewelry a problem, mainly because I brought so much of it. What I ended up using was a plastic pouch with multiple compartments but that wasn't useful when I was at Esprit because I couldn't find anything. To solve that problem, I used one of my suitcases as a very large jewelry box placed at the foot of the bed."
If you are bringing wigs, plan ahead. Your favorite day wig may not last the entire week without needing to be washed. Bring all your supplies, shampoo, conditioner, and stands that you need to keep your wigs in good condition and ready to wear on short notice. An extra wig stand is useful if you have to leave a wig with one of the stylists for a special updo.
Don't be afraid to pack too much. Everybody brings too much to Esprit and having a huge selection to deal with every party, the unexpected dinner invitation, glamour photo sessions, and an unplanned outing on the town is half the fun. Early in the week, Esprit traditionally has saucy volunteer bellhops who help guests haul their luggage. Later in the week, you will find the usual buzz of activity around the Esprit Registration Desk as you check in and you should feel free to ask if anyone has a moment to help you move your luggage.
"I pack about 90% of what I own, which literally means that I have about 10 times more stuff than I could possibly wear. But, it gives me a chance to sort through things and give away a few bags of clothes to the Esprit clothing exchange."
"I figured that I would have two outfits a day plus the special ones for the 3 big nights, and I was very close."
Traveling to Esprit
Consult the Travel Information page for detailed information on the most common ways to get to Esprit. For the numerous other unusual travel situations and rapidly changing immigration laws, it is difficult to offer useful general advice. Please consult official government information sources, ask for help on the Esprit-Exchange mailing list, or contact any of the sponsoring groups.
When it comes to crossing the border, you have two choices: dressed or not dressed. In either case, you need appropriate identification that includes your driver's license and/or a passport. If you plan on traveling dressed, then a passport is mandatory - you must be able to identify yourself no matter how you look. In any case, it is imperative that you be above board and forthcoming as to where you are going and what you are going to be doing there. This is not a time to be considering how well you can pass! If you are crossing the border, be cautious about mentioning any business activities unless you know what you are talking about. That is heavily scrutinized these days and you are better off simply saying that you are taking a vacation and attending a conference.
It will also depend (somewhat) on your border guard. If he or she is familiar with crossdressing, then you will likely have no problems - the Canadian portion of the Esprit Committee regularly crosses the border en femme with little problem.
"All my apprehension about U.S. Customs, and they couldn't process me fast enough. 'Have a wonderful week, ma'am.' "
Arriving and Registering
When you drive up to the hotel, look for the big banner that says "Welcome Esprit!"
"As we drove up to the Doubletree Hotel where Esprit was held, we were greeted by a large banner hung over the hotel entryway. The young man at the check-in desk was polite and friendly and didn't care in the least what we looked like or what our names were or weren't."
If you are responsible for a room, you need to register at the hotel's registration desk. Even if you are a guest in someone else's room, you should still make your presence known to the hotel. People routinely call the hotel desk to see if friends have arrived and to contact them by phone. You may give the hotel both your real name and an assumed name and the hotel will check through all names when people ask for you.
The Esprit Registration Desk is separate from the hotel registration desk and is located in the middle of the main hotel wing in the 2nd main foyer. It is staffed by Esprit volunteers but is only open during daytime hours. This is where you check-in and complete your registration for Esprit, get your photo taken for your name tag, and receive your meal tickets and information packet. The Registration Desk volunteers are eager to help you get settled and to answer any questions you may have. Even though you may be a bit unnerved, don't be afraid to ask questions.
The Esprit Registration Desk is the heart of Esprit and there you will find official announcements, event sign-up sheets, personal notices, an informal lost and found (don't forget the hotel's official lost and found), tons of flyers from local businesses advertising their services and inviting you to Esprit-only open house events and a continuous crowd of people talking and greeting each other. Adjacent to the Registration Desk is the Hospitality Suite (the Hollywood Beach Room). The Hospitality Suite is open all day while the Registration Desk is open and plays host to the occasional special event but is otherwise available for you to sit, talk, and munch on some snacks.
