About The Chicago Catholic Ball Federation
In January of 2017, some very ambitious members of St. John Cantius Parish in Chicago decided to to have a Vienna Ball in the Chicago Cultural Center. It was to have dancing and live music and delicious food. They approached Matt Mordini at Theology of Dance to help. He told them he was on board, but they needed to do more than one lesson. We ended up doing nine free beginner level lessons, and it made all the difference in the world. The ball was held in June near the feast of St. John the Baptist, and it was a heavenly event, and we decided to do it again. In June of 2018 we had the second St. John's Ball, in February of 2019 the first Candlemas Ball, and in August of 2019 we had the first Ave Maria Ball.
Why a Chicago Catholic Ball Federation?
These balls exist because we believe that dance is a fundamentally Christian activity, and that our parishes should be taking the lead in teaching dance and hosting dances. By doing so we will evangelize the wider culture, we will create stronger community in our parishes and we will help our parishioners better understand our Catholic Faith.
The CCBF was formed because after we had done a few of these balls we realized that it was while it was related to Theology of Dance, it had a different mission. The goal of the ball was to not so much to teach the faith, but to have a dance to celebrate our more important feasts, but also a place to dance that everyone of all faiths would enjoy very much. For that reason our balls have small but distinct Christian flavor - the celebration of the feast day and and prayer at the beginning. But otherwise they are the kind of event all dance lovers would enjoy attending over and over again.
In addition, we felt it would be advantageous if several parishes, working with Theology of Dance instructors, could share the burden of providing lesson space and doing event planning. The balls we wish to establish are:
Christmas/ Epiphany Ball: January 30th or 1st Saturday of January
Candlemas Ball (end of January)
Easter Ball: Saturday After Easter
St. Johns Ball: Last Saturday in June
Ave Maria Ball: Saturday Nearest August 15th
All Saints Ball: First Saturday in November.
Each ball would have 6-10 beginner lessons prior to the ball.
Finally, there would be regular dances and lessons throughout the year- however, they would not conflict with the 6 major balls.
Theology of Dance
The CCBF is owned by Theology of Dance. Theology of Dance is dedicated to teaching Christian Theology through the art of couples dance. Our teachings are in conformance with St. John Paul II's works on the Theology of the Body.
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Attendance, volunteering, teaching or providing music or services at a CCBF event does not imply support of the Catholic Church or Theology of Dance's mission to teach the Christian Faith. We work to make sure the events are places any lover of dance will feel welcome.
However, one of the purposes of CCBF events is raise awareness of Theology of Dance and its mission, and to create a kind of threshold experience for those who may want to enter the church. For those who do want to learn more about how dancing is Christian, information on TOD programs and the sponsor parish or group is available at all CCBF events.