dance card

noun

a card listing, in order, the names of the partners with whom a woman has agreed to dance at a formal ball or party.

Origin of dance card

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

The Hoover Library has a dance card from 1895 showing that young Herbert signed up to do the two-step with future first lady Lou Hoover, but he disliked dancing, and the couple gave it up after they got married.
Not all presidents’ dance skills are created equal | Bonnie Berkowitz, Joanne Lee | January 21, 2021 | Washington Post
Then, handing me back my iPad, he said nonchalantly in a really good mock-English accent, “Sorry, chap, my dance card is full.”
Bulletin From The Front | Rabbi Daniel Landes | April 9, 2013 | THE DAILY BEAST
Her dancing had called forth the admiration of everybody, and the young men crowded about, begging to see her dance-card.
Patty's Friends | Carolyn Wells
The program or dance-card of public balls and college class dances, has undeniable advantages.
Etiquette | Emily Post
“She had her dance card full and was splitting her waltzes,” supplied Mary, who was just back from an afternoon at Winsted.
Betty Wales Freshman | Edith K. Dunton

"Please don't," begged Belle suddenly, gripping her dance card tightly.
Dave Darrin's Second Year at Annapolis | H. Irving Hancock
New Yorkers are sensible, if only for this reason, for having banished the dance card.
The Complete Bachelor | Walter Germain

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