Formal Ball

You’re not required to dance the style displayed on the screen, or even to dance at all! All ages and skill levels are welcome if you’d like to try social partner dancing but please don’t feel obligated. You can also attend for the ambiance or the fun of dressing up.

You’re not required to bring your own partner. Anyone may ask anyone to dance. Your dance partner does not have to be a romantic partner. We’re here to have fun and dance as a community!

Please follow the Dance Floor Etiquette image below. Line of dance means the leader is facing and traveling counter-clockwise on the floor. Some songs might have two or more dances that can be done simultaneously. Pay attention to where spot dances vs. traveling dances are taking place. The screen will provide guidance as to what dance(s) you might want to dance to each song.

New dancers should stick toward the inside, as more experienced dancers are more likely to use the outside of the floor.

If you’d like to be asked to dance, try standing toward the front or on the direct sidelines of the floor. Sitting down or standing in the very back of the room makes you look unavailable to potential dance partners.

We suggest asking both “Would you like to dance?” and also “ How would you like to dance?” We’ve found this to be a great way to discover whether your partner would rather lead or follow, which can help you avoid some awkward moments later on.

Anyone has a right to decline to dance with anyone else, for whatever reason. However, if you decline a dance from one person, ballroom etiquette considers it polite to sit out the rest of the song rather than accepting a different offer. Because there are lessons held in connection with our event, there will be many folks at the social dance who want to apply what they've learned and grow as a dancer in addition to making friends. We’ve found that declining an offer without sitting out for that song may be taken poorly, even if that's not what you intend. An exception to this is if you have already promised to dance the current or upcoming dance with someone else. Please check out other ways to decline politely provided by our guest host at https://trickssi.com/lessons.php However, if you are declining because you are feeling uncomfortable with the specific person asking or their behavior, please talk to ballroom staff or contact the harassment helpline ( hro@pittjcs.org ) .

You must wear a face mask at all times in the Formal Ball Room. The mask must fit snugly from over your nose to below your chin (for most styles). No bandannas, gaiters, or exhalation valves. If you are wearing a helmet, partial mask, or fursuit head, you must wear an additional medical face mask underneath. A small number of masks will be provided at the door. N-95 or equivalent masks are highly recommended. There will be no exceptions to this rule; it is in place to protect our immune compromised staff members.

Bottoms must be no shorter than mid thigh or a few inches above the knee.

Slits must not show anything inappropriate.

No mesh or sheer materials in inappropriate areas.

No extremely low cut or “plunging” necklines. When in doubt, test to make sure your neckline is well-fitting at all times as you move without a possibility of slippage. Think: a neckline that would not require the use of double-sided tape.

Avoid or bustle trains on dresses as they can be stepped on.

No jeans or cargo pants. Dress pants or dress shorts (think Ouji-style) only.

Collared dress shirts are permitted but cannot be open. T-shirts and tank tops are not permitted.

Formal neckwear is encouraged but not required.

Undergarments should not be visible.

Participation in dancing will require freedom of movement for anything you choose to wear.

However you choose to move, your ensemble should stay attached. Utilize those safety pins!

Please consider the relatively small size of the room as well.

No matter what you choose to wear, please keep the image of a “formal” night out in mind.

Whatever you wear, ensure there is no slippage.

The following are considered appropriate footwear: dance shoes with smooth soles, dress sandals, pumps, flats, clean boots without thick or scuff-making soles, high heels, and dress shoes. Please make sure the footwear does not come off when dancing, or wear shoes with a strap or ties. Remember: we want to look “formal,” so choose something that looks like you could wear it to an indoor wedding.

Sneakers, tennis shoes, Demonias/thick-soled platform shoes, outdoor sandals (e.g., Crocs or Birkenstocks), and flip flops are not allowed.

Stiletto heels are STRONGLY discouraged for safety reasons.

If you have medical restrictions on footwear or movement, please contact formal@teamtekko.us as soon as you can to discuss options.

If you don’t have any shoes that are approved per the above guidelines, remember that there is an INformal dance on Saturday at the same time. Lessons and workshops also don’t require approved shoes.

You are not required to cosplay at this event, but you’re more than welcome to!

Cosplay must follow the dress code as listed above. If a character wears an outfit that “almost but not quite” follows the guidelines (a character that wears a tuxedo with tennis shoes), the cosplay must be modified until it meets the dress code. If you are unsure whether it meets the guidelines or if you need suggestions on how to modify your cosplay, email cosplay@teamtekko.us .

Please be mindful of costume pieces that may get in the way when dancing with a partner, including wings, tails, or horns.

You must remove swords, guns/other weapon props, and hats that are not secured to your head when on the dance floor.

Bulky fantasy armor must be removed when on the dance floor.

Whole-head latex masks will not be permitted on the dance floor for the safety of all dancers.

Eye patches over one eye are permitted as long as the other eye is unobscured and has peripheral view.

Body paint and face paint must be sealed.

If wearing a wig, you can keep it secure with hair pins, bobby pins, or a velvet band.

Japanese traditional clothing, Lolita, and other cultural formal wear is also welcome as long as it meets the guidelines above within reason.

Dress Military Uniforms are welcome as long as they are formal Military Uniforms.

Fursuits will be permitted if attire is dressed over the fur suit and follows all of the above rules. (For example, a fox fursuiter has a gown or tux over the fursuit that matches the formal guidelines.) Suiters still must follow mandatory masking guidelines. Heads will only be permitted during photo opportunities as we must be able to see your face mask.

The only rule that will be waived is the no shoe rule.

It is highly recommended that if you wish to dance, you should dance with a handler or have your handler nearby if your headwear restricts your vision in any way.

No obscene graphics, including 'parody' images, are permitted on any item of clothing.

The dress code will be relaxed for the final half hour of the event.

Decisions made by formal staff are final.