When you register, you will have a photo taken for your name tag. You should wear your name tag at all times since it is required for entry into all Esprit classes and events.
Your name tag is your official Esprit identification and will gain you entry to every Esprit class and non-meal event during your stay. Your packet may include tickets and you should treat them with care. They are your only way into certain Esprit events or meals. The registrar will review everything with you when you check in.
Photos
Although most ladies love to be photographed, Esprit respects the wishes of anyone who at any time does not wish to be photographed. If you do not wish to be photographed, you should ask for the "no photo" sticker when you register to attach to your name tag. Don't be afraid to voice your wishes at any time if you don't want to be photographed or if you are concerned that someone has not seen your sticker. To better respect these wishes, all attendees are encouraged to pay attention to who is in the background of their photographs and to try to ensure that all recognizable faces wish to be photographed. The official photo policy is here.
The Yearbook Photographer has equipment for downloading your digital camera cards if you have pictures you wish to contribute for the Yearbook.
"Keep a camera close. A TG and her camera should never be parted. Take pictures of people that you hope to keep in touch with and have people take pictures of you experiencing Esprit. I wish I'd thought of this - my camera is an older 35mm model and quite large (compared to the new ones which fit in your purse) and it never left my room."
In preparation for all the paparazzi, you may want to practice some basic poses, as not all those who will take your picture are professional photographers. If you are uncertain how to go about doing this, there are photographers at Esprit who can offer some quick advice or give you a chance to practice in a very affordable photo session.
Living at the Hotel
The hotel is built more like a motel (that is, a long and narrow building) with two floors and an interior hallway that runs between all the rooms. The interior hallway means that you can spend nearly all of your time dressed for indoor conditions and it makes for a friendlier setting because you are always running into the same people as you walk the halls. Esprit attendees are given priority for the main wing (the "waterfront" wing) that adjoins the meeting rooms and hotel lobby. Half the rooms in this wing face the waterfront (slightly more expensive) and half the rooms face the parking lot. A second hotel wing (the "hillside" wing) is across the parking lot and other hotel guests are usually placed out there. Still, you will frequently see non-Esprit guests in the main building either as guests in the waterfront wing or at the restaurant and lounge.
The rooms are separated from the lobby, the restaurant, and the banquet rooms which means you frequently have to walk through a short narrow covered walkway that connects the buildings. This walkway can be very windy at times, though it's only a few feet down the walkway or a walk across a driveway to get to the other buildings.
The hotel is quite long and as you move away from the hotel lobby, the elevation changes. The foyers have stairwells that include several stairs that adjust for the elevation change and you cannot get from one end of the hotel to the other without encountering stairs. There is no public elevator to the 2nd floor rooms. For those using wheelchairs or crutches (or with many suitcases), you always have at least one external door that provides stair-free access to any first floor room. The building containing the restaurant, lounge, and meeting/banquet rooms does have an elevator.
A diagram of the hotel floor plan is available.
Rooms differ slightly, but most single rooms have 1 king size bed and double rooms have 2 queen size beds. Drawer space may be limited (as few as only 2 drawers) or may be plentiful (up to 6). The closet in each room is adequate (about 5' long) but only has a few hangers so you should bring your own hangars or plan on buying a few in town.
Most rooms do not have a full length mirror. However, some of the larger suites (such as the Hollywood Beach Room which is the Esprit Hospitality Suite adjacent to the Esprit Registration Desk) are better appointed and have full length mirrors and a bathroom that you can pop in to use when you need it.
Like most hotels, the Red Lion asks you to reuse towels when possible. They also ask that you bring your own washcloth or baby wipes for removing makeup. Makeup will leave permanent stains on towels and can be costly to the hotel.
Each room has 2 sinks and 2 mirrors which is definitely enough for 2 people and tolerable in a frenetic sorority sort of way for 4. A lit makeup mirror set up at the desk or dresser is an option for making a little more elbow room in the bathroom. One sink is inside the bathroom and the other sink is immediately outside the bathroom. The counters are well lit. The bathroom has a combination tub and shower. If anything is not functioning properly, don't hesitate to contact the hotel for a prompt resolution.
