The Daily Transom couldn't help but admire the suit. “Thanks! But it’s a little snug,” said Mr. Tadini, as he pinched a bit of fabric away from his thigh.

Unlike other socialites, Mr. Tadini doesn’t believe in collecting charity committee memberships like Hermes ties. He is involved with only two: Save Venice and Riverkeeper Junior Council, which he co-founded with Amanda Hearst a few years ago. Thanks to his influence (and his position as committee chair), this year's Save Venice masquerade ball on March 27 will have a more downtown feel.

“We’ve usually done dinners at the Metropolitan Club, which is a very beautiful evening, but it’s very uptown,” he said. “This year, we’re scrapping the dinner and doing cocktails and dancing at the Bowery Hotel. We’re moving the party downtown. I think the Bowery is much younger and the fact that we’re not doing a sit-down dinner will be a little bit more open and free.”

Socialite Adelina Wong Ettilson, who has co-chaired the ball for seven years, was quite giddy about the new venue.

“The Bowery is beyoootiful!” she trilled. “It actually feels like a palazzo. A Venetian palazzo!”

She added: “And it’s a masked ball. It’s very intriguing because when you have a mask on, lots of things can happen!” (Flashback to the kissing mix-up at the Gossip Girl masquerade ball!)

Ms. Wong Ettilson also pointed out that guests have always enjoyed the dancing more than the dinner anyway. In fact, some society rebels never even took their seats in years past.

“We just thought, why not give people what they want and make it a dance party? And we’ll probably get a few more younger people because you don’t have to buy a whole dinner ticket; just a dance ticket,” she pointed out.

So who is the best dancer among the ball's regular attendees?

“I might get in trouble,” Ms. Wong Ettilson replied hesitantly. We assured her that calling someone a good dancer was hardly an insult.

“Well, it’s usually this designer dance-off. What’s that show? So You Think You Can Dance? So it’s usually Gilles Mendel versus Angel Sanchez every year.”

Is there ever a winner in this annual dance-off?

“No, no, no!" she squealed. "You’re not going to get me to answer that.”

The Daily Transom then consulted socialite Lydia Fenet, whom we've seen out on a dance floor or two.

“Oh, God. Elisabeth Saint-Amand is a great dancer—she’s willing to do any move at any time,” said Ms. Fenet. “She’s the first and last person on the dance floor so she gets my vote.”

And will Ms. Fenet break out some expert moves of her own this year?

“Absolutely!”