Dance Card From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia 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 18th century, but their use first became widespread in 19th century Vienna, especially at the massive balls during Fasching before Lent. Dance engagements card for 11 January 1887, showing a list of all the dances for the evening – valse, polka, lancers and quadrille; opposite each dance is…