Featuring classical renditions of famous songs from series such as Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and Fullmetal Alchemist, the Formal Ball invites anyone from any fandom to enjoy an evening full of fun and sophistication. While these elegant melodies drift in the air, guests are encouraged to join the open dance floor and strut the night away, or simply bask in the ambience of the moment at one of our themed cocktail tables. Introductory ballroom dance lessons will be provided before the Formal Ball for those looking to learn the basic steps to traditional dances such as the Waltz, Fox Trot, Cha Cha, or Tango.
Both the Formal Ball and the Formal Ball Dance Lessons are included with the purchase of your convention badge. No further admission is required to attend either.
The Formal Ball is, first and foremost, a formal ballroom dance and is intended to provide a high-class experience for all guests. The following guidelines exist to maintain a formal atmosphere and ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees. Entrance to the Formal Ball is at the discretion of event staff and will be determined on-site.
General Dress Code
- All attire must be formal in nature, including clothing and footwear.
- Clothing must be in good condition. Garments with loose threads or unfinished hems must be trimmed before entry.
- Rips or tears are only acceptable if they are clearly part of a formal design.
- Shoes and clothing required for disability or accessibility needs are exempt from dress code restrictions.
- Outfits must be secure and not at risk of slipping or exposing undergarments during movement or dancing.
Tops
- Necklines should remain formal and conservative. Low-cut or plunging necklines that expose more than the top or side of the breast are not permitted.
- It is recommended for midriffs to be fully covered with solid, non-transparent material. Attires with midriffs visible will have the wearer’s admittance subject to the discretion of staff.
- Suits and suit jackets are encouraged but not required.Collared dress shirts may be worn without a jacket but must remain buttoned.
- Strapless tops or dresses must fit securely.
- Undergarments (including bras, underwear, garters, or straps) may not be worn as outerwear and must remain hidden.
- Built-in undergarments are acceptable if they blend into the outfit and maintain a formal appearance.
- Undergarments concealed by jackets or cardigans are acceptable.
Bottoms
- Dress pants are the only acceptable type of pants.
- Jeans, cargo pants, or casual pants are not permitted.
- Skirts and dresses should not expose undergarments.
- Shorter skirts or dresses should be no more than 2–3 inches above the knee, depending on height.
- Slits must be formal in nature and must not rise more than several inches above the knee.
- Slits that may otherwise be inappropriate but are securely pinned or buttoned are acceptable.
- Trains on dresses are discouraged, as they may be stepped on.
Shoes
- Acceptable formal footwear includes dress shoes, flats, pumps, heels, dressy sandals, and formal boots.
- Sneakers, tennis shoes, outdoor sandals, and flip-flops are not permitted.
- Traditional formal footwear, such as the japanese geta, is acceptable as long as they are worn in the formal fashion.
Accessories, Props & Makeup
- Formal neckwear such as ties, bow ties, or cravats is encouraged but not required.
- Props are permitted only if they do not obstruct movement or interfere with others.
- Sealed body paint and face paint are allowed.
- Unsealed body or face paint is not permitted.
- Makeup and costuming may cover the face, provided visibility, safety, and staff identification are not hindered.
Special Attire
- Cultural formal attire, such as kimonos, hanboks, hanfus, and the like, are welcome.
- Fashion sub-culture attire such as Lolita or Gothic outfits are acceptable as they meet the above guidelines.
- Dress military uniforms are permitted if they are formal, real-world dress uniforms.
- Fictional military outfits, battle armor, fantasy armor, or uniforms such as Attack on Titan are not permitted.
- Cosplay is allowed provided the outfit fully complies with the Formal Ball dress code.
- If a character’s outfit nearly meets the dress code but does not fully comply, it must be modified accordingly.
- Fursuits are permitted only when worn with formal clothing over the suit that meets the dress code. Fursuits worn alone are not permitted.
Not Permitted
- Casual or rave-style outfits
- Bathing Suits of any type, swim trunks, or any other form of swim wear
- Jeans, cargo pants, or non-dress pants
- Unsafe or obstructive props, including but not limited to swords, wings, staffs, tails, horns, or guns
- Unsealed body or face paint
Rules of Behavior
- All Colossalcon and Kalahari Convention Center rules of behavior must be followed.
- Shoes must be worn at all times.
- Personal items should be left in your room or checked with the bag check at the door if one is provided. Staff is not responsible for unattended items.
- Treat staff and fellow attendees with respect.
- Spitting, harassment, stalking, inappropriate physical contact, or rude behavior will not be tolerated.
- If you feel harassed, uncomfortable, ill, or lightheaded—or notice someone who is—notify Colossalcon Staff or Kalahari Security immediately.