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PEERS Victorian 12th Night Ball, January 2, 2010

jean-the-dancing-machine — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 02:11:59 GMT

A VICTORIAN TWELFTH NIGHT BALL

The Dickens Fair Reunion Ball
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue , San Mateo , CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal Dancing Begins: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by December 26)
Tickets at the door: $20.00
Band: Bangers & Mash

PEERS’ Website: http://www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/12th2010.html

Dance, sing, feast and game at the season’s loveliest old-fashioned holiday party – a 12th Night Ball hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area’s most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of Viennese and rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurka waltzes, schottisches, the Lancers, reels, and other set dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Indeed, introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!).

Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens’ literary career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume, and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you’re wearing a ball gown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!

Intermission entertainment includes an interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall and a special performance by our guest of honour, Mr. Charles Dickens. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink, and the evening will conclude with a glorious Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long.

To sustain us through this vigorous evening of dancing, punch and a light Old English snack buffet will be served (As usual, your potluck contributions to Mrs. Fezziwig’s kitchen are very welcome).

To order advance tickets to the ball, send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue , Alameda , CA 94501 . To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/12th2010.html and click on the PayPal icon for directions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, December 26. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

If you have any questions or need more information, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

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THE 16TH ANNUAL LE BAL DES VAMPIRES

Lady Jane — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 04:14:10 GMT

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES
(sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Location: Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Doors Open: 6:30 p.m.
Dancing on Two Floors:
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing: 7:45 p.m. to Midnight in the Grand Ballroom
Band: Bangers & Mash
Dracula's Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30pm-midnight
Hosted by DJ Dark Moon
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/vamp09.html

Please Note: Buy your ball tickets early. We expect this event to sell out.

Tickets may be ordered by sending a check or money order to the following address:
PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501

You may also purchase tickets online by accessing the ball web site at http://www.peers.org/vamp09.html and clicking on the PayPal icon for directions.

Ticket Prices:
$25.00 from October 1 - October 24, 2009
$30.00 from October 25 - November 6, 2009
(Ticket sales will be discontinued when the event is sold-out.)

Meanwhile, here is our latest ball write-up

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 16th Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your “rebirth.” This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy), vintage attire, or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly don’t expect Spike to attend in black tie!), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires. For some fun photos and useful costume tips, please see our ball website at http://www.peers.org/vamp09.html

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries – from 18th century Baroque contredanses to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas to elegant early 20th century tangos, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band’s first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers & Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing, join us downstairs in Le Bal des Vampires’ Dracula’s Daughter’s Discotheque for a wonderfully varied repertoire of music to stir the blood and spirit from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Hosted by our principal DJ, Dark Moon, the disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

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Gold Rush Days Photos Posted 2009

Leilani — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 11:35:18 GMT

Here are some Gold Rush Days photos. Thanks to everyone who helped out the Sacramento Ballroom Society, and the Old Sacramento Living History Program.

Sacramento Ballroom Society's:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sacramento_ballroom_society/sets/72157622269116047/
More will be added soon.

Kim Yasuda, a photographer extraordinaire has captured 100s more photos of all aspects of the event:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/7181690@N03/sets/72157622120264791/

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Waltz to live music at the Oakland Veterans Hall - Thursdays and first Saturdays

inkvision — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 06:14:05 GMT

Looking for another opportunity to dance to live music in the east bay?

Come join us for live bands, classes and cajun zydeco dancing at East Bay Cajun Zydeco Dance, at the Lake Merritt Dance Center, Veterans Memorial Building, Grand Ballroom!!

Special pricing for students and first-time dancers...

East Bay Cajun Zydeco Dance
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=154355036696

----------------------------

Join us every Thursday and first Saturdays of each month for live Cajun Zydeco bands and couple dancing in a gorgeous ballroom at the Lake Merritt Dance Center in Oakland. Free dance classes before each event.

Zydeco and Cajun dance is a rhythmic movement that is very animated, and includes dynamic sweeping waltzes, a Cajun-styled variation of the two-step, and even some line dances.

The original Acadians settled in Louisiana in the late 18th Century arriving there from Acadia (now Nova Scotia). Through the years the name Acadians has gradually became simply Cajuns.

Come to a dance lesson, try it out, and enjoy! Special pricing for students and first-time dancers.

Lake Merritt Dance Center
http://lakemerrittdancecenter.org/

Veterans Memorial Building - Grand Ballroom
200 Grand Ave. @ Harrison, Oakland CA

Live Band Performance Schedule:
Thurs. Sept. 24 - Lloyd Meadows and Friends
Thurs. Oct. 1 - Andrew Carrier and Cajun Zydeco All Stars
Sat. Oct. 3 - CZ and the Bon Vivants
Thurs. Oct. 8 - Motor Dude Zydeco
Thurs. Oct. 15 - Cajun Cotton Pickers
Thurs. Oct. 22 - Motor Dude Zydeco
Thurs. Oct. 29 - Andrew Carrier and Cajun Zydeco All Stars

Free dance lesson: 8:00-8:30pm
Music & Dancing: 8:30-11:30pm
$12 Thursday, $15 Saturday
$6 off for students, or first-time dancers

For more information, call Will Bellot at (510) 228-8074

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Goyesqua: A Spanish Regency-Era Ball; October 10

jean-the-dancing-machine — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 05:02:29 GMT

The beautiful (and sometimes willful) Duchess of Alba invites you to a ball in honor of her favourite painter, Francisco Goya. Senor Goya had produced fabulous portraits of the Duchess (but she is NOT that maja; you know the one we mean!).

Join the Duchess and the Bay Area English Regency Society celebrate the splendors of Espana as we dance in the perfumed evening air of Madrid. Sample the board, play a game of chance, or simply converse with the grandees of the Spanish court and their friends.

Music provided by the Divertimento Orchestra under the direction of James Langdell. Dance Master Alan Winston will teach and lead the dances.

Costumes admired, but not required. Gifts of comestibles for the table are appreciated. You need not bring a partner.

Saturday, October 10, 2009. 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., dancing starts at 8:00. Subscriptions are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Send checks to BAERS, c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier, 1122 Hudson St., Redwood City, CA 94061. For more information, go to our website:
http//www.baers.org.

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PEERS Space Cowboys' Ball on September 5th

jean-the-dancing-machine — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:39:17 GMT

THE SPACE COWBOYS’ BALL

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom

100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)

San Mateo , CA 94401

Doors Open: 6:45pm

Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm

Formal Dancing begins at 8:00pm

Band: Bangers & Mash

Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by Tuesday, August 29)

Tickets at the Door: $20.00

Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/space.html

Join us at this science fiction shindig for a rip-roaring, swashbuckling evening of music, dancing, and optional role-playing at our serene tribute to our favorite outer space western.

Bangers & Mash, that shiniest of bands in the ‘verse, whom some of you may remember from the Browncoats’ Ball in San Francisco, plans an evening of 19th century and Neo-19th century social dances: We will dance waltzes, polkas, mazurka waltzes, schottisches, elegant country dances, rousing contradances, and haunting Celtic and Neo-Celtic reels (If you don’t know them, don’t worry: All pattern dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball!). The band will also play such perennial space travelers’ favorites as “The Blue Danube Waltz,” “The Congress of Vienna Waltz,” “Sir Roger de Coverley,” and “Inara’s Waltz Cotillion.”

Western, 19th century or neo-19th century, Civil War or Post-Civil War costume or science fiction/fantasy costume from any universe if admired, but not required, and creative blending of past and future fashions is also encouraged. Just now, Old West, Chinese, and Indian motifs are fashionable and, of course, Browncoats are extremely welcome. We don’t care what you wear, ‘long as it’s legal.

There will be a no-host bar (that means you pay for your own drinks, pardner!), soft drinks for sale for temperance folk and minors, and a complimentary light buffet of Neo-Western snacks. Given local food shortages, your potluck contributions to the buffet are appreciated.

To order advance tickets to the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue , Alameda , CA 94501 . To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/space.html and click on the PayPal instructions for instructions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, August 29. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

If you have any questions or need more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org

__________________________________________________________
PERIOD EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENTS RE-CREATION SOCIETY INC.
Nunc est Bibendum, Nunc Pede Libero Pulsanda Tellus
(510) 522-1731 http://www.peers.org
Merchandise Available at http://www.cafepress.com/peers

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Bastille Day Waltz Ball Sat July 11th

Scott — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:15:58 GMT

*Our annual Bastille Day Waltz Ball. Always fun.
Saturday July 11th Oakland Veterans Hall 200 Grand Avenue Oakland class 7-9pm band 9-12

*Baguette Quartette is returning again for the fifth time for our very popular Bastille Day Waltz Ball. Many French waltzes, polkas, La Java, Valse Musette. French 'bistro music', great fun. Usually about 250 attend. Bring your beret and French accent. French costume highly appreciated. Baguette Quartette plays many wonderful joyous waltzes that lift the spirit. We are having them include their favorites La Java and Valse Musettes.

Karen Tierney returns again to teach some fun French waltzes and French mixers. She was past member of Danse Libre and co-ordinator for the Friends of Dance at Stanford committee. Classes from 7 to 9pm in Main Ballroom.

*7pm class:* Bal Musette was a grouping of dances brought to Paris from the french country side in the 1920s. It was danced by the working class (costume note!) in the crowded cafes around the location of the Bastille. In the first hour Karen Tierney will be teaching the basics and styling of traditional bal musette; the embrace, valse musette, la java, and mazurka.

*8pm class: *in the second hour combining them into a choreography that will move you from partner to partner. Knowing the rotary waltz will help you to learn these dances with more ease and...be prepared to spin! Please attend the first hour if you are not familiar with the musette dances.

This is a fun event, not to be missed. Very popular last time, with 200 attending and dancing. *"French att****itude admired not required!"*

$20 for dance and class, $12 for students. sorry no discount for dance only, as we have a live band tonight.

Our special event refreshment selection: Divine double chocolate creme pies, raspberry cheesecake, dutch apple pie, cherry pie, almond pecan ice cream, green tea ice cream, raspeberry swirl ice cream, rocky road ice cream and a few other spcialty ice cream, along with shrimp platter, veggie platter, cold cuts platter, grapes, mms, crunchies, and ice cold water.

Tom Hill teaches an introductory waltz class from 7 to 9 pm in the downstairs room. To get the most from this class, try to start at 7pm. Excellent first time class

Oakland Veterans Hall 200 Grand Avenue Oakland CA X Harrison.
6 dance floors, ranging from 900 square fee to 3,500 square feet.
http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com

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BAERS Early American Dance Party - July 10 in Palo Alto

jean-the-dancing-machine — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 06:17:39 GMT

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present
an Early American July 10, 2009 in Palo Alto

Celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, you can
dance like Thomas Jefferson or Dolley Madison - enjoy music and dances from
the early years of the United Sates, between 1776 and 1815 - at our
casual-dress dance party.

The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except
January, August, and December). Most months we focus on dances from Jane
Austen's England.

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston (an
excellent beginner-friendly caller who has led country dancing in 10 states
and two countries).

Newcomers welcome, no experience necessary, no partners required - the custom
in the late 1700s was was to change partners frequently - live music. Casual
dress. Wear shoes you can dance in. Doors open at 7:45; dancing begins at
8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30. Some light
refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
March: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, July 10, 2009 at St. Mark's - Early American theme
Friday, September 11, 2009 at St. Mark's
Friday, October 9, 2009 at St. Mark's
Friday, November 13, 2009 at St. Mark's

See all our 2009 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

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Seeking Governor's Mansion Dancer

Leilani — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 06:57:56 GMT

Cross Post: Looking for a certain volunteer on our stand-by roster.

The Sacramento Ballroom Society is hosting a show/dance at the Governor's Mansion Preservation Celebration. A spot for a male/lead dancer just opened up. I am trying to contact I guy I have on the stand-by list as his email in various forms is bouncing back and I do not have his number. If you're this guy, please contact me via the feedback page on our website at www.sacballroomsociey.org. If the name you give me matches my record, great, you're in like Flint. Contact me by next Friday evening or I must release your spot to the next guy.

Thanks,

Leilani

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

THE SECRET AGENTS' BALL - Saturday, June 6

Lady Jane — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:42:11 GMT

THE SECRET AGENTS’ BALL
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton), San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Sara & Swingtime
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by May 30, 2009)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Ball website: http://www.peers.org/secret.html

Swinging on the Riviera one day,
And laying in a Bombay alley next day.
You let the wrong word slip
Through kissing persuasive lips,
Odds are you won’t live to see tomorrow.

Secret Agent Man! Secret Agent Man!
They’ve given you a number
And taken away your name!

Don’t miss the most swinging ball of the season for those spies who live a life of danger and romance. Secret agents, femme fatales, megalomaniac villains and innocent bystanders are all invited to this musical tribute to the Cold War Secret Agent.

Sara & Swingtime play a varied and always suspenseful evening of vintage ballroom dance music, hot Swing, and cool blues, including a few secret agent movie song classics. Dance East Coast Swing and Lindy Hop, elegant fox trots, blues fox trot, and tango, the cha-cha and rumba, the night club two-step, and a number of truly haunting waltzes.

Suggested attire is vintage or modern evening dress or 1940’s through 60’s costume (from early Hitchcock to “The Avengers.”). Day dress is always perfectly acceptable for you innocent bystander types who have just wandered into the adventure and have, perhaps, seen too much for your own good! (Remember “The Man Who Knew Too Much”?!). In deference to Mrs. Peel’s impeccable fashion sense, the ladies may choose to adopt either traditional evening dress or a trouser suit!

There will be a no host (cash) bar, and a light snack buffet (your potluck contributions are very welcome! Even 00 operatives have to eat!). At intermission there will be musical and dance performances by the famous Danse Libre and notorious PEERS Flying CirCUS and dance music provided by our mystery DJ.

To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, go to the ball site at http://www.peers.org/secret.html and click on the PayPal icon for instructions. The deadline for advance ticket purchases is Saturday, May 30. Tickets will be $20.00 at the door.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

Be seeing you.

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THE UNSEEN UNIVERSITY BALL - Saturday, May 2

Lady Jane — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 00:06:23 GMT

THE UNSEEN UNIVERSITY BALL
A Graduation Ball for the Wizards of Ankh-Morpork
Inspired by the Disc World novels of Sir Terrence Pratchett
(Sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal Dancing begins at 8:00pm
Band: Avalon Rising
GBACG Tickets: $10.00 (by April 25)
General Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by April 25)
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/unseen.html

Arch-Chancellor Mustrum Ridcully of Unseen University requests the pleasure of your company at a grand ball in the University's Great Hall in honour of its current crop of graduating wizards (those who have actually managed to survive until graduation, that is!).

We are once again proud to announce that the evenings' guest band is Avalon Rising - one of the most magical dance bands on this or any other world - equally at home playing Victorian and vintage ballroom dance music, hauntingly beautiful Celtic and Celtic Fusion, and Renaissance rock (Yes, you heard that right!).

We will be dancing waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurka waltzes, reels, contradances, and other popular couple and set dances of the 19th century; some elegant Renaissance dances; and even some "music with rocks in it," as the Arch-Chancellor himself describes it. While some of the dances are choreographed set dances (which will be taught or called), others are open to free-form improvisation (Everything from free-style rock to Victorian polkas and Irish polka sets are some times danced to the very same music when Avalon Rising plays. We're not sure how, but think it's some form of magic!).

Costumers should have a field day at this ball! Fantasy costumes from the Disc World novels of Terry Pratchett, fantasy costumes from any universe, and, of course, magical or wizard costumes are admired but not required. Yes, here's your chance to sport your Harry Potter costumes! Guests may also come in period costume and still be in style. In the city of Ankh-Morpork, fashions range from Renaissance to Edwardian. Since the University also has a budding computer science department (which is a kind of magic in itself), Victorian Steampunk costumes (and gadgets) are also very appropriate. And, as always, vintage or modern evening dress is welcome.

There will (of course!) be a no-host bar and a light snack buffet (We know very well how seriously the Faculty of Unseen University take their meals, and your potluck contributions to the buffet are most welcome!).

To order advance GBACG tickets to the ball, please send a check for $10.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501; general advance tickets are $15.00 each. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/unseen.html and click on the PayPal instructions for instructions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, April 25. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

Our kind but long-suffering Treasurer asks that our wonderful GBACG friends please do indicate on their checks (1) that they are GBACG members (we know most but not all of you!) and (2) how many tickets they wish to purchase. $40.00 could mean four GBACG tickets or one GBACG ticket and two general tickets and....well, you get the picture! Thank you!

If you have any questions or need more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org

And remember our school motto: "Nunc id vides; nunc ne vides!"

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Help, what dance is it in the US or what comes close?

StoryTime — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 05:18:50 GMT

Hi there,
New here...as I need some help identifying a dance.
I'm from France and learned and competed in what we call "rock piétiné" which means with small footsteps.
Basically it's a 6 step swing type dance.
Here is a video to give you an idea, though don't look at the quality of the dancers, it's more to show you the steps and the overall dance.
Now I dance it a bit wild but basically that's THE dance I learned.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_H9XrvZ8Qc
I live in Santa Cruz, CA now and am able to dance with great fun with one dancer that is a swing dancer but he's bit wild too so it's fun but every time I try to explain someone what dance I was trained for, I just don't know how to name it!
I would greatly appreciate your input on this...
Only, this is OUR version in France AND Europe so there might not be the equivalent in the US, where its originating, how funny...
Thanks!
Sandrine.

posted in The Dance Card - 9 replies

PEERS Girl Genius Ball, April 4, Saturday

jean-the-dancing-machine — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 06:40:22 GMT

THE GIRL GENIUS VICTORIAN MAD SCIENCE BALL

A Steampunk/Gaslamp Fantasy Ball

Saturday, April 4, 2009
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo
Doors Open: 6:45p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by March 28)
At the door: $20.00

Advance tickets may be ordered by sending a check or money order to:

PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Ave
Alameda CA 94501

You may also purchase tickets until March 28 with a credit card using the PayPal system.

