WELCOME TO CHICAGO BALL SEASON
Classes That Bring the Magic of Vienna’s Ball Season to Chicago
Chicago Ball Season is a collection of themed dance classes inspired by Vienna’s famous Ball Season and the social dance traditions surrounding it.
Each class gives you the chance to learn two dances connected to the evening’s theme—from Waltz and Foxtrot to historical favorites like the Regency Quadrille. Along the way, you’ll also discover some of the traditions, etiquette, and history that have made formal dancing a celebrated part of social life for generations.
Part of the fun is dressing for the theme! Whether that means adding a little extra elegance to your evening or going all-in with an empire-waist gown or tailcoat, you’re invited to embrace the world each class explores.
The `26 - `27 Chicago Ball Season Schedule
What is Chicago Ball Season?
Why Chicago Ball Season Started
Chicago Ball Season started with our annual dance trips to Vienna. We wanted our travelers to have a chance to prepare for something that’s surprisingly hard to recreate in Chicago: a busy dance floor full of people actually dancing Viennese Waltz. Knowing the steps is one thing. Navigating a lively ballroom with dozens of other couples moving around you is a skill all its own.
But there was something else about Vienna we wanted to bring home.
In Vienna, people grow up with dancing woven into the culture. It’s a normal part of life. Chicago doesn’t have that same built-in dance culture, which gives us the opportunity to bridge the gap a little differently.
Chicago Ball Season gives you the instruction and practice to feel capable while also creating the lively, festive atmosphere that makes dancing so exciting. You get to learn while being part of the experience, rather than feeling like you have to be an accomplished dancer before you can participate.
And, frankly, Chicago winters are long! Ball Season gives us reasons to get out, dress up, learn something, and look forward to what comes next. Each class becomes another little milestone through the winter… a new dance to try, a tradition to discover, and a reason to keep moving until spring finds us again.
Come for One or Keep Coming Back
Every class stands on its own, so there’s no commitment to attend them all. Pick a theme that catches your attention, come back for your favorites, or let Ball Season give you a reason to keep trying something new all winter long.
No previous ballroom experience is expected. Come ready to learn, participate, meet people, and discover just how much fun there is to be had on a busy dance floor.
FAQ
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Absolutely not! That’s why these classes exist! Every event includes two dance lesson, so anyone new to partner dancing can learn a few steps and get out onto the dance floor that same night. We also have instructors present to answer simple questions for you.
If you'd like to become more confident, many people see attending a ball as the perfect motivation to start dance lessons or our seasonal Ball Prep group Class.
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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.
Each evening is designed to offer a rich, dynamic experience for every dancer, regardless of style preference.
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Each ball has a distinct theme which we strongly recommend you go all in for.
For example, the Viennese ball is 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 excitement, so dressing to impress is part of the fun!
Throughout all the years we have run these classes, we have never had someone show up in jeans. So don’t be the first!
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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 learning dance. Many attendees come solo, and with the beginner-level classes, 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 a few light bites and snacks to keep your learning fueled and water is always available.
All events are BYOB (beer and wine only). We’ll provide all the glassware you need.
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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 future use.
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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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!
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.”