Evening Balls & Class Schedule

Ian Whitcomb will again delight us playing in the Verandah Grill from 9-11pm back on the Queen Mary, and we will have a Dance Week Preview during that time. 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.

Monday Evening
A dance week exotica first: Tiki Lounge in the Britannia Room. Dance to the Martini Kings, as they transport us back to a cool and sophisticated time, the late 1950s. Wear your best vintage Hawaiian or Mad Men gear and don't forget those orchids and tikis! We hope to have some special surprise entertainment. All refreshments come with an little umbrella.

Tuesday Evening
"Everybody's Doing It" and we will, too, in our ragtime finery (1905-1920). We again welcome Ian Whitcomb and his Boys to help us pull out the bells and whistles for an elegant evening in the Queen's Salon on the Queen Mary. We'll one-step, grizzly bear, tango and all the rest.

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Wednesday Evening
Turn back the clock to the late 19th Century, where we will dance in the historic Cabrillo Beach House Ballroom in San Pedro. Stroll outside in the sand, or stay in the large 2nd floor hall. This venue is roomy, but not too formal-—dressy party attire of the 1890s-1905 era will fit the music and flavor of the evening. Music provided by the incomparable Ian Whitcomb and his Boys. Think Gibson Girl.

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 swell dancing to Dean Mora and his Rhythmists. 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.

Friday Afternoon
There is an optional Vintage Beach Party on Friday, July 1, 12:30 to 3:30 PM at the historic Pt Fermin Lighthouse, 807 W. Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro, CA. Revelers are asked to wear vintage bathing costumes of 1874 to 1929, even thought the party will actually be up on the grass above the beach.Our group will take a private tour of the lighthouse at 1:30 PM on Friday. Reservations a must. Don’t forget beach blanket, musical instruments, and antique autos. Please bring your own picnic, or box lunches may be ordered for $10 each. Box lunches include sandwich of your choice, fruit, chips, cookie and drink of iced tea or lemonade. Please bring a check of $10 (Sorry no credit cards)for each lunch to Judy Aronson, at the start of Dance Week. Lunches must be paid in advance and no orders will be accepted on day of event.

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.

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. For those lady attendees of limited means, a long dress by Natalya or Alexis Spencer will work for nearly all events and do not require a huge wardrobe or expense. But keep in mind that we are attempting to create an illusion of times past, so it is important that all attendees make some effort not to break the illusion especially in the evenings. Mini skirts never fit in, nor do jeans, shorts or tennis shoes at evening balls.

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.

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MASSAGE for Dancers
This year we're importing our very own massage therapist, Noah Friedman. He is Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, Specializing in Thai Massage and Deep Tissue Massage (the best combination for dancers. Noah is also a top level Swing and Balboa dancer. His fourteen years of dancing and massage experience will help to keep you pain-free and smiling on the dance floor. Special pricing for dance week attendees; book your sessions early on the Queen Mary, or contact Noah now at http://web.me.com/noahthai/Site/NoahThai.com.html

Noah Friedman