The birth of the ball in Russia during the reign of Peter the Great and its evolution during the 18th and 19th century caused the need to create basis of ball’s etiquette - the formal set of rules regulating the behavior of Russian aristocracy during the evenings. They were reflected in many etiquette textbooks in that time. According to them, during the ball woman was required to present the artistry of dance and impeccable manners. She also had to control her each movement and spoken word, while retaining the naturalness of behavior.

Balls were conducive to the creation of new forms of human relations. Conversation was even more important than the ball dances. Dance Hall was like a salon, in which a unique opportunities were available: making acquaintances and contacts necessary for promoting in the Rank Table, finding the appropriate match for their children. Therefore, preparations for the first ball began in early childhood, because every stumble, gaffe or breaking the etiquette could compromise the noblewoman in the eyes of society.