On April 20, 2013 the ballroom doors will open at the Westin Hotel to one of Calgary’s most glamorous spring events – the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Chinook Arch Social Association’s (ISCCA SA) Coronation number 37.
This year the theme is ‘GRIMM – It’s all about the fables’. Stepping down from their one year reign, we spoke to The 36th House of Crimson Rose Beauties and Blood Diamond Beasts Emperor and Empress Bull Dozr and Ruby Elizabeth Harte to get a glimpse of what the last year of fund raising and representation has meant to them and what they would advise to the future royalty soon to be crowned.
"I have learned so much during the reign; many things just about myself," says current reining Empress Ruby Elizabeth Harte. "The changes that you go through are an experience in its self – growing into something that only seemed a dream."
"[The reign] is a journey of self growth and passion and hard work for your community," she says. "Getting to see the work that you are doing bettering the lives of others is a great reward!"
As for advice to future empresses Harte suggests, "always be true to yourself."
"There are more ways to do things [than one]. Yes we have traditions, but you can keep them alive in your own way," she says. "Always remember that it’s not the crown; it’s not ... the role you are in. You are here for your community and for that reason alone keep the passion alive even on the worst days."
"Remember why you chose this and that the community chose you and it will drive you forward."
Harte admits not every day in crown is easy, and the biggest challenges the royalty face are personal ones.
"You either choose to sink or swim until the opportunity presents itself again," she says. "It’s a constant battle between good and evil right, and wrong, but generally speaking it’s about learning to be selfless and not self-centered."
During her reign Harte lost her grandmother, and had to seek support from her peers to keep her poise during this tumultuous and painful time.
"Family always comes first – don’t hide it. Share it with your upper house and your emperor; they will understand!"
Emperor Bull Dozr agrees with the empress that picking highlights of the reign is a tough process when the crowning achievements come in the journey itself.
"...from the bonds of fellowship and family you forge with fellow emperors, empresses, and court members, to the sense of accomplishment after a year of hard work, giving your all to give back to a community that has nurtured you for some twenty years," he describes. "Or knowing that there are those out there benefitting from the efforts you have put in."
As for the challenges of reigning, Emperor 36 Bull Dozr explains the juggling act that occurs, trying to find equilibrium.
"The hardest part of being emperor is definitely trying to balance everything in your life: work, court, and family," he explains. "Learning how to say, sorry I need to spend time with my partners who I haven’t seen in two months, or yes I need more time off because I have to go out of town."
"In many ways duty came before family this year," he says. "Thankfully my partners are no strangers to court life so understood when I was absent at times, and thankfully my employers were 110% supportive."
"Being emperor is no easy task; the cost of the year comes out of our own pocket, and it is very much like having another full time job. But if you are in it for the right reasons, you don’t mind."
As Harte advises future monarchy, Bull Dozr too amplifies the need to be true to one’s self.
"...think outside the box, try to embrace the entire community, be accountable for your mistakes, and rejoice in your accomplishments," he says. "The year was definitely one of self growth and introspection. I held true to my convictions and integrity, and at the other side of it, I came out of the experience not ready for the ride to be over, but proud of where the ride took me."