“Her First Ball” takes place at a dance most likely around the time the story was published in 1921. The story is primarily set within the military drill hall where the dance occurs, with the first scene occurring in the cab with Leila and the Sheridans on their way to the ball. On a smaller scale, the physical details of the setting are important motifs throughout the story, including the frequent discussion of the dance floor and the mention of the azaleas and other decorations in the drill hall. Mansfield provides many details about the setting of the drill hall because Leila is in awe of her surroundings and frequently remarks on the beauty and perceived grandeur around her.
While a specific geographic location is not mentioned, the short story is most likely set in New Zealand, drawing from Mansfield’s own experience growing up there. Mansfield herself may very well have attended balls similar to the one in the story as a young adult. Similarly, it is possible that the character Laurie Sheridan is based on Mansfield’s brother, who died in World War I. Much of her personal history in this type of New Zealand socialite environment is infused in her other works from The Garden Party and Other Stories, the book in which "Her First Ball" eventually appeared.