You don’t need to be a genius, a spark, or even a mad scientist to enjoy the Girl Genius Ball. Join us for an evening of adventure and dancing in Europa, home of Agatha Heterodyne, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, and the irrpressable Jägermonsters. This is a Victorian Steampunk themed event. Imagine the Victorians with high technology: flight (often in Zeppelins), highly programmed “intelligent” robots, and computer-like machines.

Costumes can range from historically accurate Victorian costume (1840-1900) to Victorian attire with technological updates (leather corset bodices, crinolines that can be converted to step ladders, utili-kilts, etc.), to perky 19th century peasant garb in synch with the vaguely Germanic, vaguely Eastern European setting of the “Girl Genius” graphic novels.
PEERS is honoured to welcome Avalon Rising as our guest band for the evening. Celebrated for their brilliant arrangements of Medieval and Renaissance rock, Celtic and Celtic Fusion, Avalon Rising is a rock band equally at home playing Victorian and vintage ballroom dance music – and just about everything else. Dance music for the evening will range from wonderful 19th century waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas to Celtic reels and jigs, elegant Renaissance dance music, to straight-up rock. While some of the set dances are highly choreographed (and will be taught or called on the spot), some of the other dances are open to free-form styling. We’ve seen people dancing polkas, Irish Polka Sets, swing, and rock – all to the same Avalon Rising tune. Even if you think you can’t dance, you CAN dance to this band but there will also be a pre-ball dance lesson to help you get through the ballroom dances on the program.

Punch and a light snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (your potluck contributions are very welcome).

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Bay Celtic Music and Dance Festival Sat Feb 21 Oakland Veterans Hall

scott — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 03:55:06 GMT

The San Francisco Bay Area Celtic Music and Dance Festival is happening this Saturday, February 21st at the Oakland Veterans Hall 200 Grand Avenue Oakland, 94610, X Harrison.

BayCeltic is an annual reunion of Bay Area Celtic musicians, singers, dancers and performers.

We have a wide range of very popular and well established musicians and performers.

The Black Brothers, Tempest, Molly's Revenge, Cullan's Hounds,Avalon Rising, Steve Baughman,and Siamsa, a bay area Celtic dance performance group, are in the main Ballroom.

In the musical showcase, new and emerging bands and musicians are are Three Mile Stone, Jim Nelson,Patrice Haan,Megan McLaughlin,Valerie Rose,West of Shannon,Susan Mashiyama and Lani Herrmann.

Steve Baughman will perform and lead the music session afterwards.

Dancing in the Dance Hall are an Irish Ceilidh with Ammy Hill, Irish Set dancing with Michael Murphy, hard shoes introductory dance class with Shirleigh Brannan.

We will have waltz and polka and irish dancing at 10pm to Culann's Hounds.

Lunchroom downstairs and Celtic vendors also.

The website is www.BayCeltic.com

Tickets available at the door: $20 general, $10 students, free under 12, $10 after 9:30 to waltz and polka dancing to Culann's Hounds

contact Scott at scottFNW@pway.com

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The Scarlet Pimpernel Ball - Bargain Tickets Still Available

Lady Jane — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 20:59:54 GMT

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL BALL
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton), San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Bangers & Mash
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by January 31, 2009)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Ball website: http://www.peers.org/Pimpernel.html

They seek him here,
They seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in Heaven or is he in Hell?
That demmed, elusive Pimpernel?

Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney and her grace, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, request the pleasure of your company at a ball in honour of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. M. Chauvelin, the witty but ruthless French Ambassador, will be there. Will his arch-nemesis – the daring superhero and master of disguise, the Scarlet Pimpernel –
also make an appearance? And what will the beautiful Georgiana wear to the ball? Only time will tell.

The Duchess decrees that late 18th century, Directoire, or Regency costume is admired but not required (The year is 1792 but she won’t hold you to that) and, as usual, modern evening dress is also welcome (Sir Percy has just invented it, after all!).

The celebrated chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash plays an evening of gorgeous waltzes and dashing but elegant 18th century French and English country dances. There will be a pre-ball workshop in 18th century country dance and early Waltz – highly recommended since we’ll be teaching some of the ball dances during the class. Those of you planning to arrive fashionably late, however, can be assured that all country dances will also be briefly taught and called during the ball.

Punch and a complimentary light buffet of French and English snacks will be served (As always, your potluck contributions are much appreciated).

To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, go to the ball site at http://www.peers.org/Pimpernel.html and click on the PayPal icon for instructions. The deadline for advance ticket purchases is Saturday, January 31. Tickets will be $20.00 at the door.

For costume inspiration and background, we recommend “The Duchess,” (2008), the 1931 version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” with Leslie Howard, and the less faithful but very pretty 1982 version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour, and, of course, “Blackadder 3,” the third and most hilarious season of the British miniseries. The original “Scarlet Pimpernel” novel by Baroness Orczy is a fun read and available both online and in most good public libraries and there are several sequels still in print.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

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Contra + Waltz with band KGB with Richard Powers at Friday Night Waltz Sat Jan 10

scott — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 02:23:09 GMT

Back again! We are having another wonderful evening of great music and dancing at the "Contra+Waltz", this time with a wonderful band from Seattle, KGB.

Our "Contra+Waltz" is an evening filled with many fun wonderful dances- half the dances are contras and line dances, and the rest are waltzes, polkas, one steps. Our special band for the night, KGB from Seattle, composed the music for one of Friday Night Waltz standard dances, our cross step waltz mixer, "A Clocked Stopped". We can't wait to dance to it with live music!

We are planning on having about 10 waltzes, a few of polkas, some latin and tango- all played by KGB. A great band. not to be missed! Listen to their music here.

Our last Contra+Waltz had over 230 dancers-one of the largest contra dances in California over the last few years. People were eager for another dance- here we are with a delightful band that has played superb dance music for nearly two decades. They get to the bay area every five years or so.
This is a must-go dance!

We are delighted to present KGB, a favorite contra band with a loyal and long time following. They will play about half contras and line dances and about half social couple dances with 10 waltzes, several Polkas,and other dances like a tango, Hambo, and Schottische. Not to be missed! KGB has not been in the Bay area for a really long time. KGB is the Seattle-based trio of Julie King, Claude Ginsburg and Dave Bartley, whose surname initials provide the group's name (KGB). They've been playing contradance music since 1993.

Richard Powers will be calling the contras. He started out calling contra many years ago in Cincinatti and is now returning to his roots. Richard will also be teaching two hours of social dances from 7 pm to 9 pm.

7pm class: pivoting schottische

8pm class: Cross step waltz with an introduction to cross step waltz mixer, which will be played live with KGB, who wrote the original music.

Tom Hill teaches his excellent Introductory waltz class from 7 to 9pm.

$20 for the evening. $10 for students with id. No partner necessary. All Ages. Casual comfortable attire. Sorry due to live band, no discount for dance only. Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

We will have our traditional celebratory selection of cherry pies, double chocolate devine mousse, raspberry cheesecakes, lemon merengue pies, and a zingy selection of ice creams.

Oakland Veterans Hall 200 Grand Avenue Oakland CA X Harrison.
A beautiful dance hall, with 3,500 square foot hardwood floor, extra room for socializing and meeting new people, easy access, great parking.

http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com

Friday Night Waltz is a high energy dance that features mainly waltzes in the dances and classes, along with other dances like polka, one step, swing, cha cha, Lindy, schottische, mazurka, merengue, samba, and tango. People are friendly, and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Attendance is between 130 and 190. Average age is about 30. People from San Francisco, Berkeley, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and Oakland

Richard Powers is one of the world's foremost experts in American social dance, noted for his choreographies for dozens of stage productions and films, and his workshops across the country, in Paris, Prague, London, Rome, Geneva, Russia, and Japan. He has been researching and reconstructing historic social dances for twenty-five years and is currently a full-time instructor at Stanford's Dance Division. Selected by the Centennial Issue of Stanford Magazine as one of Stanford University's most notable graduates of its first century. Awarded the Lloyd W. Dinkelspiel Award for distinctive and exceptional contributions to education at Stanford University. (1999). Teaches social dance forms of North America and directs the 70-member Stanford Vintage Dance Ensemble. Faculty liason to Friends of Dance at Stanford. Joined the Dance Faculty in 1992.

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THE DICKENS FAIR REUNION BALL (A VICTORIAN 12TH NIGHT BALL) - Saturday, January 3

Lady Jane — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 21:49:56 GMT

A VICTORIAN TWELFTH NIGHT BALL
The Dickens Fair Reunion Ball
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal Dancing Begins: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by December 29)
Tickets at the door: $20.00
Band: Bangers & Mash
PEERS’ Website: http://www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/12th09.html

Dance, sing, feast and game at the season’s loveliest old-fashioned holiday party – a 12th Night Ball hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area’s most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of Viennese and rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, the Lancers, reels, and other set dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Indeed, Introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!).

Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens’ literary career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume, and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you’re wearing a ball gown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!

Intermission entertainment includes performances by the Peerless Music Hall (including some very French Cancan) and our guest of honour, Mr. Charles Dickens. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink, and the evening will conclude with a glorious Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long.

Complimentary Punch and a light Old English snack buffet will be served (As usual, your potluck contributions to Mrs. Fezziwig’s kitchen are very welcome).

To order advance tickets to the ball, send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/12th09.html and click on the PayPal icon for directions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, December 29.

If you have any questions or need more information, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

New Year's Eve "Over the Rainbow" Waltz Ball

scott — Fri, 26 Dec 2008 14:10:04 GMT

Our Seventh Annual New Year's Eve Waltz Ball. Always fun, always a great time, a wonderful way to ring in the new year. Sells out every year. 300 attendance.

Brassworks returns for a 7th time playing waltzes, polkas, Congress of Vienna and a few other dances such as tango, latin and swing.
From 9pm to 12:30 am
Abo

Always located at the National Historic Landmark the Chevron Auditorium in the International House 2299 Piedmont Berkeley Ca X Bancroft. A gorgeous 3,500 square foot hardwood floor high ceilinged Morrocan style ballroom with additional socializing in the Slusser room.

Tickets are $25 per person at the door

Formal attire strongly preferred, but dressy is fine too.

Delightful light refreshments - raspberry cheesecake, lemon merengue pies, apple tartes, triple chocolate cake, fruit, vegetable , shrimp and meat platters.

A non alcohol event. All Ages. Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Midnight countdown, sing along.

No partner necessary, many attend as singles.

Plenty of street parking, as the students have left for the holiday vacation. Also several paid parking lots within 2 blocks.

www.FridayNightWaltz.com

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Big Band Weekend and Sinatra

*NetworkGirl* — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 22:55:59 GMT

We got Big Bands and Sintra in the Bay Area this weekend. Let me know if you are coming out!

MONTEREY - Friday-November 7, 2008 from 6:00pm.-10:00pm. the Marriott Monterey will host 4 HOUR 18-Piece Orchestra "Tribute to Jimmy & Tommy Dorsey". Valet Parking. Special Appearance from LAS VEGAS Vocalist-JOYCE SIMPSON. Information call 800-385-2323 or www.BigBandDanceParty.com

REDWOOD CITY - The Stork Big Band, a 17-piece band from the Family Club in San Francisco, will belt out the hits of the great composer Jimmy Van Heusen accompanied by three Frank Sinatra sing-alikes at a special benefit concert for the Cañada College Student Scholarship Fund.

The concert will be held Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m. in the Cañada College Main Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City. Tickets are $25 and are available at the door or by calling (650) 306-3238.

SAN JOSE - Sunday-November 9, 2008 from 4:00pm.-8:00pm. the San Jose WYNDHAM
HOTEL will host 4 HOUR 18-Piece Orchestra "Tribute to GLENN MILLER".
Valet Parking. Special Appearance from LAS VEGAS Vocalist-JOYCE
SIMPSON. SPECIAL VIP: Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient - James
Taylor (Vietnam) Tickets/Information call 800-385-2323 or
408-294-4444. www.BigBandDanceParty.com

-----------------------------------

C/O NetworkGirl: http//www.networkgirl.com

posted in The Dance Card - 2 replies

15TH ANNUAL LE BAL DES VAMPIRES - Saturday, November 1

Lady Jane — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:26:13 GMT

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Dancing on Two Floors
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Vintage Waltz Lesson: 7:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:45 – midnight
Featured Band: Bangers & Mash (Grand Ballroom)
Dracula’s Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30 – midnight
Tickets: $17.50 in advance (by October 25)
$25.00 at the door
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/vamp08.html

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 15th Annual Le Bal des Vampires held once again in the Alameda Elks Lodge, a stately neo-Colonial mansion with a stunning Edwardian ballroom, a photogenic Edwardian parlor and staircase, and a film noir style discotheque.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your “rebirth.” This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy), vintage attire, or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly don’t expect Spike to attend in black tie), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries – from 18th century Baroque contredances to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas; to elegant early 20th century tangoes, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band’s first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers & Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing, join us in Le Bal des Vampires’ Dracula’s Daughter’s Discotheque in the hall’s Ratskellar for a wonderfully varied repertoire of music to stir the blood and spirit from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Hosted by principal DJ, Dark Moon, the disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre. Also featured are special guest performances by the legendary Vampire Lestat and the always amazing Alameda Vintage Dancers.

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $17.50 to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order advance tickets online, go to http://www.peers.org/vamp08.html , click on the PayPal icon and follow the instructions. The deadline for advance ticket purchase is Saturday, October 25.

For further information, see the ball website, call (510) 522-1731, or email peers@peers.org For information on PEERS’ 2008-2009 season, please see http://www.peers.org

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

New Year's Eve "Over the Rainbow" Waltz Ball

scott — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 02:51:06 GMT

Our Seventh Annual New Year's Eve Waltz Ball. Always fun, always a great time, a wonderful way to ring in the new year. Sells out every year. 300 attendance.

Brassworks returns for a 7th time. The nation's leading vintage band, Brassworks will play a majority of waltzes with some polkas and several tangos, swing and latin. Also included is the Bohemian National Polka and the Congress of Vienna.

Always located at the National Historic Landmark the Chevron Auditorium in the International House 2299 Piedmont Berkeley Ca X Bancroft. A gorgeous 3,500 square foot hardwood floor high ceilinged Morrocan style ballroom with additional socializing in the Slusser room.

Tickets now available via Paypal. Prepaid only. $25 prepaid until 12/24 $30 from 12/25 though 12/31.
No tickets available at door. Fixed attendance to make dancing space for everyone.

Tickets are $25 per person in advance and may be purchased via paypal at this site:

www.paypal.com/us/cgi-bin/webscr

Tickets are available at Friday Night Waltz dances, and also by check:
Mail check and make check out to :
Scott Gamble
P.O. Box 1555
Palo Alto CA 94302

You will be put on the will call list at the door. There will be no mailed tickets.
Formal attire strongly preferred, but dressy is fine too.

Delightful light refreshments - raspberry cheesecake, lemon merengue pies, apple tartes, triple chocolate cake, fruit, vegetable , shrimp and meat platters.

A non alcohol event. All Ages. Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.

Dancing to live music from 9 pm to 12:30 am.

Midnight countdown, sing along.

Mostly Waltzes and polkas, with some swing, latin, and tango,
with Congress of Vienna and Bohemian National Polka dances and mixers.

No partner necessary, many attend as singles.

3 hour introductory waltz class Tuesday December 23 from 7 to 10.
upstairs First United Methodist Church 625 Hamilton Palo Alto $15 at door for the classes,

Plenty of street parking, as the students have left for the holiday vacation. Also several paid parking lots within 2 blocks.

www.FridayNightWaltz.com

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Fall Has Sprung Contra Dance: Grass Valley, CA

spidra — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 05:36:20 GMT

Dancer,

The Fall has Sprung 12-hour contrafest in Grass Valley, CA is less than three weeks away. We hope you're planning to come; if not, please accept our apologies for adding to your email burden.

Previous Fall Has Sprungs have set the dance-pleasure bar pretty high, but we're confident that this year's lineup of talent will meet or exceed that standard. The Moving Violations are at or near the top of just about anyone's best-band list; The Fiddlerats exude an exciting and irrepressible dance energy, especially with Eric Anderson on (key)board; and Hot Cider always gets steaming with the opportunity to play for such a good crowd. And it would be hard to find a better trio of callers in Nils Fredland, Jeremy Korr, and Joyce Miller.

November 1st is a great day for dancing all day. First, it's Dia de Los Muertos, or the Mexican Day of the Dead--not a somber occasion, but one on which dancing, as an activity that embodies the essence of life, can be a wonderful way of honoring the souls of the departed. Second, it's the end of daylight savings time, which means that after staying up past midnight, you get an extra hour of sleep the next morning!

Below are some of the practical details you may want to know, particularly if this will be your first time at Fall Has Sprung.

