The Dance Card

Welcome to The Dance Card, our blog dedicated to the world of balls and ballroom dancing. From black-tie etiquette to ballroom guides and essential packing lists, find everything you need to make the most of every ball.

The Dance Card

Looking After Your Evening Wear

Looking After Your Evening Wear

The morning after a ball is not when most people want to think about laundry. The clothes are on the bedroom chair, the gown is over the back of the...

Looking After Your Evening Wear

The morning after a ball is not when most people want to think about laundry. The clothes are on the bedroom chair, the gown is over the back of the...

Army officer and ladies fill their dance cards

The Unwritten Rules of Reeling

The Royal Caledonian Ball came round again on the first of May. For many reelers it is the grandest night of the year. For a fair few it is their...

The Unwritten Rules of Reeling

The Royal Caledonian Ball came round again on the first of May. For many reelers it is the grandest night of the year. For a fair few it is their...

Steaming a silk jacket lining

The Repeat Wear Problem

The ball season has a way of bunching. Two events in a month is not unusual, and if one of them involves a bespoke tailcoat, a velvet doublet, or a...

The Repeat Wear Problem

The ball season has a way of bunching. Two events in a month is not unusual, and if one of them involves a bespoke tailcoat, a velvet doublet, or a...

Cafe Sperl's front door in Vienna

Five Great Cafes to Visit in Vienna

Five of the best coffee houses in Vienna, from Café Sperl to Café Central, with tips on where to eat before a ball at the Hofburg.

Five Great Cafes to Visit in Vienna

Five of the best coffee houses in Vienna, from Café Sperl to Café Central, with tips on where to eat before a ball at the Hofburg.

Dressing for a Viennese Ball: A Lesson from the Window of Knize

Dressing for a Viennese Ball: A Lesson from the...

  If you walk along the Graben in Vienna and pause at number 13, you will find one of the great men's outfitters in Europe. Knize has been in business since...

Dressing for a Viennese Ball: A Lesson from the...

  If you walk along the Graben in Vienna and pause at number 13, you will find one of the great men's outfitters in Europe. Knize has been in business since...

Wilhelm Jungmannand Neffe, Vienna

Wilhelm Jungmannand Neffe, Vienna

Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe is one of the must-visit men's tailors in Vienna. It will be hard not to buy at least a pocket square in a shop with so...

Wilhelm Jungmannand Neffe, Vienna

Wilhelm Jungmann & Neffe is one of the must-visit men's tailors in Vienna. It will be hard not to buy at least a pocket square in a shop with so...

A Very Brief History of Tartan

A Very Brief History of Tartan

The history of tartan is more interesting than it has any right to be. Here is a very brief guide to give you something to talk about in the ballroom...

A Very Brief History of Tartan

The history of tartan is more interesting than it has any right to be. Here is a very brief guide to give you something to talk about in the ballroom...

What Tartan Sash Should I Wear to a Reeling Ball?

What Tartan Sash Should I Wear to a Reeling Ball?

The tartan sash is the most distinctive feature of women's highland dress, and also the most confusing. The rules sound arcane, the etiquette feels impenetrable, and most people arrive at...

What Tartan Sash Should I Wear to a Reeling Ball?

The tartan sash is the most distinctive feature of women's highland dress, and also the most confusing. The rules sound arcane, the etiquette feels impenetrable, and most people arrive at...