(updated February 2023)

I don’t know what came over me but recently I have been very enamored with finding “vintage dance cards” for my collection of “vintage stuff” at home. I just think they are so fun and wonderful to see when they have the card all filled up. I can just imagine all the glorious dances that the holder of the card would have had and I love seeing a story being told when you read who received those dances that night.

girl filling out her dance card 1940s
Source: eBay

Lets explore the world of “Dance Cards” together.

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Vintage Dance Cards

The History of Dance Cards

A dance card or programme du bal (also known by its German-language name, Tanzkarte) is used by a woman to record the names of the gentlemen with whom she intends to dance each successive dance at a formal ball. They appear to have originated in the 18th century, but their use first became widespread in 19th century Vienna, especially at the massive balls during Fasching before Lent.

An actual dance card is typically a booklet with a decorative cover, listing dance titles, composers, and the person with whom the woman intended to dance. Typically, it would have a cover indicating the sponsoring organization of the ball and a decorative cord by which it could be attached to a lady’s wrist or ball gown. From the 19th century until World War I, dance cards for the elite of Austria-Hungary were often very elaborate, with some even incorporating precious metals and jewels.

In modern times the expression “dance card” is often used metaphorically, as when someone says “pencil me into your dance card,” meaning “find some time to spend with me”. Conversely, someone’s “dance card is full” implies that even though they may be interested, they have no time for another person (Source).

Now for some wonderful examples of Dance Cards

This early 1900’s dance card from Stratton Park Pavilion in Cheyenne Canon, Colorado is a real interesting read. I recommend taking a moment to check out the “rules”.

Early 1900's dance card rules. Rules on how to behave at the dance.
1900's dance card for waltzes and two steps. vintage dance card.

Source: eBay

The Senior Class of 1946 presents ‘The Senior Prom’ April 12th, 1946 at Linden High School, New Jersey.

1940s Senior Prom Vintage Dance Card

The Order of Dance “prompts” are so fun! “Gee! you’re cute” and “Huba-Huba” HA!

1940s vintage dance card

Source: eBay

May 16th, 1947 Junior Prom in the Cafeteria.

1940s Vintage Dance Card for Junior Prom
Source: Etsy-The Vintage Hunter

CLEARLY this lovely gal had only eyes for one gentleman..Ronald Howell.

1940s Vintage Dance Card for a Junior Prom
Source: Etsy-The Vintage Hunter

The below 1941 dance card is from my personal collection. It’s for a ‘Meds Myster Dance’ and it has a fun halloween like theme to it.

1940s Vintage Dance Card-1941 for a Med Mystery Dance.

I’m thinking this colourful 1920s dance card was for a nautical themed dance.

1920's Vintage Art Deco Dance Card featuring a vintage boat
Source: Etsy-puffadonna
1920s Vintage Dance Card
Source: Etsy-puffadonna

Dance card from the 1926 Boston University Junior Prom held at the Hotel Somerset. Partially filled in with names, some crossed out (wonder what happened there?).

1926 Boston University Junior Promenade Dance Card
1926 Boston University Junior Promenade Dance Card

Source: Etsy

These vintage dance cards are lovely and evocative of more elegant and formal times. This listing is for six 1920s dance Fraternity Dance cards. See the collection HERE (and to purchase if you like).

These vintage dance cards are lovely and evocative of more elegant and formal times. This listing is for six 1920s dance Fraternity Dance cards.
These vintage dance cards are lovely and evocative of more elegant and formal times. This listing is for six 1920s dance Fraternity Dance cards.

Source: Etsy

The Gold design on the cover of this University of Michigan 1931 Senior Ball card is really fantastic!

1930s Vintage Dance Card for a senior ball.
Source: Etsy-DickandJanesbooks

And the inscription on the back eludes to a very interesting night, I think.

1930s Dance Card featuring an inscription on the inside
Source: Etsy-DickandJanesbooks

Not all dance cards were made of cardboard or decorative paper some were made out of materials like wood, leather and even metal.

Here is a delightful example of a wood dance card.

1930s Vintage Dance Card for a Senior Ball.
Source: Syracuse University Archives

At this particular Senior Ball of 1939 the famous Musician “Bobby Hackett” was playing with his Orchestra. Now that would have been a treat!

1930s vintage dance card Senior Ball
Source: jazzlives.wordpress.com

Here is another example of a “story” being told in a dance card. Someone by the name of “Gene” got the first dance, middle 2 dances and the last dance at the Ball. Did the romance of the night take these two off to marriage with kids? Or did they go their separate ways after the dance was done? We will never know but we can imagine, can’t we?

1930s vintage dance card
Source: jazzlives.wordpress.com

Now weren’t all those dance cards wonderful? Such a fun tradition, that sadly no longer exists and maybe for the best but as the Queen of Nostalgia I can’t help but yearn for maybe a night where it comes back. Maybe one day.

FURTHER READING:

Liz 🙂

14 Comments on Vintage Dance Cards

  1. These dance cards are beautiful and they really do invite wondering about who the dancers were and if romance was kindled 🙂 Thanks for this great post!

    • Thanks so much! yes my mind is off in a vintage dream land thinking of all their white picket fences 🙂

  2. These dance cards are beautiful and they really do invite wondering about who the dancers were and if romance was kindled 🙂 Thanks for this great post!

  3. I’ve loved the idea of dance cards since I first saw Meet Me in St. Louis! I haven’t seen many images of real ones before, and to be honest I didn’t realise they were still a thing for so long.

    I particularly like the one that says “In the Cafeteria”.

    • oh gosh..yes! I love that movie 🙂 I actually own a package of simple dance cards from the 1950s. Mine are very plain though and nothing like these fantastic examples.

      Hehehe the Cafeteria one was a favorite too. I would of love to have seen how they transformed that room.

  4. Oh my word, these are marvelous! I’ve always (!) wanted to start a collection of my own, but haven’t come across any in person. I think I might just have to turn to the web. These are so, so lovely! Thank you for sharing your terrific collection with us, darling gal.

    ♥ Jessica

  5. These are marvellous and so much work has gone into the design of some of them. What stories they could tell! I enjoyed reading about their history.

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