Basic info
when: Saturday, November 1, noon to midnight
where: Grass Valley Vets Building, 255 S. Auburn St.
bands: Hot Cider, The Fiddlerats, The Moving Violations
callers: Joyce Miller, Jeremy Korr, Nils Fredland
admission: $30 ($10 for those 18 and under)

Getting to the hall
From the east (e.g., Truckee, Reno, Salt Lake City): Take Interstate 80 west, pass over Donner Summit, and then exit at Highway 20 toward Grass Valley/Nevada City. After 26.5 miles, highway 49 joins highway 20 at Nevada City; travel 4 more miles to Grass Valley and take the highway 174 exit. Stay on the frontage road until you come to Colfax Ave. Cross Colfax Ave. and turn left immediately onto S. Auburn St. Go under the freeway and one more block. The Vets building is on the left.
From the west (e.g., Sacramento, San Francisco): Take Interstate 80 east and exit in Auburn at Highway 49 toward Grass Valley/Nevada City (north). Travel about 24 miles to Grass Valley and take the Colfax/174 exit (AFTER the hiway 20/Empire St exit). Turn right onto South Auburn St. (don't cross under highway 20/49); The Vets building is a short block up on the left.
From the northwest (e.g., Chico, Yuba City, Redding): Get on highway 20 east. In Grass Valley, cross over highway 49 and then turn left to get on highway 20 east/highway 49 north. Take the very next exit, marked Colfax/174. Turn right onto South Auburn St. (don't cross under highway 20/49); The Vets building is a short block up on the left.

Parking
The Vets Building has a large parking lot behind it. The entrance driveway is the one on the north side of the building (the left as you face the building). Don't enter via the right-side driveway! The Vets Building lot will fill up at some point; you should be able to find parking within a block of the hall on South Auburn, Conaway, Mohawk, Buena Vista, or Winchester.

Food
All dancers are encouraged to bring a dish that's easy to eat and will survive sitting out for a few hours. If you want a real meal, you can walk to one of more than a dozen local restaurants ranging from the inexpensive to the elegant. We will post a map showing the location of our favorites.

Helping out
This event runs smoothly only with many people contributing a little time and energy. Please consider helping out in one of these ways:
• Sign up to work at the door
• Help keep the food and refreshment areas clean
• Take a full bag of garbage out to the dumpster in the parking lot
• Re-fill a water container in the custodial closet near the men's bathroom
• Stay late to help clean up and take down the sound system
FCD board members and other responsible folks will be around, ready to let you know what needs to be done and how to do it.

Lodging with local dancers
If you live out of town and don't mind sleeping on a living room floor or couch, contact Eric or Lisa to request housing with local dancers (530.273.3934 or foothilldancers@aol.com). Our housing coordinator Michael Brackney will then try to get you matched up with a host ahead of time.

Moving Violations house concert
The Moving Violations play in the intimate setting of a Grass Valley living room on Thursday evening, October 30. The concert begins at 7:30 and admission is $12. Call Dan at 530.272.6498 for reservations and directions (or email him at dskeahan@sbcglobal.net). Seating is limited, so don't wait too long to call.

Moving Violations at Sacramento dance Halloween Night
The Moving Violations, with Nils calling, play the Sacramento dance on Halloween night (Friday, October 31). It's 8 to 11 pm at the Clunie Clubhouse, a city of Sacramento facility at 601 Alhambra St. (Alhambra and F Street). Admission $12. Costumes are encouraged. For more information, call John or Laura at 916-739-6014.

MORE INFO: Visit http://www.foothilldancers.org or call Eric or Lisa at 530-273-3934. Note that our website URL has changed. If you bookmarked the old one (members.aol.com/foothilldancers) be sure to replace that URL with www.foothilldancers.org so you can get quick information about this and future 12-hour dances.

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1800 Dance Opportunity - War and Peace Ball - October 11, Saturday

jean-the-dancing-machine — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:55:14 GMT

The Bay Area English Regency Society cordially invites you to the

WAR AND PEACE BALL

The War of the Three Emperors is over. Russia and France are now
friends and allies. Come celebrate the peace (while we can) and dance at
the Winter Ball in the company of the Czar of all the Russias and his
many French, English and even Austrian guests. Will Andrei fall in love
with Natasha? Attend and see.

Added attraction: Kitri House, a troupe of Russian singers and dancers to
entertain the guests.

Costumes admired but not required. Dance partners not required and
dances are taught at the ball. Take part in games of chance, lively
conversation and the hospitality of the court's table (gifts of
comestibles are appreciated).

Saturday, October 11, 2008
52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA

Doors open 7:30 pm; Dancing at 8:00

Music by the Divertimento Orchestra

Dance Master Alan Winston

Preview the dances the night before at the Palo Alto dance party
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield),
8:00 pm on October 10.

Subscriptions $15 in advance (must be received no later than Oct. 9);
$20 at the door.

$2 discount for members of GBACG, BACDS and Brigade Napoleon.

Get a copy of the flyer at www.baers.org

Send form and checks to BAERS c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier
1122 Hudson St. Redwood City, CA 94061

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Funky Formal Dinner/Dance in Alameda

Samantha — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:17:14 GMT

The Alameda Association of Realtors hosts their fifth annual Funky Formal this Saturday, October 4, from 6:30-11pm at the Bayside Pavilion in Alameda. Tickets are $80pp, which is a reasonable price for dinner and dancing.

This is a fundraiser which this year benefits the Alameda Food Bank. There will be raffle tickets and a silent auction. There will be dinner (I hear the food, catered by Patrick David Catering, is going to be great this year) and dancing with music is by the Soul Starz. The suggested attire is "your funkiest outfit - prom formal - retro attire - think polyester!"

A word about the AFB: Donations are up, but the number of clients is higher up. We are serving 25% more people than we were this time last year, and you know it's going to keep going. Have a good time at the FF and support our mission of providing food to low-income Alamedans.

Full disclosure: I am the program coordinator at the Alameda Food Bank, and I will be at a wedding that evening or I would SO be at this event! I would go even if I wasn't associated with the food bank.

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

SWINGIN' IN THE RAIN - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

Lady Jane — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 05:26:11 GMT

SWINGIN’ IN THE RAIN
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton), San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00- 8:00 pm.
Formal Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Sara & Swingtime
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Ball Website: http://peers.org/swingin.html

Swingin' in the Rain,
I'm Swingin' in the Rain!
What a glorious feeling,
I'm happy again!

Tickets are still available for PEERS’ Swingin’ in the Rain Ball. Whether it rains or shines, please join us for an evening in 1927 Hollywood at a ball inspired by that most joyous of movie musicals!

Suggested costume is late 20's/early 30's costume or vintage or modern evening dress. As usual, however, costumes are admired, but not required. Just be certain to wear something you can really dance in!

Our featured band for the evening is Sara & Swingtime. Their sets will veer between elegant vintage ballroom dance music (waltzes, tangos, fox trots, sambas, rumbas, etc.), cool blues, and hot Swing of the 1920's and early 30's. For guests wishing to brush up on their vintage dance skills, there will be a pre-ball dance lesson starting at 7:00 p.m.

In defiance of Prohibition, we will once again feature our celebrated No-Host (cash) bar. To sustain us through four vigorous dance sets, a complimentary light snack buffet will also be served throughout the evening (your potluck contributions are always appreciated). Intermission entertainment includes both dance and musical performances and DJ dance music for you insatiable dancers. Fans of Lee Presson & the Nails will be pleased to know that our guest intermission dance D.J. is the incomparable Lee Presson himself.

For further information, please call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see the ball website at http://peers.org/swingin.html

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Men needed for Nutcracker

Hayes — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 22:04:00 GMT

The Santa Clare Ballet is seeking men for their Nutcracker production. This is the 34th year (or maybe the 35th or 36th) of the production and men are needed for the first act party scene. You don't have to know ballet, as the party scene dances aren't too hard. Rehearsals are in Santa Clara.

http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/7530/SCBallet.html

PERFORMANCES:
December 13, 2:00 & 7:00pm
December 14, 1:00 & 5:00pm
Santa Clara Convention Center Theater

Please reply if you are interested.

Thanks

Hayes A.

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tribe is dying. to get emails about upcoming dance events

scott — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 22:35:03 GMT

send your email address to: ScottFNW@pway.com

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Oakland Ceilidh and Waltz This Friday 9/26

jean-the-dancing-machine — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 02:41:55 GMT

Don't forget about this Friday's barn dance at Humanist Hall! Not only
do we have the calling talents of the British dance leader Jonathan Coxhead,
we've got the Bay Area's English-pub-style band Across the Pond, fresh from
their performance at the Princeton Traditional Music Festival in Vancouver,
British Columbia.

*OAKLAND CEILIDH DANCE*

When: Friday, September 26th, 2008, 7-10 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Jonathan Coxhead calling, music by Across The Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan
Lochhead, and Colette and Jody Veahman)
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94609

Phone for info: 650-365-2913
http://www.bacds.org/series/ceilidh/oakland/

Generous waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners encouraged! All
dances taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes.
Great dance to bring family, previously non-dancing friends, etc.
You don't need to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children
8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available. (Advance inquiries welcome)

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Friday Night Waltz Goes Latin!

spidra — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 19:05:56 GMT

Forwarded:

Well, not quite.

This is Scott, from Friday Night Waltz. I am starting a weekly latin dance, LatinMX, on Tuesdays at the First United Methodist Church 625 Hamilton Palo Alto, from 7 to 11 pm.

I have been to most of the bay area salsa clubs and always left dissatisfied. Most of the clubs are bars, most are tacky, the feeling is often unwelcoming, and most have extremely fast, almost all salsa dancing.

I enjoy the warm, friendly atmosphere we have had at Friday Night Waltz, and had always thought there were other people who prefer a range of Latin dancing but were turned off by the hard, flashy, unfriendly atmosphere of most local salsa dance places.

So I am starting LatinMX. The MX stands for mix, as in having a mix of latin dances, including salsa, samba, merengue, cha cha, and rumba, as well as many fun but rarely seen dances like rueda, paso doble, cumbia, bachata, bolero, lambada, and zouk. We are also including many different kinds of latin dance mixers, birthday jams, and a latin line dance. We are introducing a flirtatious, choreographed rumba, "The Havana" (like a latin Congress of Vienna).

Like Friday Night Waltz, we will have two simultaneous classes from 7 to 9, an introductory class for first timers, and also an intermediate class also from 7 to 9pm, with DJ music from 9 to 11. Like FNW, no partner is needed for LatinMX. We rotate rapidly in class.

Anna Botelho (nee Anne Remsen) a long time and popular Friday Night Waltz dance instructor and dj, will be teaching the intermediate classes and also is the primary DJ. Her latin classes before previous Friday Night Waltzes have been well attended. She has had very extensive competitive Latin ballroom dance experience, and has taught all forms of latin dancing at many bay area ballrooms.

The cost is $12 for all classes and dances, $10 for both classes only, $8 for dance only. Casual comfortable attire. Cold water and light refreshments are provided.

The class and dance are held at the First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94025. The cross street is Byron which is one block off University and Middlefield near downtown Palo Alto. Entrance to the upstairs ballroom is in the main church courtyard, with the stairs entrance facing AWAY from the street on the right

thanks for reading, and hope to see you on the dance floor!

comments or questions are welcome. ScottFNW@pway.com, or just respond to the above email address.

Scott

upcoming classes and dances:
Sep 23 Salsa
Sep 30 Merengue
Oct 7 Cha Cha
Oct 14 Samba
Oct 21 Rumba

http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com/latinmx.html

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SPACE 1889: A VICTORIAN STEAMPUNK BALL

Lady Jane — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:54:40 GMT

SPACE 1889: A Victorian Steampunk Ball
(The Adventure of Le Cirque de Venus)
Sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society
Saturday, September 6, 2008
San Mateo Masonic Lodge Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance General Tickets: $15.00
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
For information: Call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://peers.org/space1889.html

Rule, Britannia!
Britannia rule the stars!
Britain’s flag extends to Venus, Mercury and Mars!

Don't miss PEERS' third venture into the world of Victorian Steampunk: Space 1889 - a Victorian Ball in Space. Program your Babbage Analytical Engines, sail the luminiferous ether between the worlds to this Nineteenth Century science fiction ball, and keep Venus British!

The year is an alternate 1889 in which, thanks to inventor Thomas Alva Edison, computer engineer Thomas Babbage, software developer Ada, Countess of Lovelace, visionary scientists Herbert George Wells and Jules Verne, and many other distinguished men and women of science and engineering, the Victorians have air and space travel, high technology, computers (analytical engines), calculators (difference engines), efficient software (the versatile and elegant ADA), and even email (“electric messaging”). The Great Game has extended to Outer Space with Great Britain, Germany, Russia and those intrepid Americans rushing to colonize every planet in sight. Welcome to Space 1889. This is the milieu of our ball.

Join His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and His Excellency, the Governor of Her Majesty’s Crown Colony of Venus, for a formal ball to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of British rule on the planet. Diplomats, explorers, scientists and artists from Earth and from around the galaxy are cordially invited to attend.

Bangers & Mash, that most British of American dance bands, plays the greatest dance hits of the 1880’s, 1890’s, and early 1900's for an evening of vintage ballroom dancing. Dance beautiful waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels, The Lancers, and some of those dashing new American dances (the Ragtime Two-Step and the Tango from Argentina). All “new” dances and pattern dances will be (briefly) taught or called, and partners are not required. For those of you wishing to brush up on the ballroom dances of the late 19th century, there will also be a pre-ball dance class at 7:00 pm.

Suggested costume is late Victorian or Edwardian evening dress, dress uniform (the year is technically 1889 but this IS an alternate universe so you can use your imagination), “Venusian” evening dress or science fiction/fantasy costume appropriate to the balls theme. As usual, however, costumes are admired, not required. You scientists, engineers, and inventors are also most welcome to bring your latest gadgets and portable inventions (We’d love to see your Victorian laptops, cell phones and pagers, for instance!).

We are honoured to announce a special guest performance by the Queen of the Venusian Trapeze and star of the Cirque de Venus, Ariyana le Fey, and an appearance by our guests of honour, the celebrated Le Legion Fantastique.

The evening also features a no-host (cash) bar, a light snack buffet (your potluck contributions are, as always, very welcome), and an interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall. Reminder: the deadline for advance bargain tickets for PEERS’ September 6 Space 1889 Ball (a Victorian Steampunk Ball in Space) is Saturday, August 30. To order advance tickets, please send a check to PEERS, 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/space1889.html for instructions.

For further information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

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Nightclub powered by dancing energy - radio & video

gotrhythm — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 18:51:51 GMT

Interesting radio feature on sustainable energy, in which a dance club is powered by energy from the dancers:

'Nightclubs Hear the Sustainability Music" segment on Marketplace Morning Report July 6, 2007 on public radio:
http://marketplace.publicradio.org/display/web/2007/07/06/nightclubs_hear_the_sustainability_music/

Video describing the dance floor generator:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzb3VFi3Sew

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FREE PEERS EVENT: The Impressionists' Picnic Dance, Saturday, August 2

Lady Jane — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:45:47 GMT

If you’ve always been curious about PEERS events and are interested in trying one out, our next dance might actually be a good one to try: It’s absolutely free! Here’s our latest event update:

THE IMPRESSIONISTS’ PICNIC DANCE
-A Picnic in the Park with PEERS
Saturday, August 2, 2008
Location: Lincoln Park
1450 High Street, Alameda
(Near the Rose Garden)
Suggested Set-Up Time: 11:00 am (or earlier)
Picnic Luncheon begins: 11:30 am
Formal Dancing: 1:30 – 4:30 pm
Band: Bangers & Mash (David Strong, Stan & Susan Kramer, & guest artist Charlie Hancock)
Admission: Free!
Website: http://peers.org/picnic.html

Le Salon des Refusés invites painters, models, artistic subjects, and interested members of the artistic-minded public to join us for an outdoor picnic, fete, and dance in shady, picturesque Lincoln Park.

Guests are urged to bring a period-looking picnic and plenty of beverages to sustain them through an afternoon of elegant but lively dancing. Since the picnic tables at Lincoln Park are at the opposite end of the park from the Rose Garden, where we shall be gathering, we suggest bringing blankets to spread on the ground for your picnic luncheon, and chairs or tables if you wish them.

Just for clarification: This event is not a potluck. Do bring your own luncheon! Our own chefs and their kitchen staff will be on holiday. To add to the fun and ambience of the event, we urge our fellow picnickers to make their picnic sites look as 19th century and picturesque as possible. For inspiration, we highly recommended the BBC miniseries, “The Impressionists,” which will also give you some great costume tips.

Mid to late 19th century dress (1860-1900) is admired but not required, and “artistic” costume, Pre-Raphaelite attire, or modern dress is also perfectly acceptable. Given the changeable nature of our lovely Alamedan Parisian weather, you may find it useful as well as ornamental to wear a hat or bonnet and bring both a parasol and a wrap. Since this is, after all, an informal event, straw boaters or even berets may take the place of top hats and fancy bonnets. Above all, please wear sturdy, comfortable shoes you can dance in outdoors.

After the luncheon, the always elegant Bangers & Mash will play an afternoon of 19th century waltzes, polkas, quadrilles, and French and English country dance music for your dancing pleasure (All pattern dances will be briefly taught or called). We are also pleased to announce that there will also be a special dance performance by the always delightful Alameda Vintage Dancers, who will be performing two excerpts from their “Renoir Suite.”

Artists, both professional and amateur, are encouraged to set up their easels and to invite their models. Witty, artistic conversation and elegant flirtation are also encouraged.