"My room didn't have a working fan so it was pretty steamy in there. I should have phoned but who had time for that?"
There is a steep cleaning surcharge if you smoke in a non-smoking room.
Local calls and 800 toll-free calls are free for the first 60 minutes. If you plan on phoning home, it is best to have a calling card as there is a surcharge on direct-dialed long distance calls. You may use your dial-up modem through the phone's dataport (don't forget to bring a cable). The hotel has recently added high-speed wireless access at no charge. You may contact the hotel to verify actual phone charges and wireless access requirements.
Cell phone coverage is good.
Only the larger suites have microwaves and/or small refrigerators. If you need to keep food cool, you may wish to bring a cooler.
Some ladies' rooms are tidy, but most look like a stick of dynamite was exploded inside a suitcase. Don't worry about the mess...the hotel staff is used to it. Even so, our rooms tend to be extra messy with all the food, the bathroom mess, and the garbage we create after living there for a few days, so please make an effort to show your appreciation to the staff (tips are appropriate and always appreciated). Many of the hotel staff have long connections to Esprit, having formed friendships with Esprit attendees, performing as entertainers, or attending some of the great parties.
"We tipped our maid $20.00 early in the week and received outstanding service."
If you are not near your room, the hotel has restrooms reserved specifically for Esprit guests. These are clearly marked and reserved for Esprit use and are located on the 2nd floor of the building that contains the meeting rooms, lounge, and restaurant.
Day to Day
Time is short. Your stay at Esprit is finite and you will find incredible demands on your time. Finding time for meals, showers, dressing up in the morning, redoing the makeup later in the day, changing into an outfit for a photo shoot, scheduling a hair appointment and makeup session to get ready for a formal event...these all take an incredible amount of time.
In fact, you may find yourself so tired that you might choose to skip a class to take a nap. It's your time, and you're free to choose how you want to spend it and how to combine the numerous activities and classes to fit your needs. Keep an eye on the schedule, stay in touch with friends, collect information from your Big Sister and the Registration Desk, and do the best you can. We know it's not possible to do everything that has been scheduled, but that's also what makes it possible for everyone to find something they want to do.
Being Out
Don't worry about being "out." The hotel staff is superb. They're always smiling and will even compliment you on your clothes! Remember, Esprit is the biggest (and most exciting) convention they see all year and they are genuinely eager to please.
"One very interesting experience was when I and a couple of other girls were having dinner in the hotel restaurant and one of the waitresses came up to ask us if we would consent to having our picture taken!"
Don't worry about being out in town either. Everyone knows when Esprit is happening and the reception is generally positive everywhere you go. If you see one of the bright "Welcome Esprit" signs in a store window, you know that business will definitely welcome you. If you're unfamiliar with the locale, you may find it more comfortable to travel with some friends or someone who knows the shops and restaurants. If you're feeling like you haven't been out in town enough and see a group of ladies going somewhere, don't be afraid to ask where they're going or if their party is open to additional guests. More often than not, you'll be gladly welcomed into the group.
If you want to go out at night, don't go alone. Ask someone to go with you. Although Port Angeles is very quiet and safe, this advice applies in any locale.
Food
Traditionally, Esprit provides several lunches and dinners in conjunction with activities and parties. You should check the weekly schedule for specific details on exactly how many meals are provided and the accompanying activities. You are responsible for your own meals the remainder of the time.
Lunches are held in the hotel and are fairly casual. The Friday and Saturday dinners are private and dressy sit-down affairs usually held in elegant facilities within a few blocks such as the Elks Lodge. The Saturday dinner and party is always the dressiest and is a great opportunity to pull out all the stops. The Elks Lodge is only 2 blocks away, but at times it can be windy in the evening, so be aware of the weather if you are concerned about your hair. During poor weather or if the venue is a bit farther, carpools are generally not a problem since most people drive to Esprit. Watch out for the circuitous routes that may be required due to 1-way streets.
