Welcome to Chicago Ball Season
A New Tradition of Elegance and Connection
Get ready to experience a whole new tradition of elegance and excitement as we bring the magic of Vienna’s famous ball season to the heart of Chicago! Whether you're swinging at the Wine Harvest Ball, celebrating in style at our New Year’s Ball, or donning a mask for the Mardi Gras Masquerade, each event promises unforgettable nights of glamour, dancing, and connection. These balls are more than just events—they're a celebration of community, culture, and the joy of coming together. So slip on your dancing shoes, grab your friends, and join us for a season of extraordinary nights that will leave you saying, "I left everything on the dance floor!"
Beginning in October and continuing through Mardi Gras, Chicago Ball Season offers a lineup of events designed to bring people together for nights filled with fun, elegance, and connection. Each ball kicks off with dance lessons, so whether you're a seasoned dancer or a beginner, you'll feel confident twirling across the floor. The night then opens up to hours of open dancing, lively socializing, and endless opportunities to meet new people or catch up with old friends. Beyond the dance floor, you’ll enjoy a vibrant atmosphere that encourages meaningful conversation and engagement with Chicago’s finest.
Explore our upcoming events to find the perfect night for you—each one promises its own unique twist on this timeless tradition, combining the best of Viennese elegance with Chicago’s signature style. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!
Chicago Ball Season Schedule
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Kick Off the 2024 Ball Season
Join us at Ballroom Dance Chicago on Saturday, October 5th, from 8-11 pm, for our Wine Harvest Ball – the perfect way to celebrate the end of the wine harvest and the beginning of the ball season. While Chicago might not be home to sprawling vineyards, we draw inspiration from Vienna, a city where the romantic and festive ball season (sometimes called the Fifth Season) is inextricably linked with its rich wine culture. In Vienna, vineyards gracefully fringe the city, creating a unique atmosphere where the traditions of wine and dance come together. This celebration allows us to bring a touch of that Viennese magic to Chicago, marking the start of our own ball season with refinement, good drink, community, and joy.
Event Highlights:
Foxtrot Class: Start the evening at 8 pm with a Foxtrot class, where we’ll focus on learning how to gracefully travel around the dance floor. Dance if you'd like, or sit back and enjoy the evening – the night is yours to savor. Ball season is as much about socializing as it is about dancing; it’s an occasion where everyone plays a part in creating a special magic. Each guest contributes their own unique charm, and together, we create something truly extraordinary. While this is a “dancers’” event, you don’t need to know how to dance to attend, nor is an interest in dance required. We welcome anyone who wishes to connect with others and help create an enchanting evening.
Open Social Dancing: Following the class, enjoy an evening of open social dancing to a lively mix of ballroom and swing music, perfect for our diverse dance crowd.
Wine Tasting: Bring a wine of your choosing – whether white, red, orange, rosé, or sparkling – in the $25+ price range to share. Each attendee (or couple, if you’re coming with a partner) should bring one bottle, two if you’re feeling generous. The most important thing is that it’s a wine you enjoy and are proud to share with others.
We’ll also provide tasting notes and various other materials to help guide our wine discussions and deepen our appreciation for each bottle, whether you’re reconnecting with old friends or making new ones. While we won’t have a blind wine tasting this time, we’ll vote on our favorite wines, with a special prize awarded to the winning bottle!
Cheese Sharing: To ensure we don’t drink on empty stomachs, we’re asking everyone to bring a cheese or two to share. Don’t worry about the details – Ballroom Dance Chicago will provide crackers, serving trays, knives, plates, and all the essentials. As is true with the wine you bring, the only thing that matters about cheese is that you like it and want to share what you like with others.
The wine and cheese-sharing portion of the evening is just as important as the dancing. It’s an opportunity to sample others’ favorites while engaging in meaningful conversations about their choices. Through shared tastes and experiences, you can discover new perspectives on what people enjoy and how they perceive different flavors. This adds a social and cultural depth to the evening, enhancing both the camaraderie and the overall ball experience. Enjoying food and drink together enriches the connections made throughout the evening.
Tickets and Event Details:
Event Details:
Date: October 5th, 2024
Time: 8-11 PM, Doors Open at 7:45 PM
Location: 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Attire: Cocktail
Ticket Prices:
Advance Purchase: $45/person
At the Door: $55/person
Age Requirement: All guests must be 21 or older
Don’t miss this opportunity to dance, sip, celebrate, and connect with others as we usher in the ball season. Secure your spot today!
