The Gaskell Ball

Save the Date: December 28th, 2024

Learning the Dances

On the day of the ball, we teach a longer afternoon class. The price for this class is separate from the ball admission, and is $15, payable at the class.

This is also a shorter, 30 minute class right before the ball. This class is included in ball admission.

You can also practice before the ball at the locations listed below.

Afternoon Dance Class - 3:00PM

On the afternoon of the ball, in the same location, there is a 2½ hour dance class taught by Tom Hill, Amelia Thomas and Hilary Powers. $15

The Dances

We'll be teaching the Waltz, Polka, Schottisch, Mazurka, Galop and the Congress of Vienna Waltz

Note that, as this is a Victorian Ball, we teach the Victorian form of the Waltz. Anyone who is familiar with other versions of the Waltz should have no difficulty learning the Victorian style in an afternoon.

Clothing & Footwear for the Class

Most people attend the class in street clothes, changing after the class for the ball.

You will, of course, want your dance shoes for the class. Any shoe you can turn in, on a wooden floor will likely work. Avoid grippy athletic shoes, platforms and spike heels!

Evening Dance Class - 6:45

This class is included with admission to the ball

This is a half-hour introduction to basic Waltz, Polka and Schottische.

If you are new to dancing, we recommend the afternoon class, half an hour is a very short time in which to learn to dance.

Other Learning Options

If you are not already a dancer, taking any couples dance class before the ball will help: swing, tango, etc.

Book

For