The Crab House is the hotel's restaurant. You will find Esprit guests in this restaurant at all hours of the day. Fare consists of the usual breakfast, lunch, and dinner items. Room service is available as well.
The hotel lounge is open every night and is a hotbed of activity, especially in the evening when it is usually packed with Esprit guests and locals who come to mingle. This is a wonderful place to share an interesting conversation with local residents who are eager to learn something new, enjoy a nice margarita or finger food, or just spend some time taking a break from one of the dances that may be going on in the upstairs ballroom. Note that the lounge is now a NON-smoking area.
There are numerous restaurants nearby within walking and driving distance and you will find them advertising in the Registration area, on the website, or listed in the shopping guide in your registration packet.
A Safeway grocery store is a few blocks up the hill if you want to stock up on your own groceries and beverages. This is a great way to reduce your costs.
Shopping
The businesses in Port Angeles love us. We bring several hundred thousand dollars of income to the town each year and their appreciation is reflected by the warm welcome we receive, the bright "Welcome Esprit" signs in many of the nearby shops, and the positive press coverage. Please help continue this relationship by visiting the stores and restaurants and enjoying what they have to offer.
"If you go out and are shopping and you spend the salespersons time, buy something. If nothing fits there is always underwear or jewelry."
Nearly every shopping experience is nearby: bead shops, collectible shops, thrift shops, consignment shops, boutiques, a few small department stores, and more. The staff at these shops are friendly and helpful.
"The clerks at the department store even allowed us to use the women's dressing rooms. A mom and teen daughter were trying on clothes at the same time and we got along just fine."
Classes
Esprit offers a very full and extremely rich educational schedule. Classes are offered on six of the seven days of Esprit. On most mornings there is a special orientation for the Big and Little Sisters where a Big Sister outlines the classes and special events of the day and is available to respond to questions and concerns.
Esprit classes are held in 4 or 5 conference rooms all day long. The two larger banquet rooms (Olympic and Juan de Fuca) tend to be on the cooler side and have tables, though with some of the movement classes you may not actually be sitting at them.
There are other classrooms as well, and some are hotel rooms with the furniture removed that are designated full time for Esprit use and some are rooms occupied by resources who also teach classes.
Classes are most heavily scheduled on Wednesday through Saturday, though there are always some unique offerings early in the week that may really catch your interest. The Esprit planners try to arrange classes to meet the presenters' schedules and likely interests of the attendees, but it's possible that you will find some classes you really want to take to be in conflict on the schedule.
Resources
Resource providers are carefully chosen by the Esprit committee based on their reputation, expertise, past service, and attendee comments. We have recently strengthened relationships with providers in town and you will find a number of Port Angeles businesses providing various services. You will find all of the providers are easy to talk to and genuinely helpful. The number of resources is intentionally limited to ensure the highest quality and to build a mutually beneficial relationship.
"All these years I have been applying the wrong base colour. We started to talk about wigs and makeup and she suggested that with my complexion, I could wear most colours but blonds and reds would best suit me."
Check the resource biographies for the latest information on what services and products are available. In past years, the following have pretty much always been available:
- Breast forms and body shapers
- Makeup (appointments are usually available all day long for makeovers)
- Jewelry
- Wig sales, and hair and wig styling
- Specialty and custom-made clothing (corsets, lingerie, fantasy dresses)
- Glamour photography
Resource providers are located in the Resource Area near the Esprit Registration Desk. There are a number of rooms (sometimes called "the Mall") where you can easily browser their services and goods.
"I asked for some help with putting up my wig for graduation. Christina said to bring it down to her. She demonstrated the technique and helped to put it up...and all for free."
Accepted forms of payment vary, but checks are generally accepted and some resources are able to accept credit cards. If you need cash, major banks are within a few blocks of the hotel. And invariably, smiles, support, and helpful advice and opinions are always free.
