May 27–30, 2022
Autographs and Events
Code of Conduct and Policies
FanimeCon Props Policy
Attendee Services
Convention Safety Initiative
Dealer's Hall
Arcade Gaming
Gaming Stage
J-Fashion
Designer Information
Panels and Fan Events
Maid Cafe
Fan Events
Silver Island (18+)
Stage Zero
Video Programming
Black and White Ball
Cosplay Gatherings
FMV Contest
MusicFest
Become Staff
FanimeCon App
Anime Clubs
Clockwork Alchemy
Black & White Ball Frequently Asked Questions
Please note: This FAQ is subject to change.
The most recent information during the convention will come from a staff member of the Black & White Ball at the events handled by the Black & White Ball, such as classes, the Black & White Ball, Decompression Dance Party, or Stage Zero demonstrations.
While this FAQ may address information that has been posted formally, it is intended to be a clarification rather than a substitute. If you have any feedback or would like additional information, please email bwball@fanime.com.
What is the Black & White Ball?
The FanimeCon Black & White Ball is a formal dance that takes place on Sunday night for registered attendees. This event runs from 6:00 pm until midnight.
The Black & White Ball and its associated events and dance lessons will be held in the San Jose Ballroom in the Marriott.
What is the Decompression Dance Party?
The Decompression Dance Party is a casual dance that takes place on Saturday night for registered attendees. This event runs after the lessons of that day. It was created as an opportunity to enjoy social dance in a more casual setting while also being a space to practice before the Ball itself.
What do I need to know about partner dancing?
We encourage following partner dance etiquette:
Anyone can lead or follow in partner dancing! Feel welcome to try dancing both roles during the lessons to find out which role you prefer.
Feel free to ask someone to dance! If you're not sure who to ask, keep an eye out for the "Ask me to dance" section and look for a possible partner there.
It is more than okay to turn down a possible partner, but, if you decline, it is generally polite to not ask/accept a dance for the duration of the song that is playing. If you were already planning to dance with someone else during that song, just be honest! Everyone wants to have a good time, but sometimes people just want to watch the dance floor or chat with their friends for a little while.
Look where you are going and be aware of your surroundings. The dance floor can be crowded and it is easy to bump into others or step on other people by accident. Please apologize if you do.
Follow the line of dance if a traveling dance (like waltz or foxtrot) is played. The line of dance travels counterclockwise around the floor. More experienced dancers or dancers who like to travel a lot should dance closer to the edge of the floor while those newer to dancing or do not want to travel as much should remain closer to the center of the floor. Line of dance will also be marked with tape on the floor for your convenience.
If you are doing a dance that does not travel (i.e. swing) to a song marked as a travel dance (i.e. foxtrot), please dance closer to the center of the floor to allow traveling dancers to move around the outside of the dance floor.
If you are not dancing, please leave the dance floor. Being stationary on the floor will only increase your chances of being stepped on.
Is there an age restriction?
No. The Black & White Ball is an event for all ages.
In order to ensure that this event is appropriate for all ages, certain steps have been taken by the Black & White Ball staff. For example, our staff checks the lyrics of every song (no matter the language) to ensure that the lyrics are clean.
Yes. The dress code for the Black & White Ball is formal. It is enforced as a condition of entry to the Ball.
You can find the dress code here.
The dress code applies to the Black & White Ball itself. It does not apply to the dance lessons or the Decompression Dance Party. The rules regarding heels still apply during all Black & White Ball-related events for safety purposes.
If you have any questions about the dress code, would like more details, or want to check if what you plan on wearing is appropriate, head on over to the forums or email bwball@fanime.com!
Why is a dress code necessary?
The Black & White Ball was envisioned to be a formal event as well as a structured partner dance activity appropriate for all attendees.
We have had people ask us in the past why our dress code is strict compared to the ones that they have seen before. For events such as the Black & White Ball, the dress code is considered formal. Though our dress code is detailed, we have tried our best to make it more relaxed and flexible enough to accommodate the convention environment.
The dress code is also there to promote safety.
Why can't I wear my 6" stilettos?
We restrict shoes and certain types of heels for safety reasons. Stiletto and narrow heels are prohibited due to the high probability of feet getting stepped on while partner dancing. In the partner dancing world, ankles and feet can be severely scratched and muscles can be torn due to being stepped on by stiletto heels.
Thicker heels are preferred because of this, as they give dancers the least chance of injury. Accidents do happen and because of this, the restrictions have been put into place for the safety of all dancers no matter their experience level.
Do I have to wear only black and white?
You are welcome to wear whatever colors you like! The name for the Black & White Ball actually comes from the idea of "black tie" and "white tie" formal events!
What do I need to have in order to go to the Black & White Ball?
In order to attend the Black & White Ball, you must have a current FanimeCon badge and your clothing must adhere to the dress code.
What are the demonstrations at the Ball? Why do we have them?
The demonstrations performed at the Black & White Ball have two purposes. The first is to give your dancing feet a little break! Many people end up staying the entire six hours, so it's our way of making sure you rest and stay hydrated. The second is to give the opportunity to see what live dance performances can be like!
The demonstrations are performed by our staff and are a mix of improvised and choreographed performances of varying styles just for you!
Do I need to bring a dance partner to the lessons/Ball?
No. You are welcome to bring a partner or come by yourself.
The lessons will allow plenty of opportunities to rotate partners, so you will be able to meet many dance partners during that time!
At the Black & White Ball, we will also be hosting a couple of mixers! These are great opportunities to meet and dance with many other attendees.
I've already taken all of the beginner lessons. What can I do?
You're welcome to sign up for Private Lessons for a more advanced lesson! Our staff are available throughout the weekend to provide private lessons based on your skill level in whatever styles you would like to learn. See the staff at the DJ booth for more information.
