Britannia Ballroom

The week begins on Sunday afternoon, with a sign-in & welcome Tea Party & Dance at 2:00 in the Verandah Grill of the Queen Mary. There will also be a costume swap-n-sell in the same room, so feel free to bring those few extra outfits that don't fit, and be prepared to get even better stuff for the coming events. Recommend 1920s-1940s daytime 'tea wear.'

Full class days begin Monday morning and will be offered on beginner as well as more advanced tracks, allowing participants to attain proficiency in new material and venture into new areas, as well as refresh memories in others. Music at Tea by the fabulous Ian Whitcomb. Mid- and late 19th Century dances, such as waltz, polka, galop, redowa, and schottische will be offered. Ragtime era tango, one-step, hesitation waltz, animal dances, Cakewalk and other dances are popular choices. This year were offering dances of the 1920s and 1930s, as well as a special tract of dances of the 1940s and 1950s. A schedule of classes should be available by the end of April.

Unlike our other dance weeks, this one has all events--classes, lectures, dances, dinners--in wonderful authentic vintage locations. Many of our attendees enjoy 'dressing the era,' so vintage style daywear of the Art Deco era (1920s-1940s) is encouraged, but of course, not required. In all our classes, we encourage comfortable clothes ("beach pajamas" are a great choice for ladies dressing vintage), and always dance appropriate shoes. Clothing recommendations for the evening events are listed with the evening ball descriptions, but should always be "dressy" at the minimum (and never miniskirts).

The Queen Mary

Aerial View........................................................................................................... Queen Mary Observation Bar

The Queen Mary Hotel is one of the ultimate vintage dance experiences. The former 1930s luxury oceanliner, permanently berthed in Long Beach Harbor, retains its classic Art Deco ambience, offering several ballrooms, each one a unique delight. We will be dancing in several of these ballrooms during the week. The air-conditioned Queen Mary is near the Catalina Island ferry. The closest airport is Long Beach, but the Queen Mary is convenient to both John Wayne and LAX airports.

Other Southern California Events
Formally scheduled events for our dance week end with the last ball on Thursday night. If you're still wanting more fantastic vintage events after you check out of the Queen Mary on Friday morning, July 1, there will be a vintage bathing suit picnic & party at the Point Fermin Lighthouse nearby starting at 12:30. Cost is free, unless you want to buy a box picnic lunch for $10 (prepaid on the Queen Mary the first 2 days of dance week).

Friday is the beginning of the July 4 weekend, there are events you might try in the Long Beach/Los Angeles area. The Lively Arts History Association has a terrific listing of events at http://www.lahacal.org/calendar.html, In Pasadena, you can enjoy a fabulous tea and tour at the famous Huntington Library (reservations a must: http://www.huntington.org/Information/tearoom.html ). And now the fun just keeps on coming: on Sundays, in downtown Los Angeles (only 30 min from the Huntington Library) there are special evenings at the fabulous vintage Cicada Club. Dining, dancing and vintage style entertainment a la 1940s nightclub---a truly fabulous evening. Info and limited tickets (advance purchase only) available at: http://clubcicada.com/dollz_tickets.asp .