Social Events
The Esprit calendar is packed with social events, both small and large. Here are a few highlights. You should check the daily events pages on the website for more details about these and other activities.
Welcome Cocktails
The first event of note is on the Sunday before the official start of Esprit. It is a cocktail party hosted by the Esprit Committee for the early arrivals that register on Sunday.
Pool Tournament
The notorious Esprit Pool Tournament is held on Monday at a pool hall across the street from the hotel. You don't want to miss this popular event.
First-Time Attendees' Wine and Cheese
There are hosted wine and cheese parties for all first-time attendees. This is the only place at Esprit where virtually the entire gathering consists of New Girls.
"What a wonderful and diverse group. Following an introduction and explanation by Carma, our mentor (or is it womentor?) and introductions of the Esprit executive, several of my new found friends (that is girl friends) walked over to The Landing's for supper."
"It was my impression that many friendships started here. Certainly I quickly saw that the New Girls gravitated to one another at our social settings and such exposure to one another assists in making the Harriet Stites Award vote more realistic."Tuesday Activity Day
Tuesday typically has fewer classes to give you time to participate in various scheduled activities.
The ferry ride to Victoria, Canada needs the most preparation. You are advised to carry ID that meets requirements for entry into Canada and re-entry into the US. For most people this means you must carry cross-border identification so make sure you have either a passport or BOTH an original/certified birth certificate AND a government issued photo ID (e.g. driver's license). However, given the constantly changing travel situation, exact ID requirements for international travelers may differ and you should check with the US and Canadian embassy or immigration authorities. Additional information is on the travel page.
Other activities may include shopping trips in town, lunch and shopping in Port Townsend, a pool tournament at a local bar, and many other informal activities. The Big Sisters and Little Sisters toured two local wineries, a wonderful outing for several first-timers. The schedule lists all the official events and you should check with the Esprit Registration Desk for signups and announcements related to any of the activities.
Wednesday Event
On Wednesday night there is usually a special event that lets you enjoy some theme or event. In the past, themes have ranged from the High School Prom, to a Roman Holiday, to a Costume Ball, to a night at the playhouse for a private show.
Thursday Theme Dinners
Thursday nights have traditionally been a quiet evening to enjoy a leisurely meal and give you a chance to ready yourself for the packed weekend. Most attendees choose one of the informal dinner groups and enjoy their favorite cuisine at one of the many popular restaurants in town.
Fashion Show
The Attendee's Fashion Show is always a popular event! Want to be a fashion model? Here is your chance. You can join the "catwalk" girls and model your favorite outfit.
"She demonstrated "the walk" and we spent the next hour practicing our walking, turns, and other modeling techniques."
The theme varies from year to year: one recent theme was "Rags to Riches" and each model wore the most destitute-looking thrift store outfit she could come up with and followed it shortly afterwards with a glamorous fantasy gown loaned by one of the clothing resources. Some fashion shows are sponsored by local stores who loan clothing chosen by the model and provide last second hair and makeup touch-ups. Depending on the class schedule, it may be possible for you to attend a feminine movement classes to prepare yourself for a fashion show runway appearance. If you do wish to participate in the fashion show, be prepared to set aside a couple hours for practice with the show coordinator. This may mean that you have to miss a class or two, but the experience is well worth it.
"Girls were everywhere; half-dressed and busy fixing hair and makeup. We entered and moved around the tables displaying our outfit."
Talent Show
The Talent Show is a "dinner theater" type affair. Many of the girls take the opportunity to turn the evening into an additional formal event and dress very nicely. Are you a singer, dancer, or comedienne? Start thinking about a comedy sketch, a musical performance, or any other idea for an act suitable for a dinner audience. Check the Talent Show page if you are interested in being part of the show.
"After the meal Elaine took the stage and acted as the TG mistress of ceremonies for the Talent Show. Some of these girls are very talented. There was some great lip-synching but it was the true singers and comediennes that stole the show."