This event is a thank you to all of our devoted fans, and we will not be charging a fee for admission. Donations for our brilliant and hard-working musicians will be gratefully accepted, however, both before and during the event. To make an advance donation, simply go to the event website at http://peers.org/picnic.html, click on the PayPal icon and follow the directions.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

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Dancing with the Professors

spidra — Sat, 26 Jul 2008 00:44:30 GMT

Apparently Brown University put together this interesting event in February. Videos of some of the profs' acts are here:

http://youtube.com/user/moribello

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Fun Emerald City Ball Updates: Saturday, July 5

Lady Jane — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 20:28:13 GMT

Tickets are still available for the Emerald City Ball on Saturday, July 5. We also have some fun updates to share with you.

The Emerald City Ball
(sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m. (Edwardian and Ragtime Dances)
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: The Divertimento Dance Orchestra
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://peers.org/emerald.html

We're off to see the Wizard at a ball in the glorious capital city of Oz. Come join us in honouring the singular courage of Dorothy Gale and her intrepid companions as they prepare to embark on their dangerous mission to the West.

There is definitely no need to stress about costumes for this ball. You have a huge range of choices: Fantasy costume, period costume (Medieval to Edwardian), or a combination of the two is admired but not required and, of course, green attire and costumes inspired by the Oz universe will be very welcome. While the ball is technically set in 1900, the citizens of Oz wear a variety of costumes ranging from Medieval gowns and tunics all the way up to late Victorian and Edwardian frocks and frock coats. Vintage or modern evening dress is also appropriate since the most unusual visitors do occasionally arrive in the Land of Oz.

Our Emerald City band is the Divertimento Dance Orchestra, a vintage dance band known for their elegance, authenticity and versatility. Dance music for the evening will range from graceful Edwardian ballroom dance music to the Great Wizard’s own favorite Ragtime tunes from his distant native star Omaha, Amerika. Dance waltzes, polkas, schottisches, reels, contradances, mixers and other popular turn of the century dances as well as the newer Ragtime one-step, two-step and tango. The Wizard will provide music for every taste (If you’re familiar with the 1939 film version of “The Wizard of Oz,” you will definitely recognize some of the tunes.).

For those wishing a brush-up in the latest dances, the pre-ball dance class will focus on the “new” dances of the Edwardian and Ragtime age: The lively One-Step, the sinuous One-Step Tango, the beautiful Hesitation Waltz, and the Turning Two-Step, an smooth and fun 1890’s alternative to the Polka.

The ball will also feature our famous No-Host (cash) bar, serving both alcoholic and soft drinks. The Wizard will also provide a complimentary light snack buffet (Your potluck contributions to the buffet are most welcome. The Emerald City is very expensive to maintain!).

For more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org before Saturday.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

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EMERALD CITY BALL

Lady Jane — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 23:26:20 GMT

The Emerald City Ball
(sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: The Divertimento Dance Orchestra
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by June 28)
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://peers.org/emerald.html

We're off to see the Wizard at a ball in the glorious capital city of Oz. Come join us in honouring the singular courage of Dorothy Gale and her intrepid companions as they prepare to embark on their dangerous mission to the West.

Fantasy costume, period costume (Medieval to Edwardian), or a combination of the two is admired but not required and, of course, green attire and costumes inspired by the Oz universe will be very welcome. Vintage or modern evening dress is also appropriate since the most unusual visitors do occasionally arrive in the Land of Oz.

Our Emerald City band is the Divertimento Dance Orchestra, a vintage dance band known for their elegance, authenticity and versatility. Dance music for the evening will range from graceful Edwardian ballroom dance music to the Great Wizard’s own favorite Ragtime tunes from his distant native star Omaha, Amerika. Dance waltzes, polkas, schottisches, reels, contradances, mixers and other popular turn of the century dances as well as the newer Ragtime one-step, two-step and tango. The Wizard will provide music for every taste! (And, yes, if you’re familiar with the 1939 film version of “The Wizard of Oz,” you will recognize some of the tunes!).

To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/emerald.html, scroll down to the PayPal icon, and click on it for directions. The deadline for advance ticket purchase is Saturday, June 28. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

For more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

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BAERS Great Regency Shipwreck Ball - June 21, 2008, Kensington, CA

Alan — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 02:05:17 GMT

The Bay Area English Regency Dance Society (www.baers.org) Presents:
The Great Regency Shipwreck Ball (or "Regency Survivor")

We can't get off this island, so we might as well entertain ourselves!
Caller Alan Winston (who led the Pride and Prejudice Ball this March) with
The Divertimento Dance Orchestra (who'll play at the Emerald City Ball in July)
Saturday June 21, 2008 8:00-11:30pm
Arlington Church (52 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA)

The Divertimento Orchestra will provide jolly music. The marooned elite, in
any remaining finery, are invited to dance arm-in-arm with the ships'
captain and crew. Meet up at 8PM sharp aboard the ruins for dance, drink
and good company!

Come as you are, whether Passenger, Pirate, Native, Merfolk or member of Her
Majesty's Royal Navy. If your wardrobe was relocated to Davy Jones' Locker
during the fateful storm, fashion yourself new togs from local flora (grass
skirts are all the rage among the natives!).

We've made peace with the island inhabitants and the merfolk in the bay, so
we will feast with them on seafood, fresh fruits, springwater and provisions
salvaged from the hold. The contribution of exotic new delicacies from
forays inland are welcome - as long as *you* have already tried them first.

Subscriptions are $20 at the door, $15 in advance.
$2 discount for GBACG, and BACDS members.
Advance mail registrations must be received by us no later than June 18th.
Costumes admired but not required. All dances taught during the ball. No
partner required.

Make out checks to "BAERS", and send them to
BAERS c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier 1122 Hudson Street Redwood City, CA 94061

Name(s): __________________________________________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP: ______________________________________________
Phone: (____________) ____________ - ________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Mark if new address for mailing list: __ Number of admissions desired ______

See the flyer: http://flickr.com/photos/dancingisland/2490962848/sizes/l/

Preview the dances at the June 13 dance party in Palo Alto: http://www.baers.org/fridays.html

What is the English Regency? See http://www.baers.org

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Beginner-Friendly Live Music Barn dance in Oakland, Friday, 5/30, 7:00 pm

Alan — Fri, 30 May 2008 03:43:00 GMT

Looking for a bit of cheerful dancing this Friday night? Come over to the
barn dance in Oakland.

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with a room of happy people. Erik Hoffman and Alan Winston will
lead the dancing, with live music by Across The Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan
Loughead, and Jody and Colette Veahman), a band steeped in the hearty
rhythm of English traditional music.

Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available.

When: Friday, May 30th, 7 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Erik Hoffman and Alan Winston calling, music by Across The Pond
(Dick Bagwell, Alan Loughead, Jody and Colette Veahman, Alan Loughead)
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Info: Vanessa Schnatmeier - 650-365-2913, http://www.bacds.org/series/ceilidh/oakland/

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GONE WITH THE WIND BALL

Lady Jane — Thu, 29 May 2008 05:38:42 GMT

The Gone with the Wind Ball
(sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, June 7, 2008
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Bangers & Mash
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by May 31)
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://peers.org/gwtw.html

Join us for the ultimate 19th century romantic fantasy experience - a ball inspired by the Charity Ball in Atlanta from the first part of Gone with the Wind.

Bangers & Mash plays an evening of exquisite waltzes and quadrilles, lively polkas and schottisches, mazurka waltzes, breathless reels and contradances popular in both the North and the South during the American Civil War. There will be a pre-ball dance lesson at 7:00 pm and, as usual, all set dances will be briefly taught or called.

Suggested costume is mid-Victorian evening dress (1850’s or ‘60’s) or modern evening dress. European or Southern gentlemen in uniform are also most welcome. As usual, however, costumes are admired, not required.

Punch and a light snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (Your potluck contributions to the buffet during these difficult times are greatly appreciated!).

To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/gwtw.html , scroll down to the PayPal icon, and click on it for directions. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

For more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

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CHICAGO ALL-THAT-JAZZ BALL WITH LEE PRESSON & THE NAILS

Lady Jane — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 01:27:41 GMT

THE CHICAGO ALL-THAT-JAZZ BALL
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Vintage Dance Lesson: 7:00- 8:00 pm.
Formal Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Lee PressOn and the Nails
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by April 26); $20.00 at the door
Ball Website: http://peers.org/chicago.html

Rouge your knees, roll your stockings down, start the car, and come join us and host Billy Flynn, Esquire, at the hottest party in Chicago for All That Jazz! PEERS is proud (and truly amazed) to announce that the evening's band will be the one, the only, the incomparable Lee Presson and the Nails.

1920’s or 30’s costume or vintage or modern evening dress (white or black tie optional) is admired, but not required. The year is 1931 but we won't hold you to that.

The music will range from elegant vintage ballroom dance music (waltzes, tangos, fox trots, and even polkas!) to cool blues and hot Swing of the 1920's and early ‘30's – perhaps with a few musical surprises along the way. For guests wishing to brush up on their vintage dance skills, there will be a pre-ball dance lesson in vintage Foxtrot and Swing at 7:00 p.m. with Persephone and Charles. Even if you’re a novice, they’ll soon have you gliding along the floor like young Fred Astaire and swinging like a gate.

Intermission entertainment includes both a half-time floor show and DJ dance music for you insatiable dancers. To fortify us for these vigorous dance sets, a complimentary light snack buffet will be served throughout the evening. (In our current Depression, your potluck contributions are always appreciated!).

Special Announcement from Mr. Lee Presson himself: “The first 100 people who attend the May Chicago Ball will get a free Lee Presson and the Nails CD.”

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/chicago.html, scroll down, and click on the PayPal icon for instructions. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

For information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in The Dance Card - 3 replies

LGBT Contra Dance on May 3 to Benefit Pacific Center of Berkeley, CA

Samantha — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 19:44:04 GMT

LGBT Contra Dance on May 3 to Benefit Pacific Center

Join fellow members of the LGBT community for a night of food, dance and fun…with all proceeds to benefit The Pacific Center!

Contra is a friendly barn dance done to Celtic-infused music. It’s a lot of fun and easy to learn. Every dance is taught from scratch and a caller will prompt us throughout. No partner is required. Comfortable clothing is suggested. Queer contra dance is gender-role free, so dance whichever role you like!

San Francisco Queer Contra is helping organize this party. Learn more about them at http://www.lcfd.org/sf.

When: 7:00pm – 10:30pm (dancing starts at 7:30pm)

Where: Hillside Community Church

1422 Navellier Street

El Cerrito , CA 94530

(Parking available)

Suggested Minimum Donation: $25

Caller: Mavis McGaugh

Band: Flower & McLaren
http://www.flowerandmclaren.com/

posted in The Dance Card - 2 replies

Fri., April 11: Regency Dance Party in Palo Alto

jean-the-dancing-machine — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:00:43 GMT

BAERS Second Friday Dance Parties
http://baers.org/

What: Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Dances led by Alan Winston and guest callers.

How Much: A mere $8!

Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto
Map to church available here

When: 8:00-10:30 p.m., second Fridays, September through November, and February through July. (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

Dress: Casual. We recommend comfortable low-heeled shoes. Skirts worn by many women, but pants are definitely acceptable.

Music: Live music by William Allen, Jan Battles, Paul Kostka, James Langdell, and Nettie Wijsman. Musicians who care to sit in get in free!

See the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our second Friday dance parties!
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

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Improv Everywhere-ish Dance Happening

spidra — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 08:27:16 GMT

Sounds like a job for dancers:

http://improveverywhere.ning.com/group/sanfrancisco/forum/topic/show?id=1982446%3ATopic%3A107463

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

New West Coast Swing Tribe!!!!

Julie — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:58:25 GMT

I have created a new tribe specificaly for west coast swing and I would love to see all of you there.

This group is for all those westies out there who need/want someplace to get together and talk about anything and everything West Coast Swing. Including events in local areas, clubs, workshops, competition, carpooling to and from events, costumes, opinions, music, shoes, Instructors, schools, classes, patterns, basics, etc.. From Beginners to Champions and everything inbetween. This is a forum to help grow and connect the West Coast Swing community.

tribes.tribe.net/westcoastswing

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March 22 Dance on the USS Hornet

Samantha — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 03:27:40 GMT

Dances on the Hornet are really fun - two big dance floors, mostly swing and foxtrot, some Lindy and other swing-type dances.

TOMMY DORSEY ORCHESTRA
makes its first appearance aboard the
AIRCRAFT CARRIER USS HORNET
March 22, 2008
8:00pm – midnight
Doors open at 7:00pm

The Bay Area’s best place to dance!

Three Dance Floors on the Enclosed, Heated Hangar Deck!
Period Attire Welcome!

Cash Bars & Food Concessions Available!

FREE PARKING!

Andrews Sisters Tribute by
Singing Blue Stars of the USS HORNET
7:00pm – 7:30pm

Free Dance Lessons by the San Francisco Jitterbugs
7:30pm – 8:00pm

posted in The Dance Card - 4 replies

Richard Powers teaches One Step and New Waltz Variations Friday Night Waltz Feb 15

scott — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:29:15 GMT

At Friday Night Waltz in Palo Alto this Friday February 15:

Richard Powers teaches:

7pm Intermediate: A flurry of One-Step variations. This easy vintage dance, popular at FNW, is still alive today thanks to a wide array of variations. Learn both the original Ragtime variations and some of the newest ones.

8pm Intermediate/Advanced: Premiere - the B&B Waltz Variations. These are new and *very* different freestyle waltz variations developed by Bill and Beata, two of Richard's former students who are now teaching in San Diego. You'll like them.

Special Performance by Academy of Danse Libre,the nations premier vintage dance group. From their website,"Danse Libre is dedicated to the lively exhibition of vintage social dances.Danse Libre performs a variety of breathtaking pieces from the 19th and early 20th centuries in authentic period costume. Each of our dances brings to life a period in history, complete with the music, dance, dress, and mannerisms of the time."

Tom Hill teaches an introductory waltz class from 7 to 9pm. For best results, start class at 7pm.

Richard is our Dj. Waltz music from 9 to 12 in the Main Ballroom.

All ages, Comfortable attire. No partner necessary. We rotate rapidly in
class. $12 for both the classes and the dance. $8 for seniors or
students or after 9pm.

First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., corner of Byron. Palo Alto, CA.
Upstairs, Fellowship hall, entrance on right of courtyard, facing away from street.

http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com

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Country dance and waltz with the courtesans of Regency-era London : February 16, 2008, San Mateo, California

Alan — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 07:34:31 GMT

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008

at the

SAN MATEO MASONIC LODGE
(San Mateo)
100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton

Doors open 7:30

The ball starts with "Congress of Vienna" at 8:00
$20 at the door

Scandalous early-1800s costume - the era of "Pride and Prejudice" admired
but not required. We cannot, in good conscience, recommend that young ladies
damp their muslins in the Bay Area in February.

For more information, call 650/365-2913 or visit
www.baers.org (where you can download a registration form)

Directions: From Highway 101, exit at 3d Avenue. Go west on 3d, turn right
at N. Ellsworth. The temple is at the corner of N. Ellsworth and Tilton.

(Note: "The Cyprian" was a Regency nickname for Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, who
was associated with the island of Cyprus. Cyprians, then, were devotees of
Aphrodite; in other words, courtesans, who held an annual ball to shop for new
"protectors" who could keep them in good style. So there's an extra degree of
flirtatiousness at the Cyprians' Ball.)

All country dances taught and prompted. Fun will be had!

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

East (SF) Bay Dance Opportunities

Samantha — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:58:17 GMT

The below is from a listserv I'm on.

Samantha

Our favorite Friday night venue - Dancing to "Nob Hill Sounds" at the Lake Merritt Dance Center, 200 Grand Ave., Oakland. Only $10/person to dance to a fabulous live band, on the beautiful wood dance floor at the Veterans Hall in Oakland. We pop in whenever we have the chance.

We have always enjoyed the 2nd & 3rd Sunday afternoon Tea Dancing in Hayward whenever we are available. 1-3:30 pm to the "Swinging Trio" for just $6! And a special treat on the 4th Sundays - dancing to a genuine BIG BAND, 3 O'Clock Jump! These tea dances are held at the Hayward Senior Center.

Wednesday nights at Just Dance in Oakland, we like to pop in for DJ Foley's Ballroom Night. 8-9 pm is a beg./intermediate lesson by San Manh, followed by DJ music by Dan Foley from 9-11 pm. Just $6/person! http://justdanceballroom.com/

Marilyn Bowe put's on a monthly dinner dance on the second Sunday of the month. Check out her website:
http://www.dancewithme.info/
We have gone to one of her Sunday dinner/dance events, and enjoyed both the lesson and dinner/dance. We would recommend trying it when you have a chance. I felt the catered dinner had the very best catered buffet meal I have been served.

I hear that "De-lish" plays at the Claremont Hotel on the 1st and 3rd Sundays at 7 pm. We have enjoyed their music at other venues and recommend them, but keep in mind this is a SMALL dance floor, but not very many people attend to dance, so it is doable.

I hear the Monday afternoon Tea Dances at Just Dance are fun. 12:30-4 pm with a lesson by our very own Sharon McCue! Just $5/person. check out their website for info: http://www.justdanceballroom.com

And don't forget that Sharon McCue is back teaching at the Hayward Senior Center. Please call them for program dates and times.

We currently enjoy lessons on Sunday afternoons with Joallyn Bohn and Bill Blankenship out at Two Left Feet. They teach Beginning to Intermediate Ballroom classes between 2-4 pm and then there is open dancing from 4-6 pm to practice what you have learned. Check the website for info: http://www.twoleftfeet.com

As always, we highly recommend the ballroom lessons at Two Left Feet - we feel their instructors are hard to beat! We have caught some lessons at Just Dance and we like WCS with Fodie Baker and Tom Arrington. We enjoy a lesson now and then with San too.