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Ring in the New Year with Dance, Desserts, and Connection
Tired of the usual New Year’s Eve plans? Looking for something truly special to share with your partner and create lasting memories? Join us for our New Year’s Eve Ball—a post-dinner event dedicated to dancing, connection, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
Our balls are more than just gatherings; they are transformative experiences where attendees can say, “I left everything out there in the ballroom.” These events build a lasting tradition of meaningful, connected, and culturally rich community gatherings. They give everyone a sense of purpose and belonging that lingers well beyond the final note, reminding us how powerful shared experiences can be in shaping our world.
This event is designed for couples seeking a meaningful way to welcome the New Year. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or just starting out, this evening will bring you closer to your partner and the community of dancers who join us.
The night features a huge variety of our favorite music, blending swing, quickstep, foxtrot, waltz, and more. We’ll kick off with a group dance lesson—ideal for those new to the floor—and a simultaneous Lindy Hop masterclass with Matthew Sove for more experienced dancers.
As midnight approaches, the floor will open for dancing, where you can create your own magical moments as we ring in the New Year. We’ll toast to new beginnings with nonalcoholic sparkling wine, though you’re welcome to bring your own champagne for a personal touch.
As this is an after-dinner event, we’ll be offering a selection of desserts from Lutz Bakery along with a coffee bar. If you’d prefer wine or beer, feel free to bring your own beverages, as this event is BYOB!
This is more than just a party; it’s a night to reconnect and celebrate together.
Event Highlights
Live Dance Floor: Experience an open dance floor with a mix of swing, quickstep, foxtrot, waltz, and more. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a beginner, this night will inspire you to move.
Dance Lessons: Start the night with a group lesson designed for beginners and a Lindy Hop masterclass led by Matthew Sove for experienced dancers. You’ll leave feeling more confident and connected.
Midnight Countdown: As the clock strikes twelve, share a special moment with your partner on the dance floor. We’ll toast with non-alcoholic sparkling wine, or bring your own champagne for a personalized celebration.
Desserts Spread by Lutz Bakery: Enjoy sweets and treats inspired by ball season in Vienna. We’ll serve Sacher Torte, apple strudel, and much more!
BYOB: While non-alcoholic beverages will be provided, guests are welcome to bring their own wine or champagne to make the evening even more special.
Intimate Setting: With only 30 couples, this event offers an exclusive and personal experience, ensuring that everyone has room to dance and connect.
Event Details
Date: December 31st, 2024
Time: 9:00 PM - 1:00 AM.
Doors open at 9:00 PM
Dance lessons begin at 9:30 PM
Dance floor opens at 10:30 PM
Dance floor wraps up at 12:30 AM
Doors close at 1:00 AM
Location: 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Attire: Formal, black tie optional
Dance classes for both new and experienced dancers
“Champagne” toast at midnight (non-alcoholic provided, but feel free to bring your own bubbly)
BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer (no hard liquor, please)
Lite catering: Cheese, charcuterie, and veggies catered by Cheese Mavin
Cost: $199 per couple
Age Requirement: All guests must be 21 or older
Capacity: Limited to 30 couples—tickets sell out fast, so don’t delay.
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Join us for an evening of regency elegance at the Bridgerton Ball, where we’ll bring to life the charm and refinement of the Bridgerton era. This event offers a unique combination of Waltz and quadrille instruction, and a taste of regency-era etiquette.
Event Highlights:
Waltz Choreography: Begin the night by learning a special waltz choreography, designed for dancers of all levels. We’ll work together to create a beautiful group routine, which we’ll record and share with you. This is a rare chance to perform a coordinated waltz as a group and capture the elegance on film.
Quadrille Instruction: Explore the quadrille, a lively and elegant group dance that was a centerpiece of 18th and 19th-century ballroom culture. Performed in sets of four couples, the quadrille is a dynamic sequence of intricate figures and patterns. Dancers weave through graceful formations, exchanging partners, curtsying, and bowing, all in perfect synchronization. It’s a bit like a formal, elegant precursor to square dancing, filled with energy, charm, and interaction. Our instructors will guide you through each movement, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this delightful and social dance.
Etiquette & Formal Manners: Throughout the evening, we’ll touch on essential regency-era etiquette, so you can move with grace and confidence, whether you’re dancing or mingling.