Graduation
Saturday marks the big Graduation Gala where the graduating class of first-time attendees and SO's are presented. Dress is formal. FUN is mandatory! Emotion is usual!!
"When it was our turn, our Big Sister introduced us to the audience and placed a beautiful butterfly brooch, hanging on a ribbon, around our necks. Each recipient was expected to say something. Some graduates were at a loss for words, others quite profound."
The Slumber Party
The Saturday night slumber is a favorite Esprit tradition. The Hospitality Suite begins to fill with ladies in nighties as the Saturday night graduation dinner and party draws to a close. Some snacks and pizza are usually available (as are a lot of leftover beverages that come crawling out of people's rooms). The room is usually filled to capacity and the evening is filled with lively conversation, backrubs and footrubs, friendly games and activities, and sharing of personal thoughts. A few diehards haul blankets, pillows, and teddy bears to the room and stay there until dawn.
You're welcome to wear anything in good taste and reason to the party. Some ladies simply pop in after the Saturday night party in their party outfits, chat for a few minutes, and disappear. Some choose to attend the slumber party in makeup; others choose to be comfortable and get cleaned up and dispense with the bra, wig, and other accessories they normally use when dressed. You may wish to lean somewhat to the more practical side if you plan on staying a while. Most of the seating consists of upright chairs, the floor, a counter, pillows/blankets, and perhaps a few seats on a sofa. You may be standing up and sitting down and shifting position frequently depending on how crowded the room gets and the activities that are going on. In addition, you may want to wear or bring something (such as a robe) that allows you to comfortably walk the length of the hotel to get back to your room.
Heels and Nails
If you have not worn and lived in heels for a couple days in a row or are wearing unfamiliar heels, you should bring a pair of comfortable flat shoes. There is a huge difference between slipping on a pair of heels for a couple hours as compared to living, standing, walking, and sitting in them for several days. You do not want to suffer nerve or ligament damage, and both can happen very easily and suddenly even to the most experienced cross-dresser. If you do not have flats, there is a Payless Shoe Source and Wal-Mart a few minutes away by car where you can get a cheap pair. You don't want to ruin the last and most exciting part of Esprit simply because you don't give your feet a rest.
"I was confident that I could wear my heels all of the time because I have had yearly week-long periods when I have been able to dress 24/7. My feet tended to get sore about the 4th or 5th day and wearing flats for a day made it possible to continue. The conditions are not the same at Esprit. First, depending on how high a room number you have, it is a long walk from your room to the class rooms - in 5" heels, my feet and legs were about done by the time I got there! Second, you don't have the option of "resting" when your feet get tired as you have somewhere else to go (next class, lunch, etc.). By Wednesday (I arrived Sunday night) my feet were so swollen, they wouldn't even fit into the one pair of flats that I brought with me! Luckily, I found a pair that would fit my feet in the clothing exchange."
Planning on getting your nails done? While glamour length is great for the special evening parties, it can be a challenge for day to day living, especially if they're new to you. If you're not looking for an extremely permanent job, you may wish to talk to your nail technician about how to make the nails easier to remove at the end of your stay. Don't forget to schedule a visit to have your nails removed or you can ask about buying a bottle of do-it-yourself nail removal chemicals.
"If you aren't accustomed to long nails and you wear contact lenses, you should practice getting your lenses in and out with nails. There's a whole different technique involving the sides of your flattened fingers instead of your fingertips and if you don't get good at it beforehand, you'll be poking your eyes a lot."
Clothing Exchange
The Esprit Clothing Exchange is where you can donate clothes and pick up something new for yourself. Anyone may donate at any time, but first-time attendees are allowed exclusive access until the middle of the week. The room is filled with shoes, undergarments, and many full racks of clothes. You may also find a small selection of makeup, perfumes, accessories, books, and wigs. If there is an early surplus of donations, the doors will open early, so check in often!
"I went on to the clothing exchange and there, met three other girls. It was like a group shopping spree. Everyone was finding something for each other. "This looks like your size." "Oh! This is you. A June Cleaver special." "Here is a pair of size 13's." I had a great time trying on shoes and sorting through racks and mounds of clothing."