We have enjoyed Bachata lessons with Rosen at Ballroom and Beyond in Hayward, http://www.ballroomandbeyond.com/ It's a small ballroom, but on Friday's they do a drop in lesson that we have popped in for. Most of their lessons are by series, and we have not been able to try one yet. Let us know if you try it and what you think. It is a Filipino owned and operated establishment - they have been very friendly to us when we pop in. We have noticed that they are heavy into the Latin songs, few foxtrot or waltz's played.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Talk about America's Ballroom Challenge?

Samantha — Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:49:39 GMT

aka Ohio Star Ball

Did anyone see the Smooth comp? I missed most of the group dances, seeing only the last 40 seconds of the semifinal (seven couples!) and the show dances.

I like Ron Montez (in fact, we have some of his lesson videos) a lot better than Tony whatsisname who's been hosting with Marilu Henner, but who the heck is Jasmine Guy?!?! At least Marilu could talk sort of intelligently!

Like Ron, I wasn't too crazy about some of the show dances. I'm sure you know which ones I mean - I usually like show pieces with strong characterizations, mixed dance styles, and humor, but these didn't work that well for me, the exception being Mazen Hamza & Irina Sarukhanyan's "We Are Siamese" routine (they are the out-there couple who did the kung fu tango last year). The routine with the hip hop interlude seemed like "So You Think You Can Dance" stretch. While I liked the nod to Fred and Ginger, it didn't strike me as that original, and I liked Tomas and JT's waltz the best.

Did anyone else think a lot of these group routines seemed a lot more "open" than they used to?

"ABC" is all over YouTube and the shows are on the next four Wed nights on PBS at 8pm - plus reruns.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Single? Like to Dance Join our Group...

*NetworkGirl* — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 03:07:55 GMT

Our first event is 2/9.

http://www.dancingforsingles.com/

DANCING FOR SINGLES brings you a real-time experience that you can not get from online dating.

With dancing, you can discover the chemistry of true romance thru touch and movement. In this respectful space you will be able to open yourself up as you learn a skill that can last a life time - Dancing.

In this dance class you will be partnered with an individual and taught Swing dance steps by teacher Jeff Kroll, coupled with speed dating Q&A and rotation through partners...by the time the class is done you will have had the opportunity to dance with everyone in the class and find out about each others interests.

After Class you can eat, have a drink and mingle with your new connections at the "Hangar 40 Sports Bar and Cafe" located in the Bladium Event Center

Feb 9th
$10 per person.
6-7pm
Bladium Event Center 800 West Tower, Alameda Ca 94501 http://www.bladiumeventcenter.com
RSVP Required. Space is Limited so plan ahead: info@dancingforsingles.com

If you can't make this date, send an email to request to be on our Mailing List

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Want to be the moderator?

spidra — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 07:46:11 GMT

I'm on Tribe less and less, which means I can't do a good job of moderating. I could just close up the whole tribe, but I won't if there's someone who's willing to take on the job of moderator. This involves starting conversations, picking the main picture, making sure people play nice...

I would want the name of the tribe to change with the change in moderatorship. "The Dance Card" is something I'd like to reserve for my own lists/tribes as to me it represents a certain type of conversation about social dance.

PM me if you're interested in being the moderator of "Unnamed New Dance Tribe with a Bay Area Focus".

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Wanna dance? Dance Along Nutcracker 2007

LaughingSal — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:11:16 GMT

Dance-Along Nutcracker® 2007: RAT-ified! - SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band - 12/8 & 9 Tickets now on sale for all 4 shows!

Saturday, December 8th: 2:30 PM & 7:00 PM Gala
Sunday, December 9th: 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Forum
701 Mission Street @ 3rd
San Francisco

Rats get a bum rap! Chased by cats . . . blamed for the plague . . . and that old story of the Rat King attacking a little girl and her nutcracker - what a load of rubbish!

At the 2007 Dance-Along Nutcracker: RAT-ified!, the rats seize center stage to tell their side of the story.

Spiff up your ratty tutu, because the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Bands celebrated bash is adding another twist to the Nutcracker tale!

Ticket Information:
$50 - Opening Night Gala: Saturday, December 8th, 7:00 PM

$24 Adults and $16 Children & Seniors: Daytime shows: 2:30 PM, Saturday, December 8th, 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM and Sunday, December 9th

Online: http://www.sflgfb.org/dancealong.html
Phone: 415-255-1355
Box Office:

http://www.yerbabuenaarts.org/tickets/
Phone: 415-978-ARTS (2787)

Sponsor levels and goodies: http://www.sflgfb.org/DAN07_sponsors.pdf";

More About the 2007 Dance-Along Nutcracker -

This year's Dance-Along highlights include:
- Joe Collins (a.k.a. Trauma Flintstone, creator and femcee of Martuni's Bijou revue) returns to the Dance-Along to star as Ratavinci, who takes the audience on a journey in the Rat Pack's shoes.
- Conducting the Band is the Big Cheese - Artistic Director Dr. Roberto-Juan Gonzalez, music director of the North Bay Philharmonic Orchestra at Napa Valley College and Associate Principal Conductor of the San Francisco Concerto Orchestra.
- San Francisco Opera Ballet and San Francisco Ballet veteran Carolyn Carvajal choreographs the feature dance numbers and dances as the Rat King!
- The Opening Night Gala features a cocktail party with dancing to the big band sound of City Swing fronted by jazz singer Joyce Grant, the great-great niece of Scott Joplin!
- Corinne Levy, dancer with Dance Through Time for 12 years and a veteran of Beach Blanket Babylon, returns to the Dance-Along Nutcracker to dance as Clara!
- All performances feature Tchaikovskys Nutcracker Suite and other music performed by the San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band, the Official Band of the City of San Francisco.

Tired of letting professional dancers have all the fun? The Dance-Along Nutcracker lets the audience concoct its own choreography beneath the spotlights of Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. While the Band performs Nutcracker favorites like Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers and Russian Trepak, sugar plum wannabes leap and pirouette about the dance floor. Tutu rentals and fairy wands are available for those with nothing to wear. Wallflowers have as much fun as dancers.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Barn dance (waltz, easy country dances) with musicians from Bangers & Mash: Oakland, 10/26, Humanist Hall

Alan — Thu, 25 Oct 2007 23:38:21 GMT

Get revved up for the weekend at the barn dance in Oakland!

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with a room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music by Stan & Susan Kramer (the flute and fiddle from
Bangers and Mash, the band you know from Fezziwig's and PEERS dances.)

Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available.

When: Friday, October 26th, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston calling, music by Stan & Susan Kramer
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

queer/gender-free contra dance in Berkeley on Sunday!

Arcadia — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 20:24:42 GMT

What: Queer Contra Dance
When: Sunday, October 21, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Who: Frederick Park calls, music by 3 O’Clock Shadow
Where: Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Avenue (near Gilman) in Berkeley
Map & Directions: http://www.ashkenaz.com/html/map.html
How much: $10 (or pay what you can)

This month, we’re back at Ashkenaz – the funky, eclectic center of music and dance in Berkeley – where history is on the walls (literally!) and a bit of psychedelia is in the air. And further proving that contra dance attracts the most interesting and erudite, caller-philosopher Frederick Park (with added reputation of master storyteller) will be here from North Carolina to get us moving to 3 O’Clock Shadow, one of the best bands around and featuring our pal Erik Hoffman fiddling away. Or just come for the food – Ashkenaz has a famously scrumptious snack bar!

Beginners are welcome, so tell the uninitiated. (Contra dance? What, pray tell, is that? An exuberant, easy-to-learn barn dance done to live old-timey music, with no partner or special attire required.)

More Queer Contra info: http://www.lcfd.org/sf/

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Fwd: Le Bal des Vampires

spidra — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 08:45:05 GMT

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES: Advance Tickets Available
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Location: The Alameda Elks Lodge at 2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda
Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:45 - midnight
Featured Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets: $17.50 in advance
Tickets: $25 at the door
Ball Website: http://peers.org/vamp07.html
For Information: peers@peers.org or (510) 522-1731

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 14th Annual Le Bal des Vampires held once again at the Alameda Elks Lodge, a stately neo-Colonial mansion with a stunning Edwardian ballroom, a photogenic Edwardian staircase, and a film noir style discotheque.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your "rebirth." This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy), vintage attire, or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries - from 18th century Baroque country dances to Victorian Viennese waltzes, polkas and mazurkas to elegant early 20th century tangos, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll swing. Please note that the band's first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually full, even by Bangers & Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing, favorite Gothic DJ's - Robyn Forbes and Ariyana Le Fay - will return to Le Bal des Vampires’ Dracula’s Daughter Discotheque in the hall’s Ratskellar to present a wonderfully varied repertoire of music to stir both the blood and the spirit. The disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by Le Theatre des Vampire. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre!

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $17.50 each to PEERS at 2144B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/vamp07.html, scroll down to the PayPal icon and click on it for directions.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

DownHomeDancing.org

spidra — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:05:44 GMT

There seems to be a new SF Bay Area dance calendar for contra, English, and some other types. The email came to me with an embedded table so I can't just paste it in here. However, here's what I can put:

www.DownHomeDancing.org

Upcoming Special Events: (dances are contra unless otherwise noted)

· Monte Toyon Fall Dance Weekend: English & Contra Dance & Music (Oct 12-14, Aptos)
callers Cis Hinkle, Fred Park, Robin Hayden, others
with music by Andrea Hoag and Serpentine, Jim Oakden, Shira Kammen, others

· Post-Monte Toyon Dance & Dinner: Featuring Cis Hinkle & Serpentine (Oct 14, 4-10pm, Hayward )

· BACDS Halloween Ball: (Oct 27, 8-11pm, San Mateo )
Eriku Boo-Raku & Special Ghosts with The Hillbillies From Mars

(note from Spidra: HIllbillies from Mars are a FANTASTIC band)

· Hayward Halloween Dance & Activities: (Oct 28, Hayward )
2-3:30pm: Regular Music Jam, Pumpkin Carving (See website for details)
2:30-3:30pm: BYOD: Hall decorating (See website for details)
4-7pm: Contra Dancing: Featuring Susan Petrick & The Crabapples

Find a dance near you:
Calendars of Contra, English and Related Dance Events in the Greater SF Bay Area

Things change! Please check with the organization responsible for the event for the latest information.
Use this information at your own risk! We are not responsible for any losses due to its use.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

The LAHA thread

spidra — Tue, 14 Feb 2006 02:35:30 GMT

Lost Treasures of the 1920s, this Thursday

The first of the dance/concert series of "Lost Treasures of the 1920s", featuring Mora's Modern Rhythmists playing newly rediscovered band arrangements from the twenties, will be this Thursday, Feburary 16th, from 7 to 9 PM at the Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club. Maxwelle DeMille, Master of Ceremonies.

The doors open at 6:30 PM. Music and dancing begin at 7 PM.

For those wondering where to eat, the venue backs on the Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade, which has dozens of fine and not-so-fine restaurants for every taste.

For those wondering what to wear, this is a low key, friendly event. If you want to wear something that looks '20s, that would be great. If that's more than you can manage on a "school night", we would still love to have you. "Day wear" is fine.

The admission is $15. Members of the Art Deco Society, SM Bay Woman's Club and members of the Armed Forces pay $10. Cash or check only.

This is a Lively Arts History Association production, in cooperation with the Santa Monica Bay Woman's Club and the Art Deco Society.

http://www.lahacal.org/hotjazz.html

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

Early American dance party and Yorktown Victory Ball (Friday, Palo Alto, Saturday, Kensington)

Alan — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:17:59 GMT

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present
an Early American dance party October 12 2007 in Palo Alto
and the Yorktown Victory Anniversary Ball October 13 in Kensington.

Get a preview of the dances for the ball at our casual-dress dance party. (The
Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance parties
at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half West of
Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except January,
sometimes July, August, and December).

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, this time by Philip Rayment..
Newcomers welcome, no partners required - the custom in the late 1700s was was
to change partners frequently - live music. Casual dress. Doors open at 7:45;
dancing begins at 8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30.
Some light refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
February: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

Saturday night, celebrate Washington's epochal victory over Cornwallis at
Yorktown, which ended the American Revolution with the Americans victorious!
Philip Rayment leads the dancing, the Divertimento Dance Orchestra plays,
with an assortment of country dances, cotillions, and anachronistic waltzes.
All dances taught on the spot; no partner required; period (1780s) costume
admired but not required.

Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA. Dance at 8:00
pm.

Admission $15 in advance (must be received by Thursday, October 11), $20 at the
door. (Advance rate on admission is available if paid at the October 12 dance
party.)

Info and registraton form: http://www.baers.org/yorktownflyer.doc

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, November 9, 2007 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Last dance party of the year! We'll take December off,
and return in January with a special musicale.)

See all our 2007 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Upcoming Bay Area Dances

spidra — Sun, 30 Sep 2007 05:37:00 GMT

Scott of Friday Night Waltz sent out this nice list:

Oct 01 Danse Libre auditions http://www.DanseLibre.org
Oct 03 Decadance auditions http://www.Decadance.org
Oct 05 Dance weekend Boulder CO Richard Powers
http://www.mchartrand.com/dance2007/
Oct 05 FNW Lilli Ann Carey- special appearance from Seattle. Dj, class,
http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Oct 06 Peers Edwardian Gothic ball http://www.Peers.org
Oct 13 FNW Oakland John Bauer http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Oct 19 FNW Palo Alto Halloween dance. Richard Powers
Oct 26 Stanford Waltz Weekend Richard Powers
http://socialdance.stanford.edu/on_campus.htm
Oct 27 Gaskells Halloween http://www.Gaskellball.com
Oct 27 Dance Sampler Oakland waltz, irish, zydeco, blues
http://www.fridayNightWaltz.com
Oct 26 Halloween dance contra http://www.BACDS.org
Nov 02 FNW Palo Alto Joan Walton
NOv 03 Vampire Ball Peers http://www.peers.org
Nov 10 FNW Oakland
Nov 16 FNW Palo Alto Anne Botelho (nee Anne Remsen)
Nov 23 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Nov 24 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Nov 25 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 01 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 01 No Sno Ball Holiday contra dance http://www.BACDS.org
Dec 02 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 07 FNW Christmas Dance Palo Alto http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Dec 08 FNW Oakland Campbell Miller http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Dec 08 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 09 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 15 Gaskells Halloween http://www.Gaskellball.com
Dec 15 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 16 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 21 FNW Oakland http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Dec 22 Dance Sampler Oakland waltz, zydeco, irish, blues
http://www.FridayNightWaltz.com
Dec 22 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 23 Dickens Christmas Faire http://www.dickensfair.com/
Dec 31 New Year's Eve 'Blue Danube' Waltz Ball International House,
Berkeley, by Friday Night Waltz.
Jan 05 Dickens Reunion dance http://www.Peers.org

Feb 15 (approx date) Standford Viennese Ball
http://www.stanford.edu/group/viennese/tickets.html

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Friday 9/28 (and again 10/26): Barn dance in Oakland - Waltz/schottische/polka/easy set dance

Alan — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 20:05:59 GMT

lay for an evening of community dancing.

(Alan is the house caller for the Bay Area English Regency Society,
and a frequent caller of modern-dress English Country and contra dance. You may
know him from his teaching for the PEERS Pyrates/Privateers, Three Musketeers,
or Vampire Balls, or his sessions at the Free Folk Festival. He says
"this stuff is waaaay easy, but you'll still end up sweaty.)

The dances will be the same kind of set dance that you get at Fezziwig's/PEERS/Gaskell
(and we may do Strip the Willow or Roger de Coverly, but also other easy dances
you probably haven't seen, like Nottingham Swing or Demon's Rant.)

No brainbenders, and these dances will typically run fairly short - you're not
stuck with your set or your partner for fifteen minutes.

There'll be some polkas and waltzes and schottisches interspersed, but it's
not like Gaskell with one set dance to 8 couple dances; there's lots of set
dances. Many of the dances are Victorian in origin but this is a modern day event -
wear comfortable clothes and danceable shoes.

See the flyer: www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

Friday, September 28th, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: September 28, 8 p.m. (and again October 26)
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston, with live music by Debra Tayleur and friends
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh
posted by:

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

for salseros in Oakland

Samantha — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 02:44:41 GMT

Salsa Under the Stars

Date/Time: Sat., September 22, 6:00pm

Price: free (a very good price!)

With Descarga Caliente & Eric Rangel y Orquesta America, plus free salsa dance lesson

posted in The Dance Card - 2 replies

Fwd: Varsity Dance Club 9/16/07

spidra — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 04:46:51 GMT

THIS SUNDAY, September 16, 2007
4:00-6:30 p.m.
Vintage Dance Party with the Varsity Dance Club

LIVE MUSIC by
Paul Price's Society Orchestra
4:00-6:30 pm
Palo Alto Masonic Center, 461 Florence (near University), Palo Alto
AIR-CONDITIONED COMFORT!
FREE PARKING ON FLORENCE!
$15.00 per person

This Month's Dance Lesson: The Collegiate
Also every month: Grand March, Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, One Step,
Two Step, Charleston, mixer, and more.

ALSO THIS MONTH: VINTAGE COSTUME MART
Before the Vintage Dance Party
3:30-4:00
Bring your "old" vintage clothes, costumes,
accessories, hats, etc. to sell or trade.

