In the dark of night...in the haunting time of year...the gothic elite gather for an evening of macabre elegance and dark romance, at the one, the only, Transylvanian Ball. Friday, October 30th, 2009, 8pm to 12pm, in the City of Rain and Roses, Portland, Oregon.
We have chosen for you the velvet-draped Secret Society Ballroom, with its wooden floor, banquet seating, and plush lady's dressing room. Ample free parking is available just across the street at the Library Administration building. Coat racks will be available inside the ballroom. Ice-water, punch, and light snacks will be provided; for more substantial fare, the Secret Society offers a full bar and late-night bistro menu. As you enter the foyer, please note the 'doors to nowhere' over your head!
We've planned an entire evening of dark waltzes and other dances from across the centuries, danced to painstakingly collected, minor-key, orchestral tunes. Search the world, if you like, you won't find another event quite like this.
TICKETS ARE LIMITED! The Secret Society Ballroom (116 NE Russell St, Portland, OR 97212) is a relatively small venue, so tickets are limited to an exclusive 128. If you wish to attend, please act quickly!
BUT I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DANCE!
There are ample opportunities to learn! Community groups across the country gather weekly to waltz, contradance, or practice the so-called "country dances" (think Jane Austen). Tickets to these events are usually under ten dollars, and they usually begin with short teaching sessions. If you've never partner-danced before, or feel a bit rusty, we strongly recommend you attend these events to become familiar witht the steps, the language ("Hey?" "Box the Gnat?") and, of course, dancing with a partner.
LEARN TO WALTZ IN ONE EVENING
No partner, dress-up, or dance skills required! One-Time Dance Class, Thursday October 29th, 7:30-9:30pm plus dance practice until 10pm, $25 Polish Hall, 3832 N. Interstate Av., Portland Enjoy turning and floating to dark and beautiful waltzes. Info at www.ConnectToDance.com
If you happen to live in Portland, Oregon, we recommend the beginning waltz classes by Don Harvey or Uwe Hessiger, both highly experienced dancers and teachers. Information on Don's classes may be found at www.randomwaltz.org, and information about Uwe's classes may be found at www.connecttodance.com.
And, just in case, there will be a free Waltz Basics Class from 7pm to 8pm at the Secret Society Ballroom just prior to the Ball.
Email for further information