The 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 men with whom she intends to dance each successive dance at a formal ball.
Dance cards appear to have originated in the 18th century, but their use first became widespread in 19th-century Vienna, especially at the large balls during Fasching before Lent.
A dance card is typically a booklet with a decorative cover, listing dance... more