Afternoon/cocktail attire; period dress admired but not required.
For more information or questions, please call 650-279-3598,
or visit www.PaulPriceOrchestra.com.

(Next Dance: Sunday, October 21, 2007

The Varsity Dance Club presents a monthly dance party on the Third Sunday of Each Month, with live vintage music by Paul Price's Society Orchestra. Features tunes from 1900 to 1935, suitable for dancing or just listening. Dance lesson, Tea and light refreshments included, $15.

-----------------------------------------------------------
Also coming up:

PEERS:
THE EDWARDIAN GOTHIC BALL Saturday, October 6, 2007
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Vintage Dance Lesson: 7:00- 8:00 pm.
Formal Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Bangers & Mash
Ball Website: http://peers.org/gothic.html
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by September 29) $20.00 at the door
-----------------------------------------------------------

--
Stan Isaacs
210 East Meadow Drive
Palo Alto, CA 94306
stan@isaacs.com

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Video of Pattern Polka

spidra — Fri, 24 Aug 2007 12:42:51 GMT

Brave Combo is playing in Berkeley tonight (I posted the event to this tribe) so I'm looking at their websites and found they've got a couple videos on YouTube. This one is really great. It's a video of a Czech folkdancing group at West Fest in TX, dancing a pattern polka to Brave Combo playing "Down at the Friendly Tavern" live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qClda_DOkHI

This has become a really rare site: folkdancing to live accompaniment. One of the best things about Brave Combo has been that no matter how much they rock, they keep it real with the polka scene that they've always loved. This is a band that loves playing for dancers. The sets at Berkeley are sure to include waltzes, polkas, salsa, and more so if you like dancing, make sure you get over there.

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

Contra Dancing in Baltimore

spidra — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 18:44:15 GMT

Paul Fussell posted this on the BACDS list and I thought folks in Baltimore or visiting there could use the info:

See http://www.bfms.org/eventIndex.html for a list of contra dances and English coutnry dances in the Baltimore area. Their main site also lists two other organizations you might want to check, http://www.fsgw.org/ and http://www.contradancers.com/atds/. I've heard that the Folklore Society of Greater Washington contra dances at Glen Echo are great.

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

Belly Dance Lessons

Naomi — Wed, 15 Aug 2007 11:46:04 GMT

Sorry about the other two messed up posts.

Looking for belly dance lessons in the Bay Area. Preferably East Bay. Any suggestions?

posted in The Dance Card - 3 replies

Share Ride to/from Ceilidh Alameda from Mt. View area

Hayes — Sat, 04 Aug 2007 22:44:32 GMT

Hi. Wondering if anyone is interested in sharing a ride/car pooling to/from Ceilidh Alameda
(http://tribes.tribe.net/ceilidhalameda) from the Mt. View Area? Yes, this is posted to more than one tribe, sorry about that.

Cheers

Hayes A.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

music to dance to

squeeky — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 21:30:29 GMT

i can't stop listening to http://myspace.com/barrysyska. some of his songs like 'dancing on the moon' and 'on a cloud' would be so perfect for dancing to!

posted in The Dance Card - 3 replies

Barn dance (waltz/polka/schottische/easy set dances) in Oakland 6/22

Alan — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 09:54:59 GMT

Come on Friday June 22nd to Humanist Hall in Oakland for a modern-dress
evening of easy dances and friendly fun.

Alan Winston will call and Across the Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan Lochhead,
Jody and Colette Veahman) will play for an evening of community dancing.

(Alan is the house caller for the Bay Area English Regency Society,
and a frequent caller of modern-dress English Country and contra dance. He says
"this stuff is waaaay easy, but you'll still end up sweaty.)

The dances will be the same kind of set dance that you get at Gaskell (and
we may do Strip the Willow or Roger de Coverly, but also other easy dances
you probably haven't seen, like Nottingham Swing or Demon's Rant.)

No brainbenders, and these dances will typically run fairly short - you're not
stuck with your set or your partner for fifteen minutes.

There'll be some polkas and waltzes and schottisches interspersed, but it's
not like Gaskell with one set dance to 8 couple dances; there's lots of set
dances. Many of the dances are Victorian in origin but this is a modern day event -
wear comfortable clothes and danceable shoes.

See the flyer: www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes that the Regency group plays. Members of Across The Pond play for
Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy, driving tunes
that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, June 22d, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, June 22d, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Richard Powers teaches Zwiefacher, Samba Friday Night Waltz June 15

scott — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 17:28:19 GMT

Zwiefacher is a fun, energetic, intensive but addictive dance that alternates waltzing and pivoting in potentially endless combinations.

Richard Powers teaches intermediate waltz classes at 7pm and 8pm in the large upstairs room

7pm Zwiefacher blitz. You'll learn some technical pointers to make this waltz-pivot dance easier and more fun, but mostly you'll have a rare chance to spin with partners to odd rhythms for an hour.
8pm Samba! It's essentially polka which was Africanized in Brazil then became a worldwide craze after it was introduced in Paris in the 1920s. Learn both basic steps and many improvised variations. Samba is a great party dance -- don't miss it.

Tom Hill teaches an introductory waltz class from 7 to 9 pm in the downstairs room. To get the most from this class, try to start at 7pm. Excellent first time class.

Richard Powers is tonight's dj. Waltz and polka music from 9pm to midnight.

$11 for both the classes and the dance. $8 for just the dance. No partner necessary. All Ages. Casual comfortable attire

First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA. Upstairs, Fellowship hall, entrance on right of courtyard, facing away from street.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Social Sampler - a new social networking event (waltz, latin, blues dancing plus more)

scott — Fri, 11 May 2007 18:26:09 GMT

Social Sampler

http://www.SocialSampler.com

Try something new... Meet someone new...
28 activities 7 rooms 6 hours 300 chairs 10,000 square feet
6 pm to 12 midnight Saturday May 26
$12 general - $6 Students with ID
each Fourth Saturday of the Month
Oakland Veterans Hall
200 Grand Avenue, Oakland CA 94610
info Scott (650) 326-6265
scottFNW@pway.com
Light refreshments. Large parking lot. Casual comfortable attire. All ages.
Average age 30. Average attendance 150 - 250.
A non alcohol event. Join, watch, or wander activities. several helpful hosts

CONVERSATION TABLES: Movies, Books, Relationships, Culture, Tech, Dining, Humor, Random Chat, Artists, Networking, Writers, Harry Potter, Pets, Weather, Vacations; DANCING: Waltz, Swing, Latin SOCIAL : Board games, Card games, Social games, Sing alongs, Script Read alouds, Costumers club, Toys, Food sampler

Conversation Tables
Each Conversation table has a different theme such as Movies, Books, Relationships, Culture, Tech, Dining, Humor, Random Chat, Artists, Networking, Writers, Harry Potter, Pets, Weather, and Vacations.

Each table has a deck of cards with a different topic on each card. Each card is turned over one at a time. People talk about the topic as they wish until everyone who wants to talk is finished. Then the next card is turned over. For example, for the Movie Table, topic cards include “Your favorite movie?” “Your favorite actor?” “Your worst movie experience?” “Your favorite theatre” “Your favorite movie snack?”. Similar topic cards decks are set on each conversation table. You may participate or just listen. You may join or leave any table at any time. There is a host at each table to answer questions.
Movies Table May 26 -a table each for Spiderman III, Shrek III, Pan's Labyrinth, movies in general.
Books Table Recent book discussion, writing, literature, business of authorship
Relationships Table Romance and Relationships discussion
Culture Table Symphony-dance-opera-ballet-theatre
Technology Table Technology, computers and science fiction
Dining Table cooking, fine dining, restaurant, food, cooking experiences
Humor Table Read Jokes, write cartoon captions
Random Chat Table There are 100 cards: "What was the oddest thing you have ever seen?""What is your worst hair day?" “What was your worst job experience?" "Most embarassing moment?"
Artists Exchange Table Exchange techniques, shows, art
Networking Table Business Networking: startups, marketing strategy, IPO, financing
The Writers Exchange Table mutual help for new writers and authors
Harry Potter Table movies, books and trivia
Pets Table cute pet stories, pet health
Vacations Table favorite vacations, budget vacations, dream vacations
Weather stories Table Everyone has interesting stories about weather. Blizzards, hurricanes, earthquakes, hail

Dancing
Waltz Dancing Dj music for Waltz, Polka, Congress of Vienna, Bohemian National Polka
Swing Dancing Dj music for Lindy, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Shag, Balboa, Blues dances
Latin Dancing Dj music for Salsa, cha cha, samba, mambo, bachata, cumbia dances

Games Room
Social games including charades, acronamatic, the question game, story time, WHAT IF? There are social board games in the room: pick up a social board game, select a table, and invite other to play with you. You may leave any game at any time. All games stop after 30 minutes so that everyone can try other games.

Board games including cranium, outburst, monopoly, Pictionary. There are social board games in the room: pick up a board game, select a table, and invite other to play with you. You may leave any game at any time. All games stop after 30 minutes so that everyone can try other games

Card games including Hearts, Holmes Card Game, Magic: Mamma Mia, other. There are many decks of cards and many specialty card decks. Pick out a game, select a table, invite others to join. You may leave any game at any time. All games stop after 30 minutes so that everyone can try other games.

Social Rooms

Toys
Legos, Tinker Toys, K’nex, Erector sets, modeling clay, group jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzle. You are welcome to play with the toys and invite others to join you.

Script read-alouds
reading aloud scripts from TV, plays, movies, such as the Simpsons, Seinfeld, Friends, Mash, All in the Family, Hamlet, Shakespeare in Love,Buffy, Coupling, American Beauty. There are many scripts on the table. Pick one that you would like to read aloud. Select a table, invite others to join in. Everyone selects a character, and start reading aloud.

Food Sampler There is a different food sampler each Social Sampler. Some food sampler themes are ice creams, chocolates, coffees, potato chips, cookies. Odd Ice Creams with be sampled for May 26: Avacado, Buko (Baby Coconut), Ginger, Green Tea, Halo Halo (Buko, Langka, Ube, Pineapple, Mongo &Sweet Beans), Langka (also known as Jackfruit, a relative of the Fig), Lychee, Mango, Thai Tea, Sweet Coconut, and Ube (purple Yam).

Costumers Club activities include swap or sell fabric, clothing, or costumes' sewing circle talk; or meet potential new clients about new costumes, tuxes, or gowns; or finish a costume in a 'stitch and bitch' session. This is a group for costumers and seamstresses who make costumes, gowns, wedding dresses, and clothing for such events as Renaissance Faire, Dickens Faire, Science Fiction costume masquerade balls, Halloween balls and events, Sea of Dreams NYE, Anon Salon events, Costume cons, Belly Dancers outfits, Greater Bay Area Costume Group events, Art Deco's Gatsby picnic, Newport Week, San Francisco Waltzing Society, Friday Night Waltz New Year's Eve formal Waltz Balls, Peers and Gaskells formal balls.

Sing alongs
Sea Shanteys are songs traditionally sung by sailors to accompany and set the rhythm for certain kinds of heavy, repetitive work on board ship—raising and trimming the sails, raising the anchor, and working the pumps.

Musicals are the songs from musical plays and movies, such as Sound of Music, Grease, Singing in the Rain, Brigadoon, Hair, My Fair Lady, Oklahoma, Guys and Dolls.

Folk songs are just that: traditional folk songs

posted in The Dance Card - 3 replies

San Francisco Free Folk Fest - June 16 & 17

spidra — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 18:29:45 GMT

http://www.sffolkfest.org/2007/index.html

Note it's at a new location. Free dance workshops as well as evening dances.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Dance Competition at the Marin County Fair

fezziwig — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 20:16:21 GMT

On Sunday July 1st, the Marin County Fair is hosting a dance competition entitled "Dancing Stars"
it is open to couples and groups of 3 to 6 people.

The dance styles are completely open, any style you want to dance, you can.

there is a small entry fee, and real prize money

for details goto: http://www.marinfair.org/pages/e-adancingstars.html

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

contra + waltz FNW Saturday June 9 Oakland Veterans Hall

scott — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 14:10:45 GMT

What is contra dance? Why do people dance contra for decades, sometimes their entire lives? Why do contra dancers travel hundreds of miles for contra weekends and workshops?

Contra is a fun, lively highly social dance found in hundreds of cities and towns all across the US. There are some 300 contra dances in the bay area and many thousands in the US every year. Think Virginia Reel. Recall the line dances in "Gone with the Wind".

On June 9 we will combine our regular Friday Night Waltz with 4 contra dances called by Ken Olcott (who has called over 250 contra all over the country since 1991) to give you a taste for the fun of contra dancing others have enjoyed for decades. Anyone can dance the contra dances we have selected. No prior experience or skill needed.

Ken Olcott will teach a one hour introductory contra class from 8 to 9pm that will cover basic knowledge helpful to dance contra anywhere in the country.

Long time Friday Night Waltz friend Karen Tierney ( an long time member of Danse Libre and Alamda Vintage Dance Troupe performance groups) is teaching introductory waltz and Congress of Vienna in the Dance Lounge from 7 to 9 pm. Thanks Karen!

Our band tonight, a popular and long time contra band, "Fear of Commitment" ( Kathrine Gardner on violin, Craig Johnson on piano (Bangers and Mash), and Charlie Hancock on accordion (Euphonia, Swing Farm, Contrabandits) All are highly experienced dance musicians, and are eager to play waltzes.

In addition, our blues dancing is back! We will have Dj blues music in the Dance Lounge from 9 to 12 midnight. more information on blues dancing: http://www.FridayNightBlues.com

As a special treat, we are having some of the Oakland's Famous Fenton's Ice Cream:
Coconut Pineapple
Cream Caramel Almond Crunch
Rocky Road

By the way, Fentons invented Rocky Road Ice Cream!

$12 for the class and dance. Sorry due to band, we are not offering a discount for dance only.

$8 for students and seniors

FIRST SET
-------------------
1. Waltz (9:00 pm)
2. Polka (9:05)
3. Waltz (9:10)
4. Contra (9:15)
5. Waltz (9:30)
6. Schottische (9:35)
7. Congress of Vienna (9:40)
8. Hambo (9:45)
9. Waltz (9:50)
10. Contra (9:55)
11. Zweifacher (fairly simple pattern) (10:10)
12. Waltz (10:15)

BREAK (20 minutes)

SECOND SET
---------------------
1. Waltz (10:40)
2. Contra (10:45)
3. Waltz (11:00)
4. Polka (11:05)
5. Tango (11:10)
6. One-step (rag) (11:15)
7. Waltz (11:20)
8. Contra (11:25)
9. Waltz (11:40)
10. Polka (11:45)
11. Congress of Vienna (11:50)
12. Waltz (11:55)

All ages, Comfortable attire. No partner necessary. We rotate rapidly in class.
Oakland Veterans Hall, 200 Grand Avenue Oakland CA X Harrison .A beautiful dance hall, with 3,500 square foot hardwood floor, extra room for socializing and meeting new people, easy access, great parking

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Da Vintage Code Ride - East Bay

Hipknow-Heidi — Mon, 28 May 2007 21:32:21 GMT

I'm looking for a carpool ride to The Da Vintage Code performance in Palo Alto. My ticket is for THIS Thursday, May 31. I live in Berkeley and am willing to Bart if need be to your location.

Let me know - thanks,
Heidi

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Bay Area National Dance Week!

spidra — Fri, 06 Apr 2007 17:15:45 GMT

http://www.bacndw.org/

Bay Area
National Dance Week
April 20 - April 29, 2007

Free classes, demos, etc.

I'm really happy that they're proposing a big Conga line through downtown SF. I love the conga and think not enough people appreciate the musical form nor the dance that goes with it.

If you don't live in the Bay Area, check if there are events near you: http://www.nationaldanceweek.org/

posted in The Dance Card - 4 replies

Pomander Tea Dance

spidra — Fri, 23 Jan 2004 06:32:16 GMT

Dang. Another one I can't make. This month Tango!

THIS SUNDAY!
January 25, 2004
The Pomander Tea Dance

Featuring
The Paul Price Society Orchestra
Vintage Music That's
"True to the Twenties"

(Next Dance:February 22)

4:00 to 6:30 p.m.
Palo Alto Masonic Center, 461 Florence (near University)
$12.50 per person/$10.00 ADSC Members

This Month's Featured Dance:
Tango

Afternoon/cocktail attire; period dress admired but not required. For questions, please call 415/982-DECO.
Please reply with name and address if you would like to be on our mailing list!
For more events and info, see our website: www.art-deco.org

posted in The Dance Card - 4 replies

Richard Powers teaches Hambo FNW May 4: Danse Libre performs

scott — Fri, 04 May 2007 17:53:15 GMT

Richard Powers with Angela Amarillas teach Intermediate waltz classes at 7pm and 8pm in the large upstairs room.

7pm - Role Reversal in Cross-Step Waltz. There's more than an hour of techniques and partnering involved in role reversal but Richard and Angela will be especially concise so that you can be happily dancing from the other side in only one class.

8pm - Hambo. The last time Richard taught Hambo at Friday Night Waltz was March, 2003 to a very large crowd! Been a long time he taught it - time to fix that! Hambo features a waltz-pivot that uses the same principle as the Wankel engine. Millions of dancers worldwide dance Hambo, so once you learn it here, you'll be able to dance it anywhere.

Tom Hill teaches an introductory waltz class from 7 to 9 pm in the downstairs room. To get the most from this class, try to start at 7pm. Excellent first time class.

Richard Powers is our DJ tonight. Waltz and polka music from 9pm to midnight.

