WELCOME TO CHICAGO BALL SEASON
Experience the Elegance - Learn, Dance, and Celebrate!
Step into a 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 ringing in the new year at our glamorous New Year’s Ball or donning an empire waist gown or tailcoat for the Bridgerton Ball, each event is more than a celebration—it’s an immersive ballroom experience. Our balls serve as elegant group dance classes, where you'll learn and practice ballroom dance in a festive, high-society atmosphere. No prior dance experience is required—just a willingness to have fun and try something new.
At Chicago Ball Season, our mission is education through experience. Each ball blends the beauty of formal dance traditions with hands-on learning, helping you build skills, confidence, and connection in a refined setting. Originally created to prepare our clients for Vienna’s traditional ball season, these events now invite all Chicagoans to step into a world of timeless elegance.
Whether you're new to ballroom or a seasoned dancer, our goal is simple: to make every guest feel confident, connected, and inspired by the magic of the dance floor.
Gift Now, Schedule Later.
Most Popular Ball Season Gifts: ✶ Any of the Events!
Each Chicago Ball Season event is distinct, so we encourage you to find the event that matches you or your loved ones interest!
The `26 - `27 Chicago Ball Season Schedule
Chicago Ball Season Reviews
“We have done two balls here. This is a review for the Viennese Ball Feb 1st 2025
This made for a really unusual, exceptional night. The ball– we’ve been to two– is a very elegant event. Men in tuxedos and women in evening gowns waltzing on a dance floor– hard to get more elegant than that! But no snobbery or pretentiousness to go along with it– this is about having fun. You do not need to know how to dance. The evening opens with a starter lesson, so you’ll learn a few steps to try on the dance floor. You do not need to wear a tuxedo or gown– wear good jeans and sneakers, if that’s your idea of dressing up. The stakes are low, the atmosphere pressure-free.
Everyone is warm and welcoming.
The graceful experience and the friendly atmosphere together make for a special, unique evening that’s also lot of fun. It’s exactly what a good night out should be: you look great, you’re doing something that’s different from the usual, and you’re having a blast doing it.”
What is Chicago Ball Season?
A Season of Dance, Practice, and Glamour
Beginning in October and continuing through Mardi Gras, Chicago Ball Season offers a lineup of immersive dance education experiences that blend learning, socializing, and celebration. Every ball begins with a guided dance lesson, ensuring that both newcomers and seasoned dancers feel prepared to take the floor. From there, the night unfolds with hours of social dancing, elegant mingling, and the chance to practice your steps in a stunning, lively environment.
A highlight of the evening is the quadrille, a lively, interactive group dance that has been a staple of European ballrooms for centuries. Traditionally performed at midnight, the quadrille is a structured yet playful dance, where partners form squares and follow a series of energetic, call-and-response movements. Even if you've never done it before, the dance is led by an instructor, making it a fun, lighthearted way to engage with the crowd and experience a true piece of ballroom tradition. Expect a mix of grace, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos as everyone joins in!
Beyond the dance floor, you’ll find a sophisticated crowd, engaging conversation, and an atmosphere that invites connection - whether you’re meeting new friends or reuniting with familiar faces. Each ball combines the grace of Viennese traditions with Chicago’s dynamic spirit, making every ball an unforgettable blend of education, elegance, and excitement.
Step Into the Magic
Explore our upcoming balls and find the perfect night to learn, dance, and celebrate. Whether you're here to perfect your waltz, expand your social circle, or simply experience a night of grandeur and charm, Chicago Ball Season welcomes you.
So slip on your dancing shoes, bring your friends, and immerse yourself in an extraordinary season of education, movement, music, and magic. You'll leave each night saying, "I gave it my all on the dance floor!"
FAQ
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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!
-
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.