Announcing: The Melody Ball

Post by **Hopallee** » Tue Jan 25, 2011 9:56 am

Melody Ball Information

Need to unwind after an event filled day at Anime Boston? Then why not spend the evening swaying to your anime and video game favorites, dressed to the nines! Come join us on for a sophisticated evening of glamour at Anime Boston's Melody Ball.

Feel a little shy on the dance floor? A beginner's ballroom dance class is also planned earlier that day for those of you who would like to learn a few moves, meet potential dance partners, or just brush up on your technique.

Our Charity Ball, unlike its other dance counterparts, is a formal event. The dress code is Black Tie "invited". This means that attendees are encouraged to wear gowns and tuxedos, although semi-formal attire is acceptable. Cosplay is welcome, but must fit in with the formality of the occasion.

The Melody Charity Ball will be a limited capacity and ticketed event. Anyone who wishes to attend will need to sign up for a ticket beforehand. Tickets will cost $3, all proceeds will go to the Central New England chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The ticket charge is designed to continue Anime Boston's commitment to charity as well as reduce the number of people who reserved tickets "just in case" and then choose not to attend the ball, not necessarily to fund the ball itself. Half of the tickets will be available online, and the remainder will be made available at the convention.

Note: All those with tickets need to wear proper attire to the Ball, those with tickets but without formal clothing will be denied admittance.

Tickets are not yet available please watch our website for information.

For a more thorough breakdown of what is or isn't appropriate, please check our Dress Code page and Formal Ball Inspiration Guide If you are ever in doubt about the appropriateness of your planned attire, please do not hesitate to contact us! We are happy to advise you. Anime Boston staff reserve the right to deny entry to the ball to anyone inappropriately attired.
We have a lot more planned for you, so please check back for more updates as we draw closer to the event!

Amy and Hope
Formal Ball Co-chairs

ninja_girl21 · Post by **ninja_girl21** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 6:14 pm

i dont know me and my friend going this year i talk it out with her.

Post by **Ficus** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 9:47 pm

What night will the Melody Ball be held?

Blaze · Post by **Blaze** » Wed Jan 26, 2011 10:53 pm

Time to make our dresses!

Post by **Kagomechan** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:43 am

[quote=Ficus]What night will the Melody Ball be held?[/quote]

The schedule has yet to be determined. It will either be Friday or Saturday evening.

turpentiney · Post by **turpentiney** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 5:35 pm

>3< I CAN'T WAIT! Maybe I can get another dress~ I'd love that, I'm really excited~

ninja_girl21 · Post by **ninja_girl21** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:22 pm

is the payment up yet

Post by **Kagomechan** » Thu Jan 27, 2011 8:28 pm

As the first post says, tickets are not yet available. There will be an announcement on the front page before they go up for sale.

Sanctjud · Post by **Sanctjud** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 8:17 am

I can't wait as well.

Graceasaur · Post by **Graceasaur** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 5:06 pm

What is better recommended, a knee-length dress or a gown?

I mean, which is more appropriate for the event? I don't want to be over or underdressed.

Post by **AliceTanzer** » Mon Jan 31, 2011 7:30 pm

[quote=Graceasaur]What is better recommended, a knee-length dress or a gown?

I mean, which is more appropriate for the event? I don't want to be over or underdressed.[/quote]

A gown would be more appropriate, as it is a formal ball. She allows shorter dresses, but I think its more fun to really get into the spirit of things

Mama Undertaker · Post by **Mama Undertaker** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 12:02 am

My only question is military uniforms ok? I know last year there was a slight issue with shoes and boots with the uniforms.

If Formal military requires boots of a certain style would that be ok or no?

I guess that makes two questions hehe.

YouTube · Post by **basharoftheages** » Sat Feb 12, 2011 12:14 am

[quote=C.RoW White]I know last year there was a slight issue with shoes and boots with the uniforms.[/quote]
Wait, really? Even with the 8-10 repeats of "no boots" in these threads every year since this event started?

Post by **tylerofmaine** » Sun Feb 13, 2011 7:45 pm

Boots, no matter what kind, are out of the dress code. I'd suggest a pair of black leather dress shoes instead.

Post by **Hopallee** » Wed Feb 16, 2011 7:38 am

Looks like its time to post the FAQ again.

Melody Ball Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a date?

Certainly not! Dancing is actually an excellent way to meet new people when they look their best. Ballroom dancing is considered a social form of dance, meaning that the regulated steps and patterns are designed to make it easy to dance with brand new people. It's actually a bit of a faux pas to only dance with the same partner all night.

2. What kind of music do you play?As this is a formal ball all music played will be ballroom danceable (e.x. waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba etc) but it comes from a wide variety of sources such as Anime soundtracks, Japanese video game scores, Jpop, and classic ballroom standards.

3. I don't know how to dance, is that a problem?
Heavens no, let us teach you! A formal dance lesson will be offered the afternoon before the ball, or you can always ask one of our lovely dance hosts at the ball its self to show you some moves.

