Anime USA invites you to our 2022 Formal Ball.

This event is a formal ballroom dancing event and not your standard convention rave or dance. It is not your general costume party, but an actual ball filled with your fellow formally-attired anime fans. We invite you to enjoy an elegant evening of refined music and formal dancing to some orchestral renditions of your favorite anime and video game music.

As always, the dress code is Black Tie. Formal wear is preferred; formal cosplay is encouraged. You do not need to dress according to the theme, but you are required to meet the basic demands of a formal event. A jacket and tie is the minimum required for the Gentlemen, and a knee length or longer dress for the Ladies. Weapons are not allowed at this formal affair. This is a peaceful evening of dancing and merriment, not a showplace for the artifacts of conflict.

Date and Time TBA

Dress Code: Black Tie Invited (formal wear preferred, suits/dresses allowed). 
Formal Cosplay is encouraged.

Black tie is a dress code for semi-formal evening events, and is worn to many types of social functions. For a man, the major component is a jacket, known as a dinner jacket (British) or tuxedo (Canada and the U.S.), which is usually black but is also seen in midnight blue. A woman’s corresponding evening dress ranges from a conservative cocktail dress to the long evening gown, determined by current fashion, local custom, and the occasion’s time.

Given that this is a formal event at a convention, some leeway will be given to con attendees in costume; however the costume must be of a formal nature. A useful guideline is, “What would this character wear to a formal event?” Military dress uniforms and formal kimono are appropriate, but informal cosplay will not be permitted. In all cases, cosplay is optional and definitely not required. All decisions on the appropriateness of attire will be made at the event by a director or assistant director only, and are final. Con attendees are encouraged to be conservative in their choice of cosplay to avoid the risk of being denied entry. We request at least a coat and tie for the men (waistcoats without coats at our discretion), and knee length or longer dresses for the ladies.

A few guidelines/general pointers about the dress code:

• T-shirts, Jeans, and tennis shoes are not appropriate for the Ball. Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are not, have not ever been, and will never be considered formal, sorry for the inconvenience (Yes, we know it’s been done before. That still does not make it formal). Proper footwear for the male is either black patent leather shoes, monogrammed velvet opera slippers, or proper dress shoes.  Ladies proper footwear include short heels, dance shoes, formal sandals.
• Yes; we know that this is a Japanese Anime Convention, and that formal Kimono requirements are different than Western requirements – however geta; zori; or any form of non-formal sandal is inappropriate for dancing. All forms of boots are also not appropriate.
• Kilts may only be worn with proper Prince Charles Jacket or Argyle jacket and appropriate accessories.
• Women (or Men crossplaying as Women) should be wearing a ballgown. Cocktail dresses are accepted. Skirts/Dresses should be knee length or longer.
• Please leave all large backpacks and bags in your hotel room/car.  We do not have a bag check and will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items.
• Wings and other large accessories are not permitted.  Ladies – please bustle and tie up all of your trains we do not want any accidents.
• Trench coats and other outer wear are not considered formal and should not be worn.
• Weapons of any kind are not allowed.

The dress code will be strictly enforced. This includes VIP and staff members.