The Academy of Danse Libre is performing tonight. They are the nation's premier vintage dance performance group. Catch them at their biennial dance performance May 31st and June 1st. . Always a treat! a Must Go event. From their website, 'The Academy of Danse Libre is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the lively exhibition of 19th and early 20th century social dances. We aspire to create a vivid picture of the mayhem and joyful passion of the Victorian ballroom, in the spirit of our namesakes."

Danse Libre’s next biennial spring dance concert will be held Thursday May 31 and Friday June 1, 2007. In this year’s show, "The Da Vintage Code, intrepid dancers embark on a journey through vintage eras on a quest for the holy grail of dance. Pursuit of the cherished chalice becomes a journey through time and a return to the roots of the art. As the daring dancers wend their way through the mazurkas of the Victorian era, the one-steps of the Ragtime period, the Charlestons of the 1920s, and the tangos of the 1930s, they learn that there is more than just footwork at the heart of dance". Tickets

$11 for both the classes and the dance. $8 for just the dance. No partner necessary. All Ages. Casual comfortable attire

First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA. Upstairs, Fellowship hall, entrance on right of courtyard, facing away from street.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

BAERS presents a Diverted Jane Austen Ball, April 28th in San Mateo

Alan — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:52:29 GMT

We grandly invite you to Sensible Prejudices, "The Bad Jane Ball" with
Congress of Vienna, Waltzes, and Jane Austen era dances on Saturday
April 28th at the San Mateo Masonic Lodge (100 N. Ellsworth at Tilton, San Mateo)

Music by Divertimento Dance Orchestra under the direction of James Langdell
Accessible country dances taught on the fly by Alan Winston

Flyer with discount for advance ticket purchase is here:
www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gneid=364935910&size=l

The date will be Monday, Oct 21st 1811. The night of Mr.
Lucas's Assembly where Elizabeth and Darcy first meet.
And any other Jane Austen characters who want to come along!

For those looking for color themes for outfits, the stage will be
dainty in a white with floral print, somewhat of a
tearoom in look, not too grand, but certainly respectable:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dancingisland/419669496/
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=419669781&size=o

Will open with Congress of Vienna, 8pm sharp!

General Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) info: www.baers.org

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

San Jose Mercury news article about Friday Night Waltz

scott — Wed, 18 Apr 2007 18:16:08 GMT

http://origin.mercurynews.com/entertainment/ci_5657657

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Free contra dance in SF 4/21, Free English dance in Berkeley 4/25

Alan — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 23:44:11 GMT

BACDS (www.bacds.org) is participating in the Bay Area National Dance Week, which promotes
dancing of all types in the Bay Area. Instead of our typical half-hour orientation, we've got over
an hour of introduction (90 minutes Saturday, 75 on Wednesday.)

We're offering two introductory dances,
which are free, and if you attend the whole introductory dance, you can come to
the regular dance that follows for free, even if you're a regular dancer. For
each night, the introductory dance has the same caller and band as the regular
dance. Show up early, meet new people, have fun!

And bring your previously non-dancing friends! (Or tell people from work about
it, or whatever.)

No partner or previous experience required!

About BACDS dance events: www.bacds.org/newcomers

Here's the contra dance deal:

Saturday, April 21, _6:15-7:45: SPECIAL FREE SAN FRANCISCO CONTRA INTRO
8:00-11:00 REGULAR CONTRA DANCE (Free with class, ordinarily $10)
http://www.bacds.org/series/contra/san_francisco/
St. Paul's Church, 43d and Judah in San Francisco
FREE! An introduction to Contra Dancing Class for Bay Area National Dance
Week, with live music; Dancers who attend the entire free workshop will
also receive free admission to the regular dance following with the same
band and caller. Get 4.5 hours of contra dancing for free! And this is
a great time to bring your non-dancing friends!
with caller Susan Petrick (in town from Reno)
and music by W. B. Reid (Seattle), Kathrine Gardner, Craig Johnson

Here's the English dance deal:

Wednesday, April 25, 6:30-7:45 pm: SPECIAL FREE BERKELEY ENGLISH INTRO
8-10:30pm: REGULAR ENGLISH DANCE (Free with class, ordinarily $9)

http://www.bacds.org/series/english/berkeley_wed/
Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. (near Oxford), Berkeley
with caller David Newitt
Music by The Figments
(Ethan Hazzard-Watkins (Brattleboro, VT), Anna Patton (Brattleboro),
Owen Morrison (Nashville, TN))
FREE! An introduction to English Country Dance Class for Bay Area National
Dance Week, with live music. Dancers who attend the entire free workshp will
FREE! An introduction to English Country Dance Class for Bay Area National
Dance Week, with live music. Dancers who attend the entire free workshp will
receive free admission to the regular dance following, with the same band and
caller. The Figments toured here last year, and they're a terrific,
energetic band of 20somethings, who'll get your feet moving.

Please help to get the word out!

-- Alan

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PEERS presents the Sleeping Beauty's Christening Ball

Prue — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 22:40:41 GMT

...with music by Avalon Rising

$15 advance tickets are available until April 28th, and may be purchased by going to
peers.org/beauty.html
and clicking the PayPal link,

OR send check or money order to

PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Ave
Alameda CA 94501

May 5th: PEERS' Sleeping Beauty Christening Ball
A Faery Tale Masquerade Ball

Saturday, May 5, 2007
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo
Doors Open: 6:45p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by April 28)
At the door: $20.00

Don't miss this magical May ball in honour of her royal highness the
Princess Aurora, the kingdom's long-awaited heiress. Fairy, fairy
tale, or fantasy costume is admired, not required and historical or
semi-historical costume (Medieval, Renaissance, Baroque, Regency,
Victorian, or Pre-Raphaelite) or modern evening dress is also
welcome. Masks and wings are optional. In the interest of dancing,
our fairies may want to avoid anything with a huge wingspan, but our
guests' creativity is encouraged.

PEERS is honoured to present one of the world's most glorious Celtic
Fusion rock bands - Avalon Rising - as our featured band, playing waltzes, polkas, jigs, reels,
country dances, and both traditional and original music for an evening of
both vintage ballroom dancing and free-style dancing. Some of the
dances will be highly structured (and will be briefly taught or
called at the ball) but there will be a number of dances in which the
guests may exercise their creativity. It's not uncommon to have a
polka, an Irish reel-athon or polka set, Swing and free-style rock
going on at the same time on the dance floor to the very same tune at
our fantasy and fairy tale balls! For a sneak preview of the
evening's magical music, we highly recommend any and all of
Avalon Rising's currently
available CD's.

Please see the band's website for more information:
www.flowinglass.com/avalon/

There will be both musical and dance performances and DJ dance music
at intermission. To sustain us through such a vigorous evening of
dancing, their Majesties will be serving a semi-period buffet of
sweets and savories. Gifts for the Princess and potluck contributions
to the buffet are also admired, not required.
peers.org/beauty.html

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Erik Hoffman calls a barn dance in Oakland, 4/27

Alan — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 21:16:43 GMT

Want to try an easy, bouncy community dance style that doesn't need
costumes? Ceilidh ("kaylee" or barn dancing ) dancing is simple
enough for children and drunks, yet rewarding fun for dancers.

No lessons needed. Leader Erik Hoffman will tell you what to do, clearly and simply.
Erik is a very competent and relaxed dance leader who always helps you have a good
time.

www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes of modern English Country Dancing or Regency dancing.

Members of Across The Pond play for Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy,
driving, highly danceable tunes that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, April 27th, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Contact: Vanessa Schnatmeier, vanessa@moocow.com

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Erik Hoffman will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, April 27th, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Erik Hoffman, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Avoid Litigation - Lead Well!

spidra — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 16:03:04 GMT

http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2007/04/03/national/a061208D21.DTL&type=bondage

Chicago Suit Charges 'Negligent Dancing'

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

(04-03) 06:12 PDT Chicago (AP) --

A woman is suing her dance partner, claiming he dropped her on her head after flipping her into the air at an office party.

Lacey Hindman, 22, was a victim of "negligent dancing," says her lawyer, David M. Baum.

In the suit, Hindman claims that during a party at a Chicago bar and restaurant in April 2006, David Prange grabbed her by the forearms and tossed her in the air, and then she crashed to the wood floor.

"I was in the air, over him," Hindman said. "I fell hard enough you could hear the impact of me hitting the floor over the sound from the jukebox."

Hindman said in the suit, filed in Cook County Circuit Court, that she suffered a fractured skull and brain injuries. She is seeking damages for medical bills and lost wages for time missed from work.

Hindman worked for Prange's wife, Kate Prange, at Shop Girl, a women's boutique.

There was no immediate response to a call seeking comment from David Prange on Tuesday.

posted in The Dance Card - 2 replies

Santa Barbara Contra Dance Camp

spidra — Fri, 02 Mar 2007 08:32:14 GMT

Just got this email from the organizers of the annual Dance Awakening camp:

Get ready for an all-new Harvest Moon Dance Festival.
The Carrillo Ballroom is going to Rock, all weekend long!!!

Join us in Santa Barbara, CA, with its “best in the west” legendary Sprung Floor,
on September 28-30th, 2007, for an amazing contra time…

The Harvest Moon Committee is creating an incredible event, the most amazing dance camp experience ever.
Music to die for, awe-inspiring decor, yummy creative goodies, and a dance floor and schedule that can't be beat.

A weekend definitely not to be missed!

Presenting: A 6-Member Notorious
with Larry Unger, a guitar and banjo genius; Eden MacAdam-Somer, a phenomenal fiddle player;
Sam Bartlett, a mandolin master; Mark Hellenburg, with his absolutely amazing percussion;
and Ralph Gordon, driving on bass. And Special Guest, the extremely talented and popular, Bill Tomczak,
on clarinet and saxophone.

Featuring: Virginia caller Shawn Brenneman
Highly recommended from top musicians and dancers from the East Coast. Shawn is a top-notch caller with clear, concise, smooth dances. She is also a dancer and musician giving her an all-around perspective in creating a terrific weekend.

Rob Rio, swing master extraordinaire, will be joining us on Saturday afternoon for some wonderful boogie-woogie and jump blues. Swing till you drop!

The registration fee is only $110, if you sign up before June 15th, and $120, after June 15th.
Go to www.sbcds.org/hm for more details and a printable application.
Any questions? Email harvestmoon@sbcds.org or call:
Kelli Butler (805)649-5189 or Donna Karpeles (805)682-1877.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Hayward Adult School Dance Classes

Samantha — Tue, 27 Feb 2007 00:48:32 GMT

http://www.adultedreg.com/hayward/index.cfm?processtype=department&deptid=249

Street Salsa 1 and 2, belly dancing, CW line dancing, and basic ballroom (Two Steps, Cha Cha, Rumba, and Tango)

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

East Bay: Volunteers Get Free Dance Classes

spidra — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 22:47:10 GMT

From a Craig's List listing, but I've heard of this group before:

Training Begins Thursday, Sept. 21st.

Become a "Guide Dancer" for the Blind and Visually Impaired and learn to dance for FREE. A fun project to do with friends, coworkers or mate.

Connecting Through Dance a Bay Area nonprofit is now accepting volunteers to assist students at our VIP (Visually Impaired Partner) dance classes. All of our programs are designed to have fun with partner dancing, gain new awareness and make a difference in the lives of others.

Our two-week “Guide Dancer” training/orentation begins Thursday, September 21st from 7 till 8:30 PM. A $48 deposit is required and will be refunded upon completion of eight (8)sessions with the blind (Ten weeks in total). After completing your initial training and commitment, you may assist at any of our VIP Basic classes free of charge. The classes with blind participants are the following 8 weeks on the same evening (Thursday) and time ( 7 to 8:30 PM). All sessions will be held at The Orientation Center For The Blind, 400 Adams Street, Albany 94706

As a "Guide Dancer" you will learn 8 partner dances, including Waltz, Rumba, Salsa, Cha-Cha, Swing, Hustle, Tango, and Foxtrot. For more information please call 510 501-4713 or visit our website at: www.connectingthroughdance.org

posted in The Dance Card - 3 replies

Entry-level barn dance: 2/23, Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm

Alan — Fri, 16 Feb 2007 03:04:02 GMT

Come out on Friday and enjoy a community dance experience!

Alan Winston will call and Across the Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan Lochhead,
Jody and Colette Veahman) will play for an evening of community dancing.

The dances are the same kind of set dance that you get at Gaskell or Fezziwig's,
but you don't have to know them in advance; everything's taught, and it's not a mental
challenge. There'll also be dances never seen at Victorian events.

No brainbenders, and these dances will typically run fairly short - you're not
stuck with your set for fifteen minutes.

There'll be some polkas and waltzes and schottisches interspersed, but it's
not like Gaskell with one set dance to 8 couple dances; there's lots of set
dances. Partners change around. Many of the dances are Victorian in origin
but this is a modern day event - wear comfortable clothes and danceable shoes.

See the flyer: http://www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes that the Regency group plays. Members of Across The Pond play for
Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy, driving tunes
that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, February 23d, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, February 23rd, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland (between Broadway and Telegraph)
Info: 650-365-2913, http://www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in The Dance Card - 6 replies

Cyprians' Ball (waltz and English Country Dance) - this Saturday, 2/17, San Mateo

Alan — Tue, 13 Feb 2007 02:24:56 GMT

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< www.baers.org >
is pleased to present the Cyprians' Ball
on SATURDAY, February 17, 2007 in San Mateo.

Don't miss this year's best chance for flirtatious country dances and
scandalous waltzes -- everything taught and called by dancing master Alan
Winston with music by the Divertimento Dance Orchestra under the direction of
James Langdell.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007

at the

SAN MATEO MASONIC LODGE
(San Mateo)
100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton

Doors open 7:30

The ball starts with "Congress of Vienna" at 8:00
$15 in advance (by 2/14)
$20 at the door

Scandalous early-1800s costume - the era of "Pride and Prejudice" - admired
but not required. (Dress festively - it's a ball!) No partner required.

There'll be a mix of easy, flirtatious English country dances and a dozen free waltzes, plus
"An Easy Competence" (taught) and "Congress of Vienna) twice.

BAERS balls require no prior experience. (Admittedly, if you don't know how to
waltz, you can't do the waltzes. But the English dances are taught from
scratch, and range from easy to *really* easy.)

If you're an experienced English dancer, expect no challenges, but enjoy easy,
flirtatious, flowing dances with people who are happy to be there. These
are very suitable evenings to which to bring previously non-dancing friends.

For more information, call 650/365-2913, 510/465-0533, or visit
www.baers.org (where you can download a registration form)

Directions: From Highway 101, exit at 3d Avenue. Go west on 3d, turn right
at N. Ellsworth. The temple is at the corner of N. Ellsworth and Tilton.

(Note: "The Cyprian" was a Regency nickname for Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, who
was associated with the island of Cyprus. Cyprians, then, were devotees of
Aphrodite; in other words, courtesans, who held an annual ball to shop for new
"protectors" who could keep them in good style. So there's an extra degree of
flirtatiousness at the Cyprians' Ball.)

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

New Year's Eve "Camelot" Waltz Ball

scott — Tue, 28 Nov 2006 18:36:50 GMT

Once again, we are having a formal "New Year's Eve Waltz Ball" at the International House 2299 Piedmont Berkeley December 31, 2006.

The theme this year is the "Camelot" Waltz.

Also again, we are pleased to have the Brassworks band, one of the nation's best Vintage Dance Bands to play waltzes, polkas, and some tangos, latin and swing music from 9pm to 12:30 am.

The Chevron Auditorium at the International House is a national historic landmark, built in 1927 and fully refurbished in the 1980's, with a 3,500 square foot hardwood floor and a beautiful social room. We will have a midnight Martinalli's toast and singalong as in years past.

This is a fun friendly cheerful way to pass the New Year's Eve dancing in a beautiful hall to great music. And many people dressed formally. Your are welcome to dress comfortably too, if you want.

Last year we saw about 250 dancing the night away. Great fun for all.

NO partner required or expected. Many people arrive by themselves or with friends, and find dance partners.

We will have light refreshments, including vegetable, fruit, cheese, and cold cut platters.

There is a 3 hour crash course in Waltz, Polka,and Congress of Vienna from 7 to 10 pm on Tuesday December 26th at the First United Methodist Church 625 Hamilton Palo Alto 94301, upstairs in the Fellowship Hall upstairsl This class has been repeatedly requested, and we are pleased to offer this class just before the Ball. Cost is $15 for the three hours.

The Ball tickets are $25 per person prepaid. There will be no tickets at the door. We have sold out the last 4 years. We are limiting attendance this year.

Tickets can be paid online via paypal at http://www.fridaynightwaltz.com or directly to Scott Gamble P.O. Box 1555 Palo Alto CA 94302.

more information, ScottFNW@pway.com

There is lots of on street and UCB parking within two blocks. The UCB students are on break, hence lots of parking.

pictures of previous Balls.

http://danceslut.net/cgi-bin/album.cgi?fn02

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

LA: Fwd: Jane Austen Evening tix on sale

spidra — Wed, 08 Nov 2006 14:50:32 GMT

Jane Austen Evening Tickets on Sale

You are cordially invited to the Jane Austen Evening on Saturday, January 20th 2007--an afternoon and evening of tea, dancing, live music and entertainment in the spirit of the estimable Miss Austen.

As in previous years, it will include a tea and a dance. Unlike previous years however, it will not include a supper. With last year's huge turn out we are in real danger of negatively impacting the dance portion of the evening, so we are, instead, going to have a two hour break between tea and dancing; but will not have catered meals and will not encourage you to bring your supper to the event (assuming you have any room to eat after our wonderful tea).