4. Do I need to dress up for the dance lesson?

Nope, but we recommend comfortable shoes.

5. I just want be comfortable and have fun with my friends why do I have to dress up?
We fully understand that formal dress isn't for everyone, but the Formal ball is the only event at Anime Boston with a dress code. For all of the attention it gets it's actually a very small part of the convention. It's only a couple of hours within the hundreds of hours of programming we offer (including two other come-as-you-are informal dances), occupies less than half of a percent of the convention budget and due to space restrictions can only be attended by less than 5% of our attendees. So we invite you to not look at it as a burden but as a rare opportunity in a world of blue jeans and sneakers to dress to the nines and feel glamorous for an evening. If that's not your thing, that's cool with us, there's tons of other stuff to do!

6. I have a very nice pair of dress boots, can I wear them?

In the vast majority of cases boots are informal footwear, and while we do recognize that there are some types of dress boots, we remind you that this is a dancing event, and boots are not kind to dancers' feet or dance tile. Thus no boots are allowed at the ball.

7. I'm a girl but I'm not really into dresses or heels can I still come?

Pants and skirts are less formal than a typical dress, but women can feel free to wear a pants suit or a nice pair of slacks with women's jacket or blazer. Dressy flats are also always a sensible shoe alternative.

8. I'm a guy and I *am* really into dresses can I wear one?

Go for it, as long as its tasteful and adheres to the dress code.

BlE3dinglurve69 · Post by **BlE3dinglurve69** » Sat Mar 19, 2011 9:12 am

How long are the dance lessons?

Sanctjud · Post by **Sanctjud** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 8:45 am

IIRC it's an hour.
Maybe a bit more if we have alot of people.
Prob. on time if there is an event right afterwards.

It's worth refreshing for those that know a little

Well worth it for those who are looking to make their first Change Steps and Promenades

momoney781 · Post by **momoney781** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 11:18 am

will this take place during the same time as the dance?

LadyFae · Post by **LadyFae** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 12:53 pm

actually, it's 90 minutes

It is also usually earlier in the afternoon, early enough that you should have time to go back to your room and change afterwards, but not before noon I pray (which would make me a bit frazzled!)

Post by **Kagomechan** » Mon Mar 21, 2011 2:21 pm

It's not before Noon, don't worry! The Grand is being used for the Registration line before Noon.

masterofplush · Post by **masterofplush** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 5:44 pm

odd question but there's no age limit on this right?

Miyu chan · Post by **Miyu chan** » Thu Mar 24, 2011 8:29 pm

Nope, the Melody Ball is an all-ages event.

BlE3dinglurve69 · Post by **BlE3dinglurve69** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 1:48 am

I can't wait for this! I'm so excited. I get to dress up, dance and donate to charity... Very nice.

Post by **Faceman** » Fri Mar 25, 2011 8:27 pm

Tickets for the Melody Ball are now available, the ball will be held Friday evening, April 22nd, exact time TBD. All proceeds will go to the MS Society charity. Please look here for more information. Please note that formal ball tickets can only be purchase online via credit card by those who are pre-registered, all other attempts will be cancelled. Only 300 tickets will be sold online. Additional tickets can be purchase friday afternoon during the convention, exact time TBD.

RiskaJeevas · Post by **RiskaJeevas** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 12:14 am

I bought my ticket

Do I need to print out the receipt that was sent to my email and bring it to the convention with me, or will my convention badge be enough to get it?

ro_buddi · Post by **ro_buddi** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 11:10 am

Is Wicked Lady long back dress an appropriate Melody Ball outfit?

momoney781 · Post by **momoney781** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 3:21 pm

Got my ticket. As Barney Stinson would say "suit up"

ninja_girl21 · Post by **ninja_girl21** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 3:43 pm

i going to get my but i dont know my badge name or remember what i put down

ahhhhh17227278 · Post by **ahhhhh17227278** » Sat Mar 26, 2011 10:21 pm

I'm going as Deidara from Naruto Shippuden to the ball, I'll be wearing a suit & tie but is it OK to wear the ninja headband? My wig looks silly without it >_<

Blaze · Post by **Blaze** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 12:36 pm

We got out tickets, does anyone even knoe what day/time it is yet?

ninja_girl21 · Post by **ninja_girl21** » Sun Mar 27, 2011 7:21 pm

no but i guessing it be around 6 or 7 depending cause it usually in the same spot as the dance

Post by **Hopallee** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:26 am

[quote=Blaze]We got out tickets, does anyone even knoe what day/time it is yet?[/quote]

Quoting the announcement: "Tickets for the Melody Ball are now available, the ball will be held Friday evening, April 22nd, exact time TBD"

Post by **Hopallee** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:27 am

[quote=ro_buddi]Is Wicked Lady long back dress an appropriate Melody Ball outfit?[/quote]

Could you post a picture? "wicked lady" garners a very general google image search.

Post by **Hopallee** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 7:28 am

While the metal headbands are far from formal we have allowed them before provided the rest of the outfit is fully formal.

