Clothing for Classes
All our classes will be in the various original ballrooms on the Queen Mary. Ballet slippers, lightweight jazz oxfords, or dance shoes are recommended. Running shoes or other high traction shoes do not work well for turning dances. Sharp and narrow heeled high heels are always discouraged at Vintage Dance Weeks. Low-heeled character shoes are an excellent option for the ladies. Please bring, if possible, more than one kind of shoe, since some soles work better for certain floors. The more options you have the happier you will be. Dance Week veterans will tell you that putting insoles in your shoes for more cushioning will make happy feet.

Comfort and freedom of movement are our primary considerations in offering these suggestions to you. For classes, bring clothing that will stand up to a day of dancing and still be comfortable to you. Personal hygiene (deodorant) is important for everyone's comfort. Given the wonderful vintage feel of the Queen Mary ballrooms, some attendees may wish to wear vintage clothing during classes. For men, summer whites are cool and comfortable, and for ladies “beach pajamas,” one-piece palazzo pantsuits, so popular in the 1920s, really look and feel great. These are suggestions only—not requirements. Long Beach in the early summer is usually in the comfortable 70s. It is also wise to bring something warmer for cooler weather and dance studios that are air-conditioned. Evenings tend to be cool with the sea breezes from the Pacific Ocean. Remember to bring your sunscreen.

Monday Evening
Dinner on your own in one of the Queen Mary's great restaurants. Or we suggest the fabulous Sky Room of the historic Breakers building in downtown Long Beach, which has live music and dancing with your cocktails or dinner from 6-9pm. Contact them to make a dinner reservation at http://www.theskyroom.com/new/theskyroom/content.asp?contentID=2016793683
Don't forget to mention you're with the Queen Mary group.

Dean Mora will again be playing in the Verandah Grill from 9-11pm back on the Queen Mary, and we will have a Dance Week Preview during that time. The Bar will hopefully have some exotic cocktails available to enliven the evening's procedings. Even later that night (and other nights, too) there are likely to be pajama parties, so be sure to bring those vintage smoking jackets and hostess gowns.

Sky Room

Tuesday Evening
Turn back the clock to the late 19th Century, where we will dance in the historic Cabrillo Beach House Ballroom in San Pedro. "Everybody's Doing It" and we will, too, in our ragtime finery. Stroll outside in the sand, or stay in the large 2nd floor ballroom. This venue is roomy, but definitely not formal-—dressy party attire of the 1890-1919 era will fit the music and flavor of the evening. Think Gibson Girl. One suggestion might be something of a more nautical flavor. Gentleman don't need tails; a nice suit or tuxedo will do the trick. This is a slightly more casual event than most of the evening balls during dance week, so leave the jewels in the ship's vault.

Wednesday Evening
Our mid-19th Century ball at the fabulous Ebell Club in Long Beach, a terrific spanish baroque style vintage ballroom. This will be our most extravagant event of the week. Revel in the fabulous elegance of the Ebell Club, as we have an early dinner in the indoor courtyard, followed by dancing in the ballroom. Wear your Victorian best, with all the hoop-la....and the jewels! Traditional Civil War era ball gowns with large skirts, either hoops or crinolines, are appropriate for the women (short skirts are NOT acceptable !). Gentlemen, bring out the tails, and don’t forget your white gloves. Gloves help to protect the women’s gowns and are highly appreciated. We have added a great 3 course early dinner to this event!

Ebell Club entry

Ebell Club ballroom

Thursday Evening
It's our Jazz Age sizzler with those exploding sounds and sultry steps of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, in the Grand Ballroom on the Queen Mary. We'll have a sumptuous three-course dinner, and of course, lots of dancing. Wear your fancy flapper, or best Fred & Ginger, and pretend you are a movie star dining & dancing on the most luxurious and glamorous ocean liner of her day. Gentlemen will be well-dressed if they don their tails (or tuxedos) once again.

A Final Word About Costuming
Don’t panic if you do not have vintage clothing or costumes; the look is easily approximated. A suit with a slim bow tie instead of a modern necktie, or a long, full skirt with an old-fashioned blouse can go a long way toward blending in with vintage costumes. Mini skirts never fit in. The dancing takes precedence over the clothes, and having a good time is most important. Thrift stores and eBay have plenty of vintage and/or used formal items. For costuming aficionados, you might want to bring some fun and/or interesting clothing for after-hours events, such as vintage pajamas or hostess gowns, and smoking jackets for the men.