It may only be April, but it’s time to dust off those old Halloween costumes for the fourth annual “Funky Formal” dance on Saturday, hosted by the ISU Ballroom Dance Company.

Each year, the dance company tries to schedule the dance as close to April Fool’s Day as it can so participants get dressed up for the event.

“We encourage as crazy of outfits as we can,” says Jill Elgin, graduate student in business administration and competition coordinator for the ISU Ballroom Dance Company.

The dance is open to anyone. Although no specific dress or costume is required, Elgin says many dance company members will be dressed up.

“The majority of people come dressed in costumes. Men from [the ISU Ballroom Dance Company] executive board went in kilts last year,” Elgin says. “This year, they’re going as cowboys and Indians.”

The event is held as a fund-raiser for the ISU Ballroom Dance Company.

“It really just got started four years ago when we were looking for a more fun fund-raiser that had something more to do with what we were learning,” Elgin says.

The event kicks off at 7 p.m. with a free dance lesson provided by the members of the company.

“We provide a free dance lesson so everyone knows some basic steps to the music the band will be playing,” Elgin says. “Some members might not feel comfortable dancing at a dance club, but if it’s an event the group is putting on, they will be more comfortable.”

After the lesson, the Star Dusters, a live swing band, will play at 8 p.m., with recorded Latin music played during band breaks.

Tickets can be purchased the night of the event for $10. Advance tickets will be sold at the ISU Ballroom Dance Company’s weekly lessons from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday and Friday nights in Room 213 in Forker. Tickets will also be sold from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the Memorial Union.

Paid admission will include a free dance lesson, free food, admission to the dance itself, as well as entry in door prize raffles. Profits from the event will help pay for the evening’s activities and the rest will help fund the ISU Ballroom Dance Company.

Elgin said the event is a way for the Dance Company to practice what they have learned.

“It’s a fund-raiser for the group,” she said, “but we want everyone to have a good time.”

Elgin says she expects a good turnout for this year’s event. The dance in previous years has had a crowd of about 300 people.

What: “Funky Formal”

Where: Lake Robbins Ballroom, 2642 150th St., Woodward

When: 7 p.m. Saturday

Cost: $10 individuals, $18 couples