“Debutante” Presentation: Enjoy a quasi-debutante presentation, where select dancers will showcase the refinement of this timeless tradition and other dances.
Event Details:
Date: January 11th, 2024
Time: 8-10 PM, Doors Open at 7:45 PM
Location: 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Attire: Regency or formal attire encouraged. See below for further details.
Tickets:
Early Bird (before 01/05/2025): $75/person
In Advance (01/05/2025 and after): $90/person
Studio Members get a 35% discount
Age Requirement: All guests must be 21 or older
Capacity: Limited to 60 guests—tickets sell out fast, so don’t delay!
BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer (no hard liquor, please).
A Further Word On Attire:
Dress to impress in regency-inspired attire or formal wear. Think elegant, floor-length gowns, and tailored suits or tuxedos. For those who want to fully embrace the Bridgerton theme, regency dresses with empire waistlines, flowing fabrics, gloves, and delicate accessories will capture the look of the era. The charm of the period is also reflected with tailcoats, waistcoats, cravats, and polished shoes.
Formal attire is always a suitable option if regency isn’t your style. Traditional evening gowns or cocktail dresses work beautifully, or black tie or sharp suits. The goal is to create a night of timeless elegance, whether you’re dressed for a modern ballroom or a scene from Bridgerton.
For a deeper discussion about attire, read our blog about Regency and Formal attire.
Keep in mind that is more than just an evening of dancing—it’s a chance to be part of a collaborative, elegant experience. From your dance steps to your social media moment, every detail will contribute to the magic of the night. Reserve your spot today and join us for an unforgettable Bridgerton-inspired evening!
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Join us on February 1st, from 8-11 PM, as we transform our space into a tribute to Vienna’s ball season. Each year, our studio takes clients to Vienna for Ball Season, and this event serves as a dress rehearsal for that grand experience. Whether you're preparing for Vienna or simply eager to dance the Viennese waltz, this evening is for you.
Event Highlights:
Viennese Waltz Class: Start the evening with a class designed for all levels, ensuring everyone is ready to glide across the floor with grace. Whether you’re experienced or a novice, your participation adds to the spirit of the evening.
Open Social Dancing: Following the class, the night will be alive with the rhythms of Viennese waltz, English waltz, foxtrot, quickstep, and swing. Every dance, every conversation, and every gesture contributes to the collective elegance of the evening.
Desserts and Coffee: Vienna is renowned for its desserts and coffee, so we’ll feature a beautiful collection of pastries and brews to keep you refreshed and ready to dance.
Event Details:
Date: February 1st, 2024
Time: 8-11 PM, Doors Open at 7:45 PM.
Location: 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
Attire: Formal, black tie requested
Tickets:
In Advance: $50/person for class and social
At the Door: $60/person
Age Requirement: All guests must be 21 or older
Capacity: Limited to 60 people—tickets sell out fast, so don’t delay!
BYOB: Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer (no hard liquor, please)
This event isn’t just a gathering; it’s a collaborative experience where everyone plays a role in creating a magical night. Through our dancing, conversation, attire, and demeanor, we weave what becomes an unforgettable evening. Secure your spot today and become a part of something truly special.
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Valentine’s Day Ball: An Evening of Connection and Romance
Part of the Chicago Ball Season
This Valentine’s Day, step into a night of elegance, romance, and deeper connection at the Valentine’s Day Ball. Transforming Ballroom Dance Chicago into a sanctuary of love, we invite you to an evening where dance becomes the ultimate expression of your bond. This is more than just a dance class—it’s a full experience designed to help you reconnect and celebrate your relationship in a truly meaningful way.
A Night of Romance and Connection
Leave behind the usual Valentine’s Day routine and immerse yourself in a world where every detail is crafted to bring you closer. From the moment you arrive, our evening is dedicated to helping you rediscover the joy of being fully present with your loved one. Whether you’re learning a new dance together or simply enjoying the ambiance, this night is about rekindling the spark that brought you together.
Dance Your Way Through the Night
The Valentine’s Day Ball offers two dance classes, each providing a unique opportunity to connect through movement:
Salsa at 7:30 PM: Ignite your passion with the fiery rhythms of Salsa, perfect for adding a touch of spice to your evening.
Ballroom at 8:30 PM: Embrace the timelessness of Ballroom dance, a graceful way to end the night in each other’s arms.
Open Dancing: After each class and during the final hour, enjoy open dancing where you can choose to relax, watch, or continue dancing at your own pace.
