Ball (dance) facts for kids
A ball is a very special and formal dance party. Imagine a grand event where people are invited, dress in their fanciest clothes, and gather in a beautiful room called a ballroom. In the past, balls were mostly for wealthy people. Everyone danced, and it was an important way for people to meet and socialize. Girls often had "dance cards" where men would sign up to dance with them. Older guests would usually sit and watch the younger people dance. It was a big social event!
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What is a Ball?
A ball is a fancy dance event. When we say "formal," it means that guests receive special invitations. They wear their very best clothes, often called "evening attire." These events usually take place in a grand ballroom.
The History of Balls
Balls have been around for hundreds of years. In earlier times, only the richest people could go to these parties. They were a chance for important families to show off their wealth and for young people to meet future partners.
Dance Cards
At balls, especially in the 1800s, young women would carry small booklets called dance cards. These cards had a list of all the dances planned for the evening. Men would sign up on a woman's dance card to reserve a dance with her. This made sure everyone got a chance to dance and that no one was left out.
Social Gatherings
Balls were more than just dancing. They were important society occasions. People would chat, eat, and watch others dance. It was a way for people to stay connected and for news to travel among the upper classes.
The Ballroom
The ballroom is the main room where a ball takes place. These rooms are often very large and beautifully decorated. They might have high ceilings, sparkling chandeliers, and polished floors perfect for dancing. Many old palaces and grand hotels have famous ballrooms.
Dances at a Ball
Over the years, the types of dances at balls have changed. In the past, people danced things like the quadrille, a dance performed by four couples. Later, the waltz became very popular. Today, if you go to a ball, you might see many different styles of ballroom dancing.
Balls Today
While balls might not be as common as they once were, they still happen! Some schools hold "proms" or "formals" that are a bit like modern balls. There are also charity balls and special events where people dress up and dance. These events still bring people together for a night of fun and elegance.
Related pages
Images for kids
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A ball at Apsley House. Shows King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra dancing a quadrille, 1908.
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Ball at Eglington Castle 1839
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Almack's Assembly Rooms, London, about 1820.
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Mardi Gras Ball, 1930s
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Wedding ball of the Duc de Joyeause, 1581. Attributed to Herman van der Mast.
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Sheet music cover
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Bal de Tarda by Ramon Casas i Carbó, 1896
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by William Hogarth, 1745
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Palacio San Martín, Buenos Aires
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Ballroom of the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
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Ballroom of the Canals family mansion, Tarragona
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The ballroom of the Catherine Palace, near St Petersburg
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Two ladies are presented to Emperor Franz Joseph at a ball in the Hofburg Imperial Palace, painting by Wilhelm Gause (1900)
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A ball at the Russian imperial court in the 1910s
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A Finnish author Väinö Linna (left) and his translator Nils-Börje Stormbom (right) in the middle of a ball at the 1968 Independence Day reception at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland
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Five partner dance at a Colonial Ball in the Albert Hall Canberra (circa 2016) (sepia)
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An American dance card from 1884.
