Saturday, January 6, 2007
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
Come dance, sing, revel, and game at the loveliest old-fashioned holiday party of the season, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash the Bay Area’s most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels, and country dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball). Partners are not required at the ball as your hosts and their friends will be happy to introduce you to dance partners. If you love Dickens Fair as much as we all do, you’ll enjoy our ball!
Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens’ career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume and there is no dress code for the evening. Because of the chilly winter evening weather, all too similar to London’s, we suggest that the ladies bring a wrap for the early part of the evening (As the evening wears on and the hall warms up, they will no longer NEED a wrap!).
Intermission entertainment includes a short performance by the Peerless Music Hall (at which the audience is invited to sing and dance along with the artistes), and a sing-it-yourself Hallelujah Chorus. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink. As usual, punch and a light snack buffet will be provided.
The best way to learn and practice the ball’s dances is to attend the 2006 Dickens Fair itself and spend several hours at the Fezziwig dance party. You’ll find plenty of eager partners there who will be delighted to teach you the dances or practice them with you. And when you’re exhausted from dancing, be sure to check out the shops and shows as well as the constant character interplay on the streets of London. This is the best opportunity to get your Christmas shopping done in uniquely charming shops with fellow shoppers and shop assistants who are polite and helpful – a pleasant change from the Mall! For more information on this thoroughly delightful family event, please see the fair’s website at www.dickensfair.com. We hope to see many of you at the Fair! Nearly the entire PEERS gang will be there as performers so you’ll see a lot of familiar faces at the Dickens Fair.
Happy Christmas and God Bless Us, Everyone!
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