Formal Ball

Featuring classical renditions of famous songs from series such as Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, and Fullmetal Alchemist, the Formal Ball will be presenting a wide array of music for veteran ballroom dancers and congoers alike. Introductory ballroom lessons will be provided before the Ball, and we encourage attendees to come and learn some basic steps so they can feel more confident on the dance floor!

Please note that the Ball is a formal ballroom dance first and foremost. All attendees of the event must adhere to the dress code and rules of behavior as listed below.

Note: The formal ball is included with the purchase of your badge and does not require a separate ticket in order to attend.

DRESS CODE

The formal ball aims to provide a high-class experience for all of its guests. These rules were developed to provide guidelines for our guests. They are used to provide guidance for admission/denial to the ball, which is determined by our staff during the event.

Allowed:

  • All outfits, including dresses, skirts, tops, pants, and shoes, must be formal in nature.


General Clothing Guidelines

Garments with rips/tears must be formal in nature. Hemlines should not have threads/strings falling from them. Staff will have scissors available.

 

Specific Outfits

  • Japanese clothing, Lolita, and other Asian formal wear is also welcome as long as it meets the guidelines below. Exceptions: Japanese Geta can be worn with a Japanese formal outfit.
  • Dress Military Uniforms are welcome as long as they are formal Military Uniforms. Attack on Titan uniforms, Battle Armor, and Fantasy Armor are not Dress Military Uniforms and are not allowed until the causal hour.
  • Fur Suits are welcome as long as they have clothing on that meets the formal ball dress code over their fur suit.
  • Cosplays must follow the dress code as listed below. If a fictional or nonfictional character wears an outfit that “almost but not quite” follows the guidelines (e.g. a character that wears a tuxedo with tennis shoes), the cosplay must be modified until it meets the dress code.

 

Acceptable Top Halfs:

  • Necklines should err on the side of formal/conservative; low-cut and plunging necklines that expose more than the top/side of the breast are not allowed.
  • Suits/suit jackets are encouraged but not required.
    • Dress shirts, like collared dress shirts are permitted without a suit jacket. Dress shirts must be buttoned at all times.
  • Mid-drifts must be covered.  Solid/non-transparent material should be used to fully cover mid-drifts..
  • (Formal) Strapless tops/dresses should be well fitting so as not to slip-down during dancing.
  • Undergarments (underwear, undershirts, bras, garters, garter belt straps) may not be used as outerwear / must remain hidden. Built-in undergarments that blend into the outfit are acceptable as long as the appearance is formal in nature.  Undergarments that are hidden by a jacket/cardigan are acceptable.

 

Acceptable Bottom Halfs:

  • If choosing to wear pants, dress pants are the only acceptable form of pants.
  • While longer dresses are preferable, shorter skirts/dresses should not expose undergarments. We recommend no shorter than 2-3 inches above the knee, depending on your height.  
  • Garments with slits must be formal in nature. Slits must not risk showing undergarments. Slits on skirts/dresses that go more than several inches above the knee are inappropriate. Slits that may be inappropriate but are pinned/buttoned together are acceptable.
  • Hemlines should not have threads/strings falling from them.
  • Avoid trains on dresses as they can be stepped on.

 

Acceptable Shoes

  • The following are considered appropriate formal footwear: dressy sandals, pumps, flats, boots, high heels, and dress shoes. Note: Geta may be worn as part of a traditional Japanese cosplay.
  • Sneakers, tennis shoes, outdoor sandals, and flip flops are not allowed.

Acceptable Accessories

  • Formal neckwear is encouraged but not required. Examples of formal neckwear include: cravats, ties, and bow ties.
  • Props are allowed but must not get in the way.

 

Acceptable Makeup:

  • Sealed Body paint/ Face Paint is acceptable
  • Normal cosmetics
  • Outfits that cover your face / have makeup applied so your face is concealed.  

 

Not Allowed:

  • Casual Outfits / Rave outfits
  • Sneakers, tennis shoes, outdoor sandals, and flip flops are not allowed.
  • Slits that go more than several inches above the knee are inappropriate.
    • Bare/sheer mid-drifts do not meet the formal ball dress code. Solid/non-transparent material should be used to fully cover mid-drifts..
  • Outfits that may slip off and expose ‘inappropriate bits’ during dancing
  • Undergarments (underwear, bras, garters, garter belt straps) may not be used as outerwear. Built-in undergarments that blend into the outfit are acceptable as long as the appearance is formal in nature.  
  • Jeans or cargo pants are not allowed, dress pants only.
  • Outfits that have exposed threads (should be cut off before entering).
  • Props that will get in the way are not allowed. This includes swords, wings, staffs, tails, horns, or guns.
  • Body paint and face paint that are not sealed are not allowed.
  • Fur suits (alone) are not permitted.

 

CASUAL HOUR:

The dress code will be relaxed for the final hour of the Formal Ball, aka Casual Hour. Other than the following exceptions, all other portions of the dress code will be unchanged and remain in effect for Casual Hour.

Casual Hour Exceptions to the Dress Code:

  • Tennis shoes, sneakers, and trainers will be permitted.
  • Dressy jeans and khakis will be permitted in addition to dress pants.
  • Polo shirts will be permitted.
  • Non-Formal military uniforms, such as Attack on Titan cosplays, will be permitted
  • Mid-drifts that are covered with translucent material .

RULES OF BEHAVIOR

  • All ColossalCon and Kalahari Convention Center rules of behavior must be followed.
  • Shoes must be worn the entire time.
  • Personal items should be checked at the dance check-ins and/or left in your room. Staff is not responsible for ensuring the safety of your items while you are at the Formal Ball.  If anything is missing, check the lost and found at Con-ops.
  • Staff and fellow attendees should be treated with respect. No spitting on attendees or staff members.
  • Inappropriate physical contact, harassment, stalking, and rude behavior is not acceptable and should be immediately reported to Colossalcon Security who will take these matters seriously.
  • If you are feeling harassed or are otherwise made uncomfortable, please inform the ColossalCon Staff/Security at the door right away.
  • If you are feeling lightheaded, sick, or you know someone who is feeling faint please notify the ColossalCon Staff/Security at the door immediately.