For more details, or to order tickets for the dance ($25), the tea ($10) or both ($35), go to the web at http://www.lahacal.org/austen/index.html

There will also be dance classes on the two Sundays prior to the event to teach the fundamentals of English Country Dancing. See the web for more information.

Note that we did sell out last year, so I would strongly encourage you to purchase your tickets as soon as possible if you are planning to attend.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

PEERS Bal des Vampyrs in Alameda TOMORROW

Prue — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 22:18:07 GMT

Tickets will be sold at $25.00 each at the door.

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES
(sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, November 4, 2006
at the Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

Waltz the night away in a candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 13th Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Dancing on Two Floors:
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:30 - midnight (in the grand ballroom)
Dracula's Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30 - midnight (in the Ratskellar)

Featured Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets: $17.50 (by October 28); $25 at the door
Ball website: www.peers.org/vamp06.html
PEERS' website: www.peers.org

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your "rebirth." This may include dress uniform, perod costume (authentic or fantasy) or vintage or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year - in a return to Le Bal des Vampires' original concept - there will be dancing on two floors: In the beautiful, atmospheric upstairs ballroom, we'll have historical and vintage ballroom dancing. Our ballroom band is the stylish but always dashing ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries - from 18th century Baroque country dances to Victorian Viennese waltzes, polkas and mazurkas to early 20th century tango, blues, and fox trot and - even some classic rock and roll swing. Please note that the band's first dance set will start at 7:30 pm sharp - a half-hour earlier than usual.

For those preferring dance music of a more modern style, Dracula's Daughter Bar & Discotheque in the downstairs' "Ratskellar" presents an eclectic blend of non-stop dance music by our DJ's, the dashing Robyn Scott Forbes and the lovely and talented Ariyana. Robyn has an amazing collection of haunting and atmospheric Gothic music from around the world, ranging from eerie waltzes to powerful rock. Ariyana's music is vibrant and stirring, ranging from harder-edged rock to Gothic Swing. The disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests. The first disco dance set begins at 6:30 p.m.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre!

For more information about the ball, call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see our website at www.peers.org/vamp06.html, which also has detailed driving directions to the Alameda Elks Lodge and information on public transit options.

Parking Information:

The Alameda Elks Lodge has its own free parking lot. Should you arrive later in the evening and find the lot full, there is also free (after 6pm) parking available two blocks from the Alameda Elks Lodge in a lot between Central Avenue and Alameda Avenue/Oak Street and Park Street. There is another free (after 6pm) lot three blocks from the Alameda Elks Lodge: Enter on Park Avenue from Santa Clara (Please note that Park AVENUE is one block from Park STREET. Park Avenue is a smaller street without stoplights).

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Chabot College dance/dinner (Hayward, CA)

Samantha — Tue, 24 Oct 2006 16:39:32 GMT

Hello to all SF Bay Area people -

Chabot College Foundation is hosting the "Evening at the Starlight Club" on Saturday Nov. 18 at Chabot College. It's from 7pm to midnight. It includes big band music (30s and 40s), jazz singer Ledisi, general ballroom dancing, and demonstrations by professional dancers as well as food. This event is a fundraiser for the college. Tickets are $125 per person.

30s and 40s or black tie attire are suggested but not required.

Here's the info from the Chabot website: http://www.chabotcollege.edu/foundation/events_files/Starlight%20Club/Starlight.asp

It sounds great but unfortunately my dance partner and I won't be able to attend. )-: We know the dancers who will be performing and they will put on a good show.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

PEERS' Bal des Vampires BACK in Alameda: Discounted presale tickets available

Prue — Mon, 23 Oct 2006 06:48:06 GMT

Just a reminder that the deadline for purchasing advance tickets to Le Bal des Vampires is Saturday, October 28.
To order advance tickets online, please go to http://www.peers.org/vamp06.html and click on the PayPal icon

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $17.50 per ticket to
PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501.

Tickets will be sold at $25.00 each at the door.

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES
(sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, November 4, 2006
at the Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

Waltz the night away in a candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 13th Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Dancing on Two Floors:
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:30 - midnight (in the grand ballroom)
Dracula's Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30 - midnight (in the Ratskellar)

Featured Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets: $17.50 (by October 28); $25 at the door
Ball website: http://www.peers.org/vamp06.html
PEERS' website: http://www.peers.org

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your "rebirth." This may include dress uniform, perod costume (authentic or fantasy) or vintage or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year - in a return to Le Bal des Vampires' original concept - there will be dancing on two floors: In the beautiful, atmospheric upstairs ballroom, we'll have historical and vintage ballroom dancing. Our ballroom band is the stylish but always dashing ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries - from 18th century Baroque country dances to Victorian Viennese waltzes, polkas and mazurkas to early 20th century tango, blues, and fox trot and - even some classic rock and roll swing. Please note that the band's first dance set will start at 7:30 pm sharp - a half-hour earlier than usual.

For those preferring dance music of a more modern style, Dracula's Daughter Bar & Discotheque in the downstairs' "Ratskellar" presents an eclectic blend of non-stop dance music by our DJ's, the dashing Robyn Scott Forbes and the lovely and talented Ariyana. Robyn has an amazing collection of haunting and atmospheric Gothic music from around the world, ranging from eerie waltzes to powerful rock. Ariyana's music is vibrant and stirring, ranging from harder-edged rock to Gothic Swing. The disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests. The first disco dance set begins at 6:30 p.m.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre!

For more information about the ball, call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see our website at http://www.peers.org/vamp06.html, which also has detailed driving directions to the Alameda Elks Lodge and information on public transit options.

Parking Information:

The Alameda Elks Lodge has its own free parking lot. Should you arrive later in the evening and find the lot full, there is also free (after 6pm) parking available two blocks from the Alameda Elks Lodge in a lot between Central Avenue and Alameda Avenue/Oak Street and Park Street. There is another free (after 6pm) lot three blocks from the Alameda Elks Lodge: Enter on Park Avenue from Santa Clara (Please note that Park AVENUE is one block from Park STREET. Park Avenue is a smaller street without stoplights).

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

LA: Introduction to LAHA Dances

spidra — Sun, 22 Oct 2006 22:26:46 GMT

Dickens2Deco: An Informal Evening of Dance Instruction and Social Dancing

There has been a great demand in this area for a place for people to learn the dances that are danced at events like the Social Daunce Irregulars Ball, the Avalon Ball etc. and then practice them in a friendly, low pressure atmosphere. To meet this need, we are rolling out "Dickens2Deco". This is an informal evening, with an hour or so of dance instruction (our first program will focus on the waltz) with three hours or so of dancing. Our music will be primarily DJ, though if we can talk some musicians who know this stuff into working for cheap, we will have occasional live music.

It's called "Dickens2Deco" because it will encompass a century of couple dancing--roughly from 1850 to 1950. The program will include dances like the Waltz, Polka, Tango, One Step, Foxtrot, Two Step, Rumba etc. The program will be driven by what you want to dance to.

Our principal instructor is Boudicca Todi, who taught the Social Daunce Irregulars recent Waltz classes, with other instructors coming in from time to time.

The programs will run from 7 PM to 11 PM, and will cost $10. No reservations are required, and costumes are not needed. Just wear good dancing shoes.

The scheduled programs will be at the Studio City Unitarian Church, 12355 Moorpark Street. Other venues are also being pursued in other parts of Southern California.

The currently scheduled dates are Saturdays: November 11th, December 16th & January 13th.

For directions, and lots more information, go to http://www.lahacal.org/d2d/

Lively Arts History Association
7341 Etiwanda Ave.
Reseda CA 91335
818-342-3482

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball

Prue — Fri, 06 Oct 2006 17:32:38 GMT

Tickets are still available for Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball
and will be sold at the door at $20.00 each.

Bangers & Mash, the official dance band from Fezziwigs' dance party at Dickens Fair, plays an evening of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwigs' favorite waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurkas, and set dances, including the Congress of Vienna and (of course) Sir Roger de Coverley.

As usual, there will be a pre-ball Victoran survival dance lesson, and all set dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball. Partners are not necessary, and if you come without one, we will be happy to introduce you to partners.

Intermission entertainment includes an audience-interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall and - for those who dare - a scandalous game of Wink. For those who prefer cards, we will also offer tables for games of Whist and Speculation.

Punch and a light Olde English snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (Your potluck contributions will be much appreciated in Mrs. Fezziwigs' kitchen).

Evening or day dress from the time of Dickens' literary career (circa 1837-1870), or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. sIf your costume's not quite finished, please do come anyway! As Mrs. Fezziwig says, it wouldn't be the same without you.

If you have any questions about the ball, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball
(Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
www.peers.org/dickens06.html
Saturday, October 7, 2006
San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Formal Dancing begins at 8:00 pm
Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets $20 at the door
Get in the mood for the Dickens Fair and mingle with some of your favorite Dickens characters at this very Dickensian Victorian Ball.

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Free Ballroom/Latin Dance Party This Saturday

Fauxred — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 03:31:30 GMT

So I'm doing a little shameless promotion for the dance studio I work at. I hope you don't mind, miss moderator:

The Metronome Dance Center is having our annual open house this Saturday the 30th. It's totally free and lots of fun. We'll start at 8pm with an hour-long lesson for beginners in Salsa and Foxtrot, followed by social dancing from 9pm-12am. There will be tasty food, a great mix of music, a raffle for free dance lessons, and special discounts on private lessons.

I love these sorts of parties. We have parties every Friday and Saturday, and I try to go to as many as possible (and I'm not just saying that because I work here) :)

Metronome Dance Center
1830 17th St @ Deharo
San Francisco, CA 94103
415-252-9000
http://www.metronomedancecenter.com

Lemme know if you have any questions!

posted in The Dance Card - 1 reply

Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball: Discounted pre-sale tickets available through SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th

Prue — Mon, 25 Sep 2006 19:29:42 GMT

Get in the mood for the Dickens Fair and mingle with some of your favorite Dickens characters at Mr. Dickens' Victorian Ball

(Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)

Discounted pre-sale tickets available through SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30th

To order tickets online by PayPal, please go to www.peers.org/dickens06/html
click on the PayPal icon and follow the instructions.

Saturday, October 7, 2006
San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401

Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Formal Dancing begins at 8:00 pm

Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets in advance: $15 (by September 30)
Tickets $20 at the door

Bangers & Mash, the official dance band from Fezziwigs' dance party at Dickens Fair, plays an evening of Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwigs' favorite waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurkas, and set dances, including the Congress of Vienna and (of course) Sir Roger de Coverley. As usual, there will be a pre-ball Victoran survival dance lesson, and all set dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball. Partners are not necessary, and if you come without one, we will be happy to introduce you to partners.

Intermission entertainment includes a short, audience-interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall; a scandalous game of Wink; and a special performance by our Guest of Honour, Mr. Charles Dickens himself.

Punch and a light Olde English snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (Your potluck contributions will be much appreciated in Mrs. Fezziwigs' kitchen.

Evening or day dress from the time of Dickens' literary career (circa 1837-1870) or modern evening dress is admired, not required.
If your costume's not quite finished, please do come anyway!
As Mrs. Fezziwig says, it wouldn't be the same without you.

To order tickets in advance, please send a check for $15 each to
PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Avenue
Alameda, CA 94501.

If you have any questions about the ball, please
email peers@peers.org
or
call (510) 522-1731

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

LA: Practice Session for Avalon Ball

spidra — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 22:49:16 GMT

http://avalonball.com/

Dance Classes for the Avalon Ball

There will be a series of three dance classes on the dances of the Jazz Age to help you prepare for the Avalon Ball--or any other Art Deco era dance event.

Here are the details:
Sunday, October 1st
The Foxtrot (the most popular dance of the Jazz Age) and the One-Step.

Sunday, October 8th
Basic Swing and a preview of the Rumba

Sunday, October 15th
Rumba, Tango and Charleston

Instructor:
Regina Whitcomb with a mix of recorded and live music.

(Details the same for all classes)

Time: 3:30 PM to 7 PM

Price: $10 per person, per class, by cash or check, payable at the door.

Location:
Throop Unitarian Church
300 South Los Robles
Pasadena

http://lahacal.org/throop.html

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

USDSC Hollywood Florida Pics

ZiZi — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 18:53:12 GMT

Hi, I had the chance to go for the first time to a dance competition of this magnitude and I absolutly loved every single moment of it. I was given permission to photograph the event so I have some photos on my website. If you want to take a look it is http//:dancephotography.mosaicglobe.net

Ho[e you like them.

Love,

ZiZi

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

new website for waltzers!

christina — Wed, 13 Sep 2006 15:20:03 GMT

hey there, waltz and polka fanatics -

Persephone has created a new website, vintagewaltz.com, which includes a calendar of all the vintage dance events she knows about in the Bay Area and beyond. It includes Friday Night Waltz, PEERS, BAERS, Gaskells, her weekly Tuesday night waltz class, and more.

She has also started a monthly waltz event in San Francisco, on the third Saturday of the month, called Vintage Invasion. There are now opportunities almost every weekend of the month for waltzing in the Bay Area -- check it out! And if you hear of other events that aren't listed, be sure to let her know.

be well and keep dancing -

christina

posted in The Dance Card - 0 replies

Your favorite recurring dance event and why?

spidra — Tue, 15 Aug 2006 18:42:27 GMT

I haven't gone dancing for a long while. Eventually I'll get out there again. When I was dancing regularly, I think my favorite event was PEERS because of how friendly and approachable everyone is and because of the fun of dressing up. Musically, the quarterly Starlight Orchestra dances are my favorite but everyone comes in couples and dances with the same person all night so it's hard if you don't bring your own partner. What have been your favorite events and why?

posted in The Dance Card - 9 replies

The Dance Card's topics - tribe.net

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THE 16TH ANNUAL LE BAL DES VAMPIRES

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THE SECRET AGENTS' BALL - Saturday, June 6

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Bay Celtic Music and Dance Festival Sat Feb 21 Oakland Veterans Hall

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Contra + Waltz with band KGB with Richard Powers at Friday Night Waltz Sat Jan 10

THE DICKENS FAIR REUNION BALL (A VICTORIAN 12TH NIGHT BALL) - Saturday, January 3

New Year's Eve "Over the Rainbow" Waltz Ball

Big Band Weekend and Sinatra

15TH ANNUAL LE BAL DES VAMPIRES - Saturday, November 1

New Year's Eve "Over the Rainbow" Waltz Ball

Fall Has Sprung Contra Dance: Grass Valley, CA

1800 Dance Opportunity - War and Peace Ball - October 11, Saturday

Funky Formal Dinner/Dance in Alameda

SWINGIN' IN THE RAIN - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4

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tribe is dying. to get emails about upcoming dance events

Oakland Ceilidh and Waltz This Friday 9/26

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Nightclub powered by dancing energy - radio & video

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Fun Emerald City Ball Updates: Saturday, July 5

EMERALD CITY BALL

BAERS Great Regency Shipwreck Ball - June 21, 2008, Kensington, CA

Beginner-Friendly Live Music Barn dance in Oakland, Friday, 5/30, 7:00 pm

GONE WITH THE WIND BALL

CHICAGO ALL-THAT-JAZZ BALL WITH LEE PRESSON & THE NAILS

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Fri., April 11: Regency Dance Party in Palo Alto

Improv Everywhere-ish Dance Happening

New West Coast Swing Tribe!!!!

March 22 Dance on the USS Hornet

Richard Powers teaches One Step and New Waltz Variations Friday Night Waltz Feb 15

Country dance and waltz with the courtesans of Regency-era London : February 16, 2008, San Mateo, California

East (SF) Bay Dance Opportunities

Talk about America's Ballroom Challenge?

Single? Like to Dance Join our Group...

Want to be the moderator?

Wanna dance? Dance Along Nutcracker 2007

Barn dance (waltz, easy country dances) with musicians from Bangers & Mash: Oakland, 10/26, Humanist Hall

queer/gender-free contra dance in Berkeley on Sunday!

Fwd: Le Bal des Vampires

DownHomeDancing.org

The LAHA thread

Early American dance party and Yorktown Victory Ball (Friday, Palo Alto, Saturday, Kensington)

Upcoming Bay Area Dances

Friday 9/28 (and again 10/26): Barn dance in Oakland - Waltz/schottische/polka/easy set dance

for salseros in Oakland

Fwd: Varsity Dance Club 9/16/07

Video of Pattern Polka

Contra Dancing in Baltimore

Belly Dance Lessons

Share Ride to/from Ceilidh Alameda from Mt. View area

music to dance to

Barn dance (waltz/polka/schottische/easy set dances) in Oakland 6/22

Richard Powers teaches Zwiefacher, Samba Friday Night Waltz June 15

Social Sampler - a new social networking event (waltz, latin, blues dancing plus more)

San Francisco Free Folk Fest - June 16 & 17

Dance Competition at the Marin County Fair

contra + waltz FNW Saturday June 9 Oakland Veterans Hall

Da Vintage Code Ride - East Bay

Bay Area National Dance Week!

Pomander Tea Dance

Richard Powers teaches Hambo FNW May 4: Danse Libre performs

BAERS presents a Diverted Jane Austen Ball, April 28th in San Mateo

San Jose Mercury news article about Friday Night Waltz

*Free* contra dance in SF 4/21, *Free* English dance in Berkeley 4/25

Free contra dance in SF 4/21, Free English dance in Berkeley 4/25