Anyone who knows me personally knows that probably my favorite thing in all the world is living history.
Unlike many people who just like the clothing of a time period, I enjoy all aspects of history. I have no doubt mentioned that I have been "born in the wrong century". I don't just say this because I like Victorian clothing. I don't just say this because I enjoy watch Kuroshitsuji.

When I go to historical based events, especially Dickens Fair, I find the entire environment fantastic. The overwhelming sense of politeness and restraint, especially when you walk into more "elite" circles of characters and actors. Not everyone is "equal", and I love that. There is status, there is prestige and power. The feeling that I know exactly is what to be expected of me, and that I can expect certain behaviors out of other people. I am not expected to open doors or engage in other actions since my undergarments and dress prevent me from doing so. I am physically helpless (to a degree), so it is up to my own wits, smarts, poise, and grace to make my impression.
I would expect many other people to find this very unappetizing. But then again, I'm was born in the wrong century. ;)

So now on the main event of this entry: Gaskell Ball!
I was first introduced to this ball through the good people at Dickens. Every two months the Gaskell Occasional Dance Society holds a historical dress ball in Oakland. They bill themselves as Victorian, but people in Regency, Empire, and Edwardian clothing can also be found. There is a live band that plays music from the period. It's a dream come true!

My friend Duke and I went to our first Gaskells last October for their "Victorian Fancy Dress Ball", which is ideally a costume ball set in the Victorian era. Fairies were growing in popularity of that time, so I decided upon wearing a period dress and adding whimsical fairy wings and a tiara of "vines and berries".
I was very lucky to acquire well made pink dress on eBay for under $100. Good things come to those who wait (and hunt!). Even though it is not purely accurate, my mother and I were able to place it roughly in the late 1860s. It is not ideal, but it will do. I currently do not have the funds or time to work on sewing a truly accurate dress. I bought a pair of green wings that look like leaves from Target of all places, and mother embellished the back with some antique-looking velveteen leaves and flowers, along with some ribbon streamers. At a craft store we found a crystal garland that looked appropriate - pink crystal "berries" on green floral wire with plastic leaves that actually looked like frosted glass. With some reshaping and extra wrapping with floral tape and then ribbon, it soon became a tiara fit for the fairy queen!

The ball was held in the Scottish Rite Temple on Oakland, CA, right next to Lake Merrit. I'm not a huge fan of that city, but it was good to see that the area around the lake is slowly developing into a nice looking neighborhood, however that development ends about one block away from the lake. -_-; The temple was built by the Masons, and it's absolutely gorgeous. The ceilings are beautifully carved and gilded, with velvet curtains and wood floors. Duke and I arrived early in the day for the two-hour dance workshop in which we learned the waltz, the mazurka, polka, gallant, scottische, and Congress of Vienna. We had a fantastic time, and my hesitancy with social dancing slowly faded. I'm a ballet dancer, so relinquishing the control to the male leader can be difficult for me.
After the workshop, it was time to get dressed, and then we had a quick dinner at the Lake Chalet restaurant across the street. Many of the diners were very excited to see a fairy float in! One lady asked me to "Grant my wish, please!" So cute! After calamari and a shrimp cocktail with horseradish foam, it was time for the ball!

If you have never been to a Victorian dance, you can't imagine how wonderful it is! The men are absolute gentlemen, and there is a proper etiquette on the dance floor. Ladies standing on the edges of the dance hall are often approached by gentlemen to dance. In fact, ladies without partners never need to fear of being alone, since men are always asking you to dance. The gentleman escorts you to the dance floor (often with a flourish to show you off), and you each bow/curtsy to each other on the opening bars of the music. Any bumps or awkward changes of direction on the dance floor are always the man's fault. A lady never need apologize for anything. After the dance, the gentleman takes you on his arm right to where he found you. Heavenly!

The Congress of Vienna is probably my favorite dance, since there are a lot of opportunities for flourishing and showing off your adagio skills. The choreography used has been patched together from Regency dance manuals, and involves both open and closed waltzing, window turns, crossing behind your partner, and walking around each other to a certain number of bars. It requires both dancers to know the music, since it looks best when the lady is able to fully use the music - you can't go too fast or too slow. In additional, the music is very beautiful and stately.

I danced with many talented partners that night, but for sure my favorite are the gentlemen who are actually able to lift me! I suppose my wings were very inspiring! You can see a clip of a waltz from the ball, and it you look near the white column at the back at 0:13, you'll see me flying above the crowd! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VUX--v3Zqc

I realize the music may sound a little "mariachi" in the clip, but I assure you it isn't! It's very beautiful and well played.

We danced from 8:30 until midnight (with breaks of course!), and now I can't wait until Dickens Fair!