Do I need to sign up for the private lessons?
Private Lessons are available throughout the weekend on a first-come, first-served basis. In order to guarantee there is an instructor available to teach what dance you want to learn, it is best to sign up at the DJ booth ahead of time. Drop-in private lessons are also welcome. See the staff at the DJ booth for more information.
Why is dancing individually broken up on the floor?
The Black & White Ball was envisioned to promote partner dancing, so we strive to provide as many opportunities as possible to learn about partner dancing and an experience comparable to what you would find at conventions devoted to it.
We offer over 24 hours' worth of group and private instruction throughout the weekend in a wide variety of styles such as the Waltz, Salsa, West Coast Swing, and many more.
We provide a real dance floor that is used at ballroom, swing, and Latin dance competitions. While we regret discouraging your full creative expression on the dance floor, please bear in mind that your actions on the floor may interfere with those people who were putting in the time and effort to dance with a partner. There are also other dances at FanimeCon that can accommodate your preference, whether you like dancing with or without a partner.
Who are the staff members of the Black & White Ball?
We are a group of people who teach a variety of styles of partner dancing.
Some of our staff are students learning or fully involved in dance, some are hobbyists, some who teach dance for a living, some who actively compete at dance competitions, and some don't dance but are enthusiasts for the Black & White Ball. All are equally important in making the Black & White Ball lessons and events happen.
Since we are diverse in appearance and expression, we have taken to wearing teal armbands or flower boutonnieres to help identify ourselves. While we will be roaming the Ball to ensure the event is running smoothly, we are also there to have fun!
Can I request a song at the Ball? Where can I make my request?
Let's break this up into two parts:
Song requests can be made on the forums, through the social media outlets, or by emailing bwball@fanime.com.
Requests cannot be taken at FanimeCon itself. This is because we finalize the playlist before the weekend itself. If you take a look at our previous playlists on the forums (listed in our music request thread), you will notice a wide range of genres from Asian pop, to 8-bit game themes, to songs from our MusicFest Guest of Honor and songs that relate to our yearly theme.
What we look for in every song is a distinguishable beat, melody characteristics for the styles of dances we have in mind, and a speed suitable to dancing for novice dancers. There are always a few advanced-dance-suitable songs for those who want to try it, as well!
What if I don't like the music that was played at the Black & White Ball?
When it comes to the playlist, we try our best to achieve diversity and danceability.
The playlist is reviewed by the Black & White Ball staff to make sure it flows well and avoids repetition. Please bear in mind that the playlist has to cover 12 different styles of dance, some of which are mutually exclusive in regards to what type of music can be played.
It is also entirely possible that you may have caught a portion of the playlist that covered a subsection of dance that you may not have liked.
If you have feedback regarding the playlist, please either mention it in the appropriate feedback threads or email us at bwball@fanime.com. Please be as specific as you can so we can improve our playlist in the future.
If I have a comment or concern, how do I get in touch with someone in charge?
The Black & White Ball department head and/or the department second in charge will be present during all lessons, the Decompression Dance Party, Stage Zero demonstrations, and the Black & White Ball itself. If you would like to speak with the Head or Seconds, you are welcome to ask any Black & White Ball staff members at the DJ booth to locate them.
Feel free to come up and chat – we love to hear from you! The staff are consistently taking notes during the weekend on ways that we can improve, so we appreciate all feedback given to us.
If you have additional feedback, please post in the appropriate feedback threads or email bwball@fanime.com.
What if I have another question that hasn't been asked yet?
Please email us at bwball@fanime.com and we will get back to you as soon as we can!
New to FanimeCon?
Learn about FanimeCon.
Not sure how to get your badge? Our Registration FAQ can help!
Review the FanimeCon Code of Conduct.
Consult our Costumes and Props Policy while planning your cosplay.
See how you can help us make FanimeCon even better by staffing or volunteering!
FanimeCon Newsletter
Join our email list and stay in touch year round!
FanimeCon on Twitter
FanimeConFollow
Thank you to everyone who attended Virtual FanimeCon 2021! We definitely felt all the love and community that all of you bring to con each and every year! We're excited to announce that FanimeCon 2022 Registration is Open! https://fani.mobi/3wjA3zq
Thank you to all the attendees that attended Virtual FanimeCon 2021 and all of the many volunteers that made it happen! Until next year! https://fani.mobi/3vBy7ln
Retweet on TwitterFanimeCon Retweeted
Shoutout to @Skullgirls / @sgmobile for the surprise codes drop on @FanimeCon's Twitch channel ♥️
We still got a bit of Skullgirls action on our channel, then Jackbox next!
https://www.twitch.tv/fanimecon
FanimeCon 2022 Registration is Open!
Thank you to everyone who attended Virtual FanimeCon 2021! We definitely felt all the love and community that all of you bring to con each … [Read More]
Until Next Year!
Hello Fans! It is an honor and privilege for the Chair Team to have you join us this year. This weekend reminded us of the … [Read More]
Virtual FanimeCon 2021 – Day 3 – LAST DAY ALREADY!?!?
Food morning from the FanimeCon 2021 Chair Team!(Gotta have your brekkie!) Are you hitting your Whova stride? We know our calendars are filled to the … [Read More]
Virtual FanimeCon 2021 – Day 2 – First FULL DAY
Good morning from the FanimeCon 2021 Chair Team! We are super excited about our first full day at Virtual FanimeCon 2021! What do you … [Read More]
Hello from the FanimeCon 2021 Chair Team!
Welcome to Day 1! We hope that you have added today's events to your agenda on Whova! Have you signed up for the Midorikawa Autograph … [Read More]
© 2022 FanimeCon.