Clothing that does not get claimed by the end of the week is donated to local charities.
Yearbook
Esprit attendees receive a wonderful yearbook near the end of the year. There's always a lot of impatient waiting, but that's partly due to it being a massive volunteer effort to assemble as well as being composed of articles, thoughts, funny stories, and pictures from you!
The individual portraits are an important part of the yearbook and you should make sure that you schedule time as early as possible during the week to get your picture taken. Taking your picture sooner rather than later has several advantages: if you don't like how you look you can try again the next day, you're less likely to run into unresolvable conflicts between your activities and the photographer's schedule during the hectic closing days of Esprit, and you'll have the peace of mind of knowing that your picture is done and there's nothing to worry about. The photographer wants to enjoy Esprit as well and is not able to keep her doors open all day long during the last days of Esprit.
In addition to the yearbook, "friendship cards" are usually available during the week from the yearbook photographer. These are business cards that include a color photo supplied by you or taken by the photographer and a block of personal information of your choice that your friends can use to contact you. The photographer is also able to reprint photos that she takes of you on photo quality paper in any size you wish. If you want friendship cards or photo reprints during Esprit, you will need to have these done within the first few days (or bring your own) because the printing process is quite time-consuming. If your order is not ready during Esprit, it will be mailed to you. There is a small charge for these cards and photos with a portion of the proceeds going to the Esprit scholarship fund.
When Esprit draws to a close, think about something to write for the yearbook while your thoughts are still fresh. The sooner the articles and photos are sent to the editor, the sooner the yearbook can be assembled and mailed to everyone.
Final Thoughts
Esprit is what you make it.
If this is your first time, the sheer number of people, the apparent comfort that many of them display, and the numerous unfamiliar activities may be overwhelming. You may find the urge to slink away to your room or hide quietly behind a drink in the bar. While many of the ladies may make an effort to greet someone they don't recognize, it's really up to you to reach out and introduce yourself. Once you do, you'll quickly find that you can join the conversations, share a little background about yourself and where you come from, and start getting connected.
"I almost left on Monday, then I decided that I wanted to attend so I had better get off my a** and have some fun! The most important thing to bring is a positive attitude and your smile. Wear those every day, all day. If you need help, ask. You have about 160 sisters who will be glad to help."
You may want to keep a journal to record your thoughts and daily details. Whether for posterity, simply to ensure that you remember, or to have lots of details with which to write an article for the yearbook, it's unlikely that you'll be able to remember all the details, names, or exactly what you wore on any given day. These little details take on a whole new importance that you may not have anticipated before coming to Esprit.
Being immersed in a setting such as Esprit can be exhilarating, but in the midst of the excitement it's hard to look forward and realize what the next days or months after Esprit will bring. The immediate excitement will quickly pass, but for many, Esprit brings up profound discoveries. It can be difficult even early into your stay when you realize how wonderful it is and that it will have to end. You are strongly encouraged to attend the Blue Monday class to prepare you for the flood of emotions that most first-timers experience.
"Although knowing not to mix stripes with plaids is an important part of femininity, the most significant thing I took home from my first Esprit was the sudden realization of who I actually am. Events in my life suddenly acquired a new meaning--suddenly I understood how and why I behaved as I did. (The moment of revelation was actually on the airplane trip home.)"
If you can, try to spend time with friends on the way home. Traveling with others, having dinner somewhere, and stopping at someone's house are all important ways of coming down gently from Esprit. If that's not possible, then stay in touch with your sisters by email or the Esprit-Exchange group.
"We sat in Claire's backyard in the early evening light and reflected on what had transpired. Our talk that evening was very profound. I find it paradoxical because a 4 hour talk by itself without Esprit would have been meaningless, and none of these feelings could have come out during Esprit. It was only afterwards, in a glaring moment of clarity, that the emotions can really be experienced. I would recommend a peaceful decompression session like this for anyone coming home from Esprit."