What to Expect:

Arrive at the ball prepared to dance the night away! Waltz like the ethereal fae, Foxtrot like Fred Astair, and Bachata like Bayonetta. 

No partner required! This ball is open to both experienced dancers and those who are brand new to dance. This whimsical ballroom gala will play a variety of music that will get you on the dance floor. Dance with your own partner OR ask a stranger to dance. Dance hosts will also be available to whisk you away. This year’s ball is themed around Labyrinth

Enjoy this dance from 7:00pm-9:00pm

Two ballroom crash course panels will be offered during the daytime to go over basic patterns, etiquette, and some lead/follow tips to make sure you have an enchanted evening. No Partner required. Each class is 60 minutes and is open for those who want to try ballroom dance for the first time or for those who need a refresher! Be sure to watch the schedule for class specifics! 

1:00pm – Ballroom Gala Crash Course: TBD (Movement Room – A pod 110)

3:00pm – Ballroom Gala Crash Course: TBD (Movement Room – A pod 110)

General Rules and Recommendations:

  • Bags are not allowed in the formal hall, please be sure to place your items in a safe place outside the dance. (Consider reserving a locker for your extra stuff! https://pop-uplockers.com/events/matsuricon/ ) 
  • Matsuricon is not responsible for any personal items or props left behind or misplaced.
  • Please arrive to the ball clean, wearing deodorant, and prepared with mints.
  • Because ballroom dance involves being in close proximity and touching others, we recommend having an N95/KN95 mask on hand.
  • Water Bottles are not allowed in the formal hall because of GCCC Rules.- Water can be found outside the party in the hallway water fountains. 
  • No dips or lifts (For Safety)
  • Please read Matsuricon’s policies and codes of conduct here.
  • Rest when needed. 
  • Have fun!

Recommended Formalwear:

All clothing items in this guide must also follow the Matsuricon dress policy. Matsuricon staff reserves the right to ask you to change clothing. Attendees are welcome to wear clothing that represents their gender identity or any identity on or off the spectrum. 

  • Formal Cosplay/Costumes
  • Neck Ties, Bowties, Cravat, Bolos (These must be worn around your neck)
  • Button Up Shirt
  • Cocktail Dresses
  • Kimono & Cheongsam
  • Formal Period Clothing (Eg. Renaissance, Medieval, etc.)
  • Suits & Tuxedos
  • Dress Uniforms
  • Kilts with Appropriate Shirt/Accessories
  • While not required, it’s highly recommended that shorts or dancer underwear is worn under skirts and kilts.
  • Khakis, Slacks, Suit Pants
  • Formal Military Dress Uniforms
  • Fur Suits – Only if you a have a handler AT ALL TIMES and your suit is dressed in appropriate formal wear. *

Recommended Footwear:

Flooring in the convention center is carpet so choose your dance shoes wisely. 

  • Dress Shoes
  • Ballroom Dance Shoes
  • Formal or Period Boots
  • Heels
  • Sturdy Dress Sandals with straps to prevent them flying off your feet

Not Allowed:

  • Bags (Consider reserving a locker for your extra stuff! https://pop-uplockers.com/events/matsuricon/ ) 
  • T-Shirts
  • Jeans
  • Shorts
  • Sweat Pants
  • Shredded Clothing or Clothing filled with holes
  • Sneakers
  • Flip Flops or Casual Sandals
  • Clothing which drag the floor (Floor length dresses, trains, capes, etc)
  • Props
  • Casual Jackets (Jeans, Sweatshirts, etc)
  • Military Combat Uniforms
  • Combat Boots
  • Masks (full face and masquerade masks, anything that restricts vision) are not allowed per GCCC rules. A mask along with the dimmed room will make it harder to see. 

Etiquette and Tips for Getting More Dances:

  • Please wash your hands and use hand sanitizer often.
  • Ask politely for dances and walk your partner out to the dance floor.
  • After each dance, be sure to thank your partner and walk with them to the edge of the dance floor. 
  • When you ask someone to dance with you, they may say “no”. If so, it’s ok! No one owes anyone else a dance. Tell them it’s ok and then move on to someone else. 
  • Be sure to communicate with your dance partner! Tell your partner if something hurts or makes you feel uncomfortable.
  • Be aware of your partner! If you’re doing something with your dance partner and they appear uncomfortable, stop doing it. 
  • Body language and communication go a long way. If you want to dance, the best way to get a dance is to proactively ask someone or to stand at the edge of the dance floor and LOOK like you want to dance. 
  • If you’re leading, dance to your partner’s ability. Avoid forcing moves on your partner. A good rule is that if you try a move 3x without success, then don’t do it again.
  • Only teach on the dance floor if your dance partner asks for it. 
  • If you step on someone or bump into them, apologize. 
  • Stay aware of your surroundings! – Fairy wings and large accessories can hit others on the dance floor if you’re not careful. 

Dancefloor Rules of The Road:

Spot Dances (AKA in-place dances)

Dances which mostly stay in place. These can be done anywhere on the floor, but please stay aware of your surroundings. 

  • Cha-Cha
  • Rumba
  • Swing Dances
  • Bolero
  • Mambo
  • Salsa
  • Bachata
  • Zouk
  • Hustle
  • Nightclub 2-Step

Traveling Dances

These dances travel around the room. These are always done in a counter-clockwise direction around the room. Avoid hanging out in corners as you might get run over! If you need to try out a move before dancing, try it off the dance floor first or go to the center of the floor. If you feel like doing a spot dance while a traveling dance is going on, use the center of the floor as well. 

  • Waltz
  • Tango
  • Foxtrot
  • Viennese Waltz
  • Quickstep
  • Country 2-Step
  • Samba

For questions about the formal, the rules, or questions about dancing, please email Brittany at [email protected].