STE. GENEVIÈVE, Mo. — The King’s Ball, the Midwest’s oldest continuous dance tradition, returns to Ste. Geneviève on Saturday, February 7, 2026, inviting the region to two-step inside a living piece of French-American history. Hosted by the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Geneviève, the celebration takes place at the VFW Hall, with doors opening at 6 p.m. and dancing beginning at 7 p.m.
Photos courtesy of Ashley Sewing Photography.
Rooted in the French Epiphany tradition dating back more than 250 years, the King’s Ball blends music, movement, and ritual into a winter gathering unlike any other. The evening’s soundtrack comes from acclaimed fiddler Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole, performing Missouri French Creole music as dancers of all ages fill the floor for reels, squares, and old-time community dances—no experience required. Professional caller Deborah Hyland guides participants through each dance, making the event welcoming for first-timers and seasoned revelers alike.
The highlight of the evening is the ceremonial crowning of the King and Queen, selected through the traditional sharing of cake, who will serve as symbolic ambassadors for Ste. Geneviève’s French heritage throughout the coming year.This year’s retiring king is Alex Wisniewski of Ste. Genevieve and the retiring queen is Emma Wright of Kirkwood. Colonial-era attire is encouraged but not required.
Guests are welcome to bring food to share; beverages will be available for purchase at a cash bar.
Another cherished moment of the evening is the honoring of La Dame and Le Chevalier, titles bestowed in keeping with old-world custom to recognize individuals whose deeds have strengthened the life of the community.
These honors reach beyond ceremony; they are acts of gratitude, folding present-day generosity into the long story of Ste. Geneviève’s living traditions.
This year, the title of La Dame will be awarded to Kina Shapleigh of St. Louis, the President of Les Amis-Saint Louis, in recognition for bridging two communities and two organizations to help the Foundation for Restoration of Ste. Geneviève with their preservation efforts.
In a room full of dancers, she will be honored not for how she moves across the floor, but for how she has helped carry history forward.
Ste. Genevieve resident, business owner and former Mayor Dick Greminger will be honored as Le Chevalier. Greminger’s contributions to the community over several decades will be recognized, with a particular nod to his support of the Foundation over the years. He has been an instrumental part of the annual French Heritage Festival and supports the Foundation’s mission of preservation in numerous ways.
Tickets are available online at historicstegen.org, with individual and table reservations offered.
Proceeds from the King’s Ball support the preservation of Ste. Geneviève’s historic architecture and cultural traditions through the Foundation for Restoration.
For more information, tickets, or media inquiries, visit historicstegen.org.
Attached photos courtesy of Ashley Sewing Photography.