THE LEGION FANTASTIQUE BALL


A Victorian/Edwardian Steampunk Ball in Honour of Jules Verne

Saturday, April 3, 2010
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo
Doors Open 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 at the door


Aeronauts, submariners, aetherial explorers, and gentlemen and lady adventurers of all type are invited to join the intrepid members of The Legion Fantastique for a celebration in honour of the memory of their founder and inspiration, M. Jules Verne!

Dance and celebrate at a Victorian/Edwardian Steampunk ball set in an alternate universe in which the Victorians have already invented computers (Analytical engines), laptops (portable difference engines), efficient software (the versatile and elegant ADA), cell phones (portable communication devices), submarines, air travel, and even space flight.

Guests are invited to dress in either conventional Victorian or Edwardian evening dress or Steampunk attire, complete with goggles and gadgets. (Note: Costumes, as always, are admired, not required, at PEERS balls, and modern evening dress is a perfectly acceptable substitute for period costume).

But rest assured: The music at the Legion’s ball will be popular Victorian ballroom dance music. Bangers & Mash, the most charming and dance-friendly band in the known Solar System, plays waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurka waltzes and such popular hits as the Congress of Vienna Waltz, the Bohemian National Polka, and Lancers’ Quadrille. As usual, there will be a pre-ball Victorian dance class and all set dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball.

We wish to extend a special welcome to guests who are preparing for the upcoming 1905 San Francisco Pan-Kinetic Exposition.  You'll fit right in!  (And if you aren't yet aware of the Exposition, do take a look at it!)

There will also be a no-host (cash) bar and a light snack buffet will be served. As usual, the Legion appreciates your potluck contributions to the buffet.



SPECIAL STEAMPUNK DANCE CLASSES AT FRIDAY NIGHT WALTZ ON FRIDAY, APRIL 2:

 

In preparation for the ball, our friends at Friday Night Waltz are holding a special two hour pre-ball workshop for intermediate and advanced dancers with the amazing Richard Powers, one of world’s leading experts on historical dance. Here is the class description:
7pm – Steampunk Polka and Schottische Variations. Prepare for the April 3 Steampunk Ball or the July 26 Prague Steampunk Ball, or just earnest April foolishness. Recently perfected time travel has allowed the cross-fertilization of Queen Victoria's favourite polka and schottische with dance innovations from the 20th, 21st and 22nd centuries. Learn them here!
8pm - Steampunk Waltz Variations. Many scholars have likened the waltz to the rotary machinery of our brilliant age of steam. Now time travel has allowed explorers, submariners and aeronauts to bring back wondrous dance innovations as well, based on the waltz and redowa. These will come in handy at a steampunk ball or whenever you're feeling creative and adventurous on the dance floor.
For those desiring a beginning waltz workshop, Tom Hill will be teaching his excellent two-hour waltz class – also from 7 to 9pm
The classes will be followed by three hours of delightful ballroom dancing to Richard Powers’ own DJ music.  Friday Night Waltz is one of the most welcoming dance organizations around and the experienced dancers are very kind about dancing with newcomers.  You really don’t need a partner. Just about everyone dances with everyone else.
And the price is right: $12 for both the classes and the dance. $8 dance only. $8 for students. Casual comfortable attire is suggested. All Ages welcome but guests under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Location: First United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA. Upstairs, Fellowship hall, entrance on right of courtyard, facing away from street.  If you have any questions about Friday Night Waltz, please contact Scott at ScottFNW@pway.com or at (650) 326-6265


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