Ballroom dance is riding a wave of popularity on TV and in films, so the timing seems right for the Honolulu Symphony to add its magic in its ninth annual Honolulu Symphony Ball.

Shall We Dance? is scheduled for May 13 at the Hawai'i Convention Center.

The dressy event will let participants put on their finery and emulate the smooth moves seen on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and in such films as the current "Take the Lead" and a fan favorite, "Strictly Ballroom."

Renowned soprano Margaret Lattimore will perform with the orchestra at the ball.

The Grammy-nominated Lattimore, who made a 2005 appearance here, is a veteran of classical performances with the Metropolitan Opera and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. For this performance, she will highlight jazz favorites from her repertoire.

The orchestra will be alternately conducted by JoAnn Falletta, who serves as its artistic adviser, and pops conductor Matt Catingub.

Novice and seasoned dancers can waltz, foxtrot, tango and samba on the dance floor till midnight.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m., with a champagne reception, followed by a gourmet dinner. The orchestra will provide entertainment and dance music throughout the evening.

The ball includes silent and live auctions offering travel packages, music lessons, culinary experiences, fitness opportunities, jewelry, art, fashion and other biddables. One item — a vacation package to Australia — includes attendance at a performance at the Sydney Opera House; another option is a hybrid SUV donated by Servco Lexus.

Nancy Bannick, a veteran orchestra booster and board member, is honorary chairwoman of the Symphony Ball. A retired journalist, Bannick has been a symphony advocate since the 1960s.

The orchestra acknowledges the mounting national and international interest in ballroom dancing to orchestral music. That's reflected in the recent spate of TV and film interest, and was sparked by earlier endeavors such as the 1988 Japanese film "Shall We Dance," featuring Koji Yakusho and Tamiyo Kusawaki, and the 2004 U.S. remake, "Shall We Dance," with Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Susan Sarandon.