An Actual Formal Dance! What Do You Think?, discussion of formal vs. dance party

Frankly the Banzai Ball:Waltz for the Moon ended up feeling like a typical High School Dance, i.e. People congregating on the dance floor to socialize and jump around, not a Ball where one might actually waltz. Not what I had hoped for.

Ideally, to have a good Ball style atmosphere, you would need: a central dance floor....for actual dancing (lol)... with seating around the perimeter as well as tables for socializing, no "stage", screens would show images to match the theme (if there were any screens at all), elegant decorations, appropriate music for a formal dance (lively perhaps, dance "party" absolutely not), dance cards, more light, and clear descriptions of what the event will be like.

Obviously all these things may not be do-able, but the overall theme is clear.

Not everyone will want to nor be capable of doing a Jane Austen-esque group ballroom routine, but some simple waltzes or foxtrots would be divine mixed in with the contemporary dancing. A mention to brush up on the formal dances or an event earlier to teach them would be ideal :)

Although the demographic for this type of dance might seem opposed to some of the average con goer, I spoke to quite a few people who felt the same way and they represented a broad range of ages. It seems just about everyone enjoys a bit of romantic formality and elegance regardless of age or sex.

Sound off! What say you?

I haven't a clue how to waltz, and since most people don't that could subtract from the amount of people that would come. However, this does sound like something that would interest me. I'd love to attended to it, and may even show up in a suit.
If anyone knows me at all, that is [b]not[/i] something that happens. Ever.
In other-words, I am very interested.

Maybe we could have some people teaching or demonstrating some simple dances for the first bit of the formal. Then those who want can join in with the steps they just learned.

Assuming the 'no stage' was the main events stage, depending on their rooming situations at the new venue, it would be quite a lot of useless work to take it down then put it back up again since it's barley in the way at all.

I like this idea, too. Some training/refresher courses during the set up time would be great!

Banzai in general needs to plan for more setup time, e.g. between panels and events- all panels and events should probably end 10 minutes before so the next presenters can have time to setup.

And of course the stage wouldn't have to be moved if it's not in the way- but if there's a way to quickly put down a dance mat or central floor thing (or there's a room where that is already set up all the time) then that would help with the formal setting.

I like this idea and also the idea of someone teaching some basic steps. The ideal thing might be to have a few panels on this, though I think the hard part would be finding an instructor (or several instructors) willing to donate their time to do this.

It might be possible to contact a few studios or independent dance teachers to see if they are willing to do this and in exchange perhaps be able to advertise their school/services in some way. Maybe.

Another thing that might make this a little more attractive might be to have volunteer 'waiters' or 'waitresses' in cosplay who could bring drinks (just water, anything else might end in tragedy) to the people at the tables. Or perhaps have something slightly like the cosplay cafe where people could buy very light snacks/bottled drinks while they rest.

I dunno, those are just some ideas. I'm not even sure if they're doable or not.

I agree with this wholeheartedly.

I was really looking forward to a formal ball...not that I expected huge gowns and tuxes or anything, but it pretty much was just like Homecoming. In other words, just a bunch of kids jumping around being obnoxious. ^^;

There would be a large variety of people who would enjoy a more formal setting, as several posts before have suggested. I agree with more lighting and perhaps not any fast-pace techno music? That can be saved for dances like the Banzai Boogie...you know, if it were to actually happen, heheh.

I guess I'm just trying to say that if it's labeled a 'Ball', I would expect something close to a ball. I bet you there would be a lot better feedback for something like that. xD I know I'd enjoy it!

Yeah, I didn't actually go to the formal ball, but I heard it didn't work out too well. I saw a lot of people cosplayed in dresses and suits and I thought they were dressed up for the formal ball. But their costumes were pretty fancy. xD

But I'm all for this idea and improving the event. I know that the formal ball isn't supposed to be over the top, but I would love to dress up a little bit and dance to some lively music. I also love the dancing instructor idea too! I just hope that next year the Homecoming, crazy jumping-around experience won't happen again. That should be for Banzai Boogie, not for a formal ball!