What should a Military Ball or Banquet be like?

I have no problem with the music when it comes to the dancing portion of a Military Ball. Of course everything before that should be professional and respectful, but you also have to have some fun.

1LT Hooser,

Its very formal, highest standards of military protocol, host receives each in attendance, toast are given to commerate the occasion.

Short, infrequent and inexpensive...

The first ball to be done was well before the ARMY was created. We where known as rebels and the balls where held so that the high officers (normally people of high society) could maintain an image. however later in history they where a way for the subordinates to experience the high life for a night with the officers to encourage trust and educate. Later it transitioned into a closed private party for soldiers and their family typically held so soldiers could "let go" before deployment. now it is used as a way to celebrate various holidays and historical moments. As for the dancing styles remember that dancing has unfortunately changed over the years. best way to handle this would be to communicate with command and place reasonable "expected Educate" for the ball to be issued to all so that everyone is aware of the expected educate. try to bare in mind that what is unacceptable to you and me are normal for those born after 1990 and still more so for those born after 2000. needless to say they may not think it a bad thing while those like you and me may see it as unprofessional. communication is always key to handling problems of this nature. Also as a closing thought keep in mind that the more you make it dull for the enlisted the less likely they are to "want" to attend causing yet more issues.

Never have been to a military ball or banquet. I have been to a maintenance Awards banquet. And we were forced to go even if we did not want to go. Let me tell you. It was boring.

Now as for you question. Yes, there should be military bearing at these types of functions. The dancing should be like it was in before dropping it like it was hot. Dancing should be dancing. Not who can shake their booty the fastest....

Now do not take this the wrong way LT. But from what I understand, in the Officer Cadre, since your an Officer, your also a Gentleman. So with that said. A lot of stuff that Officers of the PAST past down has not changed much. I bet you see it in the O Club. What type of music is played, how things are so Officer like. In other words. The good old boys club. The NCO Club on the other hand was a little rowdy.

Going back to the ball and banquet, it is supposed to be the same way. If those in uniform want to drop it like its hot, then take the uniform off and go down town for that. It has no place in the ball or baquet and certainly no place in the O or NCO Club.

I think the balls are a mashup of traditions.  We as a whole have lost the traditions that once were the dining out and dining in.  I personally think grog, Mr Vice, and skits have no place in a Ball.  And vice-versa, no spouses, unless members of the unit should attend a dining in.

Commands have catered to the whining of spouses over the years and merged two things that never should have even been combined.

In all sincerity and based on the stories told by some old timers long since retired, balls used to be classy only until twenty minutes into the grog.  That has been my experience as well.
The pomp and ceremony in the beginning always gives way to somebody getting drunk and acting ridiculous.  Fist fights, insults flung at spouses, drunk fist-fighting spouses flinging insults at the BN staff's spouses, etc.