Cosplay Ball
We are back and bigger than ever! Located in Main Events, the Sakura Ball is Friday evening’s formal event for all ages! Prepare for a decadent evening of cosplay, music, and dance. This is a highly attended event. We cannot guarantee all will be admitted. Dance Lessons provided prior to the event by Professional Dancer, Leigh Targaryen. Formal dress is not required for the workshop. We look forward to seeing everyone dressed to the nines!
Dress Code
As with any formal event, there is a dress code and some expected decorum. Since this event’s main feature is music and dance, attendees should be sure to wear attire that they can move comfortably in. Although the dress code will allow admittance to the Sakura Ball, not all forms of dress are appropriate. Attendees should not wear costume pieces or shoes that can easily come off. No props are allowed. Actual costume is not required, but the dress code must be adhered to.
MASKS ARE REQUIRED FOR THIS EVENT.
In general, clothing should be modest, not skin tight, and not reveal a large amount of skin. It should also not drag on the floor with a long train. Think of what a person or character might wear to a formal event like a wedding or prom. Crossplay is welcome as long as the attire is appropriate for the character being portrayed. Accessories like top hats, canes, or hand fans are welcome.
Allowed “Womenswear”:
- Formal Costumes *
- Prom dresses*
- Formal gowns*
- Lolita (EGL/EGA)*
- Cocktail Dresses*
- Formal Separates
- Kimono and Cheongsam
- Dress Uniforms
- Formal Medieval/Renaissance/Period Attire
*All dresses/skirts should be approximately knee length or longer
Appropriate Footwear:
- Heels
- Dress Flats
- Formal and Period Boots
- Geta and Zori (only with appropriate Asian formal attire)
- Men’s Dress Shoes
Allowed “Menswear”:
- Formal Costumes
- Suits
- Tuxedos
- Oji Lolita
- Kimono
- Dress Uniforms
- Kilts (with appropriate additional attire)
- Formal Medieval/Renaissance/Period Attire
- At the least, a dress shirt, tie, slacks
In general, clothing should be modest, not skin tight, and not reveal a large amount of skin. It should also not drag on the floor with a long train. Think of what a person or character might wear to a formal event like a wedding or prom. Crossplay is welcome as long as the attire is appropriate for the character being portrayed. Accessories like top hats, canes, or hand fans are welcome.
Not Allowed
- Formal Wear that drags on the floor (examples: trains, ribbons, etc)
- Wings, armor, or other attachments that extend off the body
- Jeans
- T-shirts
- Fishnets
- Clothing with chains, straps, or buckles
- Bare midriffs
- Miniskirts
- Cut-off or shredded clothing
- Sneakers
- Sandals and flip-flops
- Boots with heavy straps and studs that are not formal in nature (examples: Doc Martens and biker boots)
- Props such as, but not limited to swords, axes, cudgels, and sporting equipment
- Other casual attire
Dance Instruction
Prior to the Ball, dance instruction will be provided by Leigh Targaryen. Formal dress is not required for the instructional event.
Leigh Targaryen
Dance Instructor
Blue dragon Mer aka Leigh Targaryen has been a member of the Cosplay community since 2006. She won her first awards at Katsucon 2006 as best novice in the Hall Contest and Masquerade. She continued her path into competitions leading her quickly into the master category and allowing herself to win multiple best in shows and even the grand prize of a trip to Hawaii along with her partner and now Wife, Cailin Redtail. Leigh works very well and closely with Cailin. Their talents have been recognized by many and they have been awarded as Cosplay Guests of several conventions. Leigh also has over 25 years of experience as a dancer, choreographer, and instructor. She is incredibly excited to be teaching ballroom dancing at Zenkaikon 2023.