Mini-Private Lessons: Our instructors will be available during the open dancing segments to offer personalized guidance, turning these moments into mini-private lessons tailored to you and your partner.
Whether you’re seasoned dancers or taking your first steps together, our expert instructors will ensure you leave with not just new moves, but a deeper connection.Small Bites and Bubbly
Your evening begins with a warm welcome and an array of after-dinner bites, including chocolates, cheese, charcuterie, and veggies catered by Cheese Mavin, ensuring you’re energized for the night ahead. Non-alcoholic sparkling wine will be provided, and we welcome you to bring your favorite bottle (BYOB) to toast your love throughout the evening. Feel free to bring your favorite wine or beer (no hard liquor, please) to enhance your celebration!
Event Details
Date: February 14th, 2025
Time: 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, Doors open at 7:15 PM (Salsa from 7:30-8:00 PM and Ballroom from 8:30-9:00 PM, open dancing between classes and from 9:00-10:00 PM)
Location: Ballroom Dance Chicago, 4039B N. Ravenswood Ave., Chicago, IL 60613
Cost: $199 per couple
Age Requirement: All guests must be 21 or older
Parking and Transport: Ample free parking and accessible public transportation (Irving Park Brown Line, #80 bus, #9 bus, #50 bus)
Reserve Your Place Now
This Valentine’s Day, go beyond the ordinary. Join us at the Valentine’s Day Ball, part of the Chicago Ball Season, and let dance be the vehicle that brings you closer to your loved one. Make this night a celebration of your connection—one that you’ll cherish long after the last dance.
Book your spot today (tickets sell out quickly) and step into a night of romance, rhythm, and unforgettable connection.
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Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball: The Grand Finale of Chicago Ball SeasonJoin us for an unforgettable evening at our Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, the grand finale of Chicago Ball Season. Mardi Gras marks the last day of ball season in Vienna, and we’re bringing that tradition to Chicago with a celebration that’s as unique as our city.
While hosting a ball on a Tuesday might seem unconventional, there's something magical about indulging in an extraordinary event during the week. Over the years, we've discovered that many revel in the opportunity to break up the workweek with something truly special. This isn’t just any party—it’s a chance to immerse yourself in the elegance and excitement of a masquerade ball, even on a weekday.
Our Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball is designed to be a perfect blend of learning, dancing, and socializing, all within a relaxed, midweek atmosphere. We kick off the evening with a New Orleans Jitterbug class (think swing dance)—perfect for those who want to dive into the lively spirit of Mardi Gras. Later, we’ll shift gears with a waltz class, where you can experience the timeless grace of partner dancing.
Mardi Gras, with its rich history of masquerade balls and vibrant celebrations, has long been a symbol of revelry and the culmination of winter festivities. Originating from medieval Europe and carried to the New World by French settlers, Mardi Gras has evolved into a global phenomenon, celebrated with parades, music, and, of course, grand balls. Our masquerade ball pays homage to this centuries-old tradition, blending the lively spirit of New Orleans with the refined elegance of Vienna.
Event Details:
Date: Mardi Gras (Tuesday, March 5th)
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Doors Open at 6:45 PM
Two dance classes: New Orleans Swing from 7 - 7:30 PM and Waltz from 8 - 8:30 PM.
Open dancing between and after dance classes.
Tickets: $50 per person in advance, $60 at the door
Age Requirement: all participants must be 21 years old.
Attire: Formal, but since this is a masquerade ball, the only requirement is that you wear a mask (think decorative, not COVID).
BYOB: Bring your favorite beverage to enjoy throughout the evening (beer and wine only, no liquor please).
Come and learn a little, dance a little, and make lasting memories. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a first-time attendee, this is the perfect way to close out Chicago Ball Season with flair. Don’t miss out on this extraordinary night of elegance, mystery, and celebration!
FAQ
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Absolutely not! You do not need to know how to dance to enjoy the ball. Every event includes a dance lesson, so anyone new to partner dancing can learn a few steps and get out onto the dance floor that same night. However, if you'd like to become more confident, many people see attending a ball as the perfect motivation to start dance lessons. We wholeheartedly recommend taking lessons as early as you can, so you can spend the night dancing with ease and joy.