Miyu chan · Post by **Miyu chan** » Mon Mar 28, 2011 10:22 am

[quote=ro_buddi]Is Wicked Lady long back dress an appropriate Melody Ball outfit?[/quote]

If you mean Wicked Lady from Sailor Moon, then yes, it is appropriate. If you mean someone else, Hope is right, we need a reference picture.

LittleElla · Post by **LittleElla** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 1:55 am

Ok, so this is my first time purchasing these tickets and I'm not clear on whether or not I got two tickets or just one? Cause I'm really confused. :S

Shown below is a summary of the selections you have made.

Registration Type:
Formal Ball Ticket Only - Qty. 1 x $0.00 $0.00
Formal Ball Ticket - Qty. 1 x $3.00 $3.00

Total: $3.00

irishangel · Post by **irishangel** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:39 am

You got one

Post by **Hopallee** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 7:41 am

[quote=LittleElla]Ok, so this is my first time purchasing these tickets and I'm not clear on whether or not I got two tickets or just one? Cause I'm really confused. :S

Shown below is a summary of the selections you have made.

Registration Type:
Formal Ball Ticket Only - Qty. 1 x $0.00 $0.00
Formal Ball Ticket - Qty. 1 x $3.00 $3.00

Total: $3.00
[/quote]

You only purchased one. We worked with expo logic this year, the same company who does our convention registration, for ball tickets and for some reason it sets it up the "ticket" and the "fee for ticket" as different line items, but you should only get charged $3 and you'll be able to pick up one ticket.

kuroki · Post by **kuroki** » Tue Mar 29, 2011 6:16 pm

Hi. I went to buy a ticket but it said my information was already in the system for this event. Is this just because of the pre-reg?

TetraMaster · Post by **TetraMaster** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 2:14 pm

Bad question, where can I buy one online? If they're sold out where can I buy them there?

mahoukiyoraka · Post by **mahoukiyoraka** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 3:55 pm

I was wondering... do we have to be at the ball right at the very beginning? Or is it ok to come in later, like half way through?

Jessica Watsuki · Post by **Jessica Watsuki** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 5:52 pm

I plan on TRYING to learn all the different dances before the con. I was wondering though if there will be somebody or something telling us which dance goes with each piece of music or should it be really easy to tell the music apart once i learn the beats involved in the dances. Just curious.

Post by **Faceman** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 5:57 pm

[quote=Jam-Jam]I plan on TRYING to learn all the different dances before the con. I was wondering though if there will be somebody or something telling us which dance goes with each piece of music or should it be really easy to tell the music apart once i learn the beats involved in the dances. Just curious.[/quote]

From 3:30 - 5:00 pm on Friday, there will be formal dance lessons from our very talented Formal Ball staffers. You might want to consider stopping by there. They're very good teachers.

Otherwise I'd say just watch how other people are dancing, and go with that

Miyu chan · Post by **Miyu chan** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 6:45 pm

Actually, Chris, we make it even easier. There are projector screens with pretty designs displaying the dance for each song. We also try to pick songs with clear and easy beats so beginners can pick up the dances (emphasis on try; some anime music is weird).

But yes, everyone is welcome to attend the dance lesson to learn the dances.

Miyu chan · Post by **Miyu chan** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 6:46 pm

[quote=mahoukiyoraka]I was wondering... do we have to be at the ball right at the very beginning? Or is it ok to come in later, like half way through?[/quote]

It's fine to come later. If you have bought your ticket online, you can pick it up and go right in.

Post by **Ficus** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:30 pm

Hello there,
Now I understand that half of the tickets for the ball will be sold in person Friday morning/afternoon at the convention, but I was wondering how many that will be?
Put simply, should I expect to line up at wherever the tickets are being sold before they're even brought out so I can get one, or are there enough that I can simply walk by and get two at my leisure?

Miyu chan · Post by **Miyu chan** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 9:53 pm

There are a very limited number of tickets available at the convention. In the past, we have had years where we had tickets left over after the initial line cleared, but not many. I recommend showing up early if you want a ticket.

Please note that people will not be allowed to line up until 30 minutes before tickets go on sale.

One more note: you will only be able to pick up one ticket per person, so if you want two tickets, the other person needs to be present as well.

Post by **Ficus** » Wed Apr 06, 2011 10:36 pm

Darn, I was gonna suprise my friend by getting her a ticket. Oh well.

Thank you for the intel Miyu.

Jessica Watsuki · Post by **Jessica Watsuki** » Thu Apr 07, 2011 10:03 am

lol that's exactly what I was picturing in my head :p

momoney781 · Post by **momoney781** » Fri Apr 08, 2011 6:02 pm

[quote=Miyu chan][quote=mahoukiyoraka]I was wondering... do we have to be at the ball right at the very beginning? Or is it ok to come in later, like half way through?[/quote]

It's fine to come later. If you have bought your ticket online, you can pick it up and go right in.[/quote]
Will there be two seperate lines for those who purchased their ticket online and the ones who didn't? If I come late can I just say hey I have already purchased my ticket?