Frequently Asked Questions
When is the ball this year? The ball will be held on Saturday, October 25 from 5:30-9:30pm.
When will tickets be available? Tickets will go on sale at noon on July 15 and are $50. If you’re not already on our email list, please subscribe at the bottom of our contact page so you can receive updates!
How old do I have to be to attend the ball? The Merrick Masquerade Ball is open to participants ages 13-113!
How is the Merrick Masquerade Ball different from the world’s dances or proms? The Merrick Masquerade Ball differs from conventional dances and “proms” in so many ways, that there’s hardly a comparison. 1) While a prom is open to only high school teens, our ball is open to anyone age 13 and up, and we encourage families to make a night of it and enjoy the ball together! 2) The dancing is almost all contra dance with some waltzes and polkas in there too. 3) The music we use is beautiful, often folk music, and will never contain foul language or evil content. 4) As with any work of our hands, we put ourselves into it as work done “unto the Lord, and not unto men”. To that end, everyone involved in the event endeavors to present themselves decently, respectfully, and joyfully.
What if I don’t know how to dance? Never fear! This is the perfect opportunity to learn! Leading up to the ball each year, we host 3-4 workshops where we will teach all of the dances for the evening. Many of our attendees are at least somewhat familiar with or have a bit of experience with contra dance, and are ready to help newbies along. For those familiar with contra dance, this may be a lot of review, but we introduce a new dance or two each year, so there’s always something new to experience!
Are there chaperones at this event? We do not have chaperones at this event, but rather, host couples ready and willing to assist with anything that may arise, from wardrobe malfunctions to stubbed toes. If you feel uncomfortable with your child attending an un-chaperoned event, we heartily invite you to participate along with them!
May parents stay and watch? All parents are welcome to stay through the Grand Entrance for pictures. After that, only ticket-holders (ages 13-113! That means parents can come too!) will be allowed to stay. ALL ticket holders must adhere to the dress code for the evening.
What is the dress code? The Merrick Masquerade Ball is a formal event, so formal attire is required. For the ladies, this means ankle or floor-length gowns. Any slits in the gown cannot rise past the knee, and necklines must remain modest (we will respect what each family deems to be modest but at minimum, plunge necklines are not allowed.) For the gentlemen, a suit and tie or tuxedo is required. This is not a jeans and t-shirt event. In addition, all participants must have a mask! This is not because we don’t want to see your face, but because we DO want to see your creativity and this is, after all, a masquerade! You are NOT required to wear your mask for the whole event.
What is a “theme”?
A theme, specifically referring to our annual ball theme (this year’s is “Masterpiece”), serves as a guiding principle for our decoration and refreshment choices, influences the games and prizes we introduce each year, and inspires ideas for attendees’ personal themes. A personal theme is the unique concept that each individual, group, or family selects for the evening. This theme will inform your attire and mask for the event, and it also allows you to participate in our contests! Judges will assess the themes across various categories and award prizes to their top selections. **Please note that your personal/couple/group/family theme does NOT have to correspond to the ball’s overall theme, but you are more than welcome to take our theme and run with it!
I see that workshops are held both Saturdays and Sundays. Can you tell me why? Our intention in rotating Saturdays and Sundays for dance workshops is to provide the opportunity for everyone involved to participate at least once without disturbing their day of rest; we have among our attendees both those who observe Sunday worship, and those who observe the seventh day Sabbath.
When/where will Dance Workshops be held? The workshop schedule will be emailed to ticket holders.