Usage Note
Bal refers to a formal or traditional dance event — le bal du 14 juillet is the traditional open-air street dance held on Bastille Day and is a beloved French cultural institution. The plural is bals. It is more old-fashioned or folkloric than soirée dansante for a modern dance party.
Examples
"Le bal du village commence à vingt heures."
Natural Translation
The village dance begins at eight o'clock.
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