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Any local dance studio can help you prepare for a ball. If you're in Chicago, we highly recommend lessons right here at Ballroom Dance Chicago! We have a wing of our studio, call Waltz Academy, that specializes in preparing people for balls. We offer Quadrille classes (think Bridgerton-style square dancing), Ball Prep group classes, as well as private lessons, which are a fantastic option if you want personalized attention. We would love to help you get ready for the ball season!
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Chicago Ball Season celebrates a wide variety of dances, but the tradition is rooted in the elegance of Viennese and English Waltzes. You’ll also hear and dance to Foxtrots, Swings, Rumbas, Tangos, Salsas, and more. The music may be played by a live band or a DJ, depending on the ball. Each evening is designed to offer a rich, dynamic experience for every dancer, regardless of style preference.
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Each event has a formal dress code, so think black-tie. For men, this typically means a tuxedo or dark suit, and for women, an evening gown or formal cocktail dress. Feel free to add a Chicago twist to your attire, but remember that each ball aims to uphold a sense of grandeur and refinement, so dressing to impress is part of the fun! Our Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball also encourages creative masks, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the evening.
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Absolutely! You do not need a dance partner to attend. Balls are a wonderful opportunity to meet new people, share in the joy of dancing, and connect with others who appreciate a fun time at a elegant event. Many attendees come solo, and with the introductory dance lessons, you'll have plenty of opportunities to find partners on the dance floor.
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Yes, all events in the Chicago Ball Season are strictly 21 and older. We aim to create an elegant, adult-friendly environment, and IDs will be checked at the door to ensure compliance with this policy.
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We provide light-catered bites at each ball—think cheese, charcuterie, and occasionally sweets like Viennese treats such as Sacher torte. Water is always available, and sometimes we offer a specialty mocktail to enjoy. All events are BYOB (beer and wine only). Please, no liquor. Please read each event description for specifics.
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Once you purchase a ticket, we cannot offer a refund. However, if you let us know at least seven days in advance that you cannot attend, we will credit the value of your tickets to your account for a future event or dance lessons at one of our studios. If you cancel within seven days of the ball, unfortunately, we won’t be able to issue a credit or refund. There are no exceptions to this rule.
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Chicago Ball Season is more than just a series of social events—it’s an invitation to connect, grow, and share in something truly magical during the winter months. These elegant balls offer a chance to step outside the usual and experience a night where your presence, personality, and participation contribute to the collective energy. Whether you're a seasoned dancer or have never taken a step on the floor, you belong here. It’s about unlocking your potential and making unforgettable memories in a city that celebrates both tradition and modernity.
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Yes! We welcome volunteers who would like to help make these events magical. From assisting with setup, greeting guests, and helping coordinate dance lessons, there are plenty of ways to get involved. If you're interested in volunteering, please reach out through our contact page.
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Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to stay updated on upcoming events, ticket releases, and other exciting news. Each ball will offer something unique, so don’t miss your chance to be part of the fun!
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Developing a New Tradition
Inspired by the enchanting ball season in Vienna, we are excited to introduce the Chicago Ball Season. While currently more modest than Vienna's grand 400+ ball event season, our vision is ambitious: to grow our season to feature a ball each week from October until Mardi Gras. This new tradition is crafted to elevate Chicago's social scene through a series of elegant events that enrich our city's cultural landscape and establish it as a premier destination for winter festivities.
Mission and Vision
Our mission is to transform Chicago into the hub for winter balls in the United States, rivaling the grandeur of traditional European balls. Recognizing the profound need for meaningful human connection in an era increasingly dominated by digital interactions, Chicago Ball Season is dedicated to reviving the essential art of face-to-face connections. Through engaging conversations and the timeless elegance of partner dancing, we aim to rekindle the human spirit and foster shared experiences.
Goals for Growth
The concept of Chicago Ball Season emerged from a desire to provide enriching activities during the city's colder months, offering compelling reasons for both residents and visitors to find warmth and vibrancy in our community. By hosting events that not only celebrate the strength and diversity of our community but also attract visitors from other cities, we strive to create a legacy of sophisticated, connected, and culturally enriched community gatherings.
A Legacy of Connection and Culture
This initiative is about more than just filling the social calendar; it's about creating transformative experiences where attendees can say, 'I left everything out there in the ballroom.' It's about crafting moments that deepen our understanding of ourselves and each other, helping us to grow, prosper, and create meaningful experiences that resonate long after the music ends.
Join us as we embark on this exciting journey, bringing a touch of Viennese inspiration to the heart of Chicago, and weaving a new thread into the cultural fabric of our city.