What To Expect
Pre-registration is Required | Attendance is Limited
Do attendees need to know the dances before the Ball?
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First and foremost, this event is about dancing and community. A basic knowledge of English Country Dance figures is required. We do welcome newer dancers and offer Traditional English Dance classes at the Lifelong Learning Center (Missoula) in the weeks before the ball. Also, consider coming to our 2nd Friday English Country Dances (7-9pm, Elks Lodge) to see if this is the event for you. See the Ball Schedule webpage for more details.
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Instructions and videos for the dances are on our Ball Program webpage. Instructions for Ball dances will also be available at the practice session.
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Dancers should avail themselves of opportunities to practice ball dances before the day of the Ball.
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A practice review session will be held from 1:00 -3:00 pm on the afternoon of the Ball
Is a reduced-rate available?
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Please visit the Ball Registration webpage for detailed pricing and registration information.
What opportunities for volunteering are available?
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Even if you are not dancing at the Ball, volunteers are always welcome and needed.
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We know we will need help with decorating the hall, and with setup and cleanup.
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We can always use help getting the word out.
What is acceptable attire for attendance at the Ball?
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Festive, possibly formal, attire will be admired but not required at the ball. What matters is that you feel wonderful and can dance the night away in comfort. If you feel comfortable and festive, you'll feel appropriately dressed. Please leave hoop skirts and broadswords at home.
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Shoes: Dancers should wear comfortable shoes with soft non-marking soles to help protect the wooden dance floor.
What is proper Ball etiquette?
We wish to promote an inclusive and egalitarian spirit in our dancing. With that in mind we offer these suggestions to help insure an enjoyable experience for all:
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If you want to dance, come to the dance floor and join a set
Longways dances are formed from the top of the hall, with partners facing each other. Dancers joining a set should join at the bottom of the set -
When forming sets, keep hands joined until the whole longways is complete; avoid leaving people without a partner
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Since we use positional references of Larks and Robins in calling, you may dance either role. Anyone may ask anyone to dance.
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You are always free to say no when someone asks you to dance. You don’t have to give a reason; you can just say “No, thank you.” If you ask someone to dance and they say “No,” take it gracefully and move on.
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Match your dance ability with the dance difficulty
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If you help within your sets, please do so with eye contact and smiles rather than words or physical contact; mistakes happen, smile and keep dancing
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Look at the person you’re dancing with. There’s a human at the end of that hand and arm.
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Avoid wearing any scented products as they are harmful to some of our dancers
What about safety?
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Everyone should feel safe at our ball. Please dance with consideration for your fellow dancers, with energy but without force, with zest but also with control. If anything another dancer causes a problem, talk to them if you can, or let one of the ball committee members know.
What about fragrances?
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Several members of our dance community are extremely sensitive to various chemicals found in fragrances, after-shave, deodorants, colognes, etc. Please respect the guidelines for fragrance-free dancing.
During the Ball, how will dances be called?
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During the Ball, prior to each dance, talk through instructions will be given. There will be prompting (calling) as each dance begins for a couple of rounds. Additional prompting will be given as necessary.
Will food and drink be available?​
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During the Ball, we will pause midway for light refreshments and drinks that will be provided.
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Water will be available during the event, but you are encouraged to bring your own water bottle.
Is hospitality available?
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There is no housing available directly through this event. There are several hotels near the dance venue, some within a reasonable walking distance. If local hospitality would ensure your attendance, please reach out to the Registrar with that request.
Are changing rooms available?
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The Missoula Senior Center Building has two restrooms with limited capacity. You are advised to change into dance clothes before you arrive.
Is parking available?
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The Missoula Senior Center Building has a large lot adjacent to the building and there is additional on-street parking available.
Is the facility air-conditioned?
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The Hip Strip Ballroom at the Missoula Senior Center Building is air conditioned with a wooden floor well suited for dancing. It is equipped with MERV13 air filters. Additional fans will be strategically placed.
What about Covid?
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If you have covid concerns, masks (N95 / KN95 / KF94) and vaccinations are suggested but not required.
More questions? Contacts?
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Consult the Ball Registration, Schedule, and Program webpages.
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If your questions are still unanswered, send an email to ...