Sommernachtsball 2025
Saturday, June 21st, 2025, 8 - 10 PM
A Celebration of the Summer Solstice
The Summer Solstice marks the turning point in our yearly cycle—the longest day, the shortest night, and a powerful moment of transition. In cultures across the globe, it’s a time to gather, celebrate the abundance of light, and move joyfully into the warmth of the season ahead. At Ballroom Dance Chicago, we believe dance is the perfect way to honor these seasonal shifts—not just as entertainment, but as a meaningful, shared ritual.
That’s what Sommernachtsball is all about.
This isn’t just a party. It’s a guided experience that fuses ballroom tradition with seasonal celebration, making space for everyone—from seasoned dancers to absolute beginners—to learn, move, and connect in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.
A Night of Dancing—And Learning
Each Chicago Ball Season event is structured around two central group dance classes—an immersive opportunity to learn new skills, understand the cultural background of traditional dances, and grow more confident with each step. These classes are not an afterthought; they are the heart of the evening.
1. Summer Waltz Class
We begin the night with a focused waltz class designed to get everyone moving with comfort and grace. Whether you’ve danced for years or are stepping onto the floor for the first time, this session will give you tools to dance with confidence and enjoy the flow of the evening. Waltzing in summer eveningwear? That’s the dream.
2. Grand Polonaise Class & Procession
One of the most distinctive features of the night, this class introduces guests to the majestic Polonaise—a ceremonial dance that has historically marked the beginning of important events and celebrations. You’ll learn the patterns, understand the symbolism, and then participate in a formal group procession that feels straight out of a grand European ballroom. There’s nothing quite like it.
Evening Program
- 7:45 PM – Doors Open
- 8:00 PM – Summer Waltz Group Class
- 8:45 PM – Grand Polonaise Instruction & Formal Procession
- 9:15 PM – Open Social Dancing (classic waltzes + summery tunes)
- 10:00 PM – Event Ends (although we may linger)
Throughout the evening, we’ll have a specially curated playlist of dance music, blending traditional ballroom with bright, sun-soaked selections that match the joyful tone of the night.
The Atmosphere
Expect the theatrical. We open with a Grand Opening Ceremony, led by our staff, to set the tone of celebration and usher in the summer season with flair. The ceremony culminates in our Solstice Toast—a collective cheers to the light, the community, and the beauty of dancing together.
You’ll find yourself in a space full of warmth, movement, and elegance—not a formal gala, but a curated and immersive environment where learning and celebrating go hand-in-hand. Guests often say that our events feel like stepping into another world. That’s exactly the point.
Dress Code: Summer Formal
Think garden party meets ballroom. Flowing gowns, cocktail dresses, or dressy separates in light, summery colors. Lightweight suits, summer tuxedos, tailsuits—keep it formal, but make it breathable. Comfort and elegance are both essential here: we want you to look and feel fabulous as you move through the night.
Event Details
- Date: Saturday, June 21, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Doors open at 7:45 PM)
- Location: 4039B N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60613
- Price: $80/person (advance), $100/person at the door
(Studio members receive a 15% discount)
- Age Requirement: 21+
- BYOB: Feel free to bring your own beer or wine to enjoy throughout the evening.
Why We Dance
At its heart, Sommernachtsball is a celebration of connection. In a season overflowing with energy and growth, this is our way of honoring it: face-to-face, hand-in-hand, step-by-step. We dance to learn, to celebrate, and to mark the passing of time with style, joy, and presence.
Come for the education, stay for the elegance—and leave with new skills, new friends, and maybe even a few magical memories.
We can’t wait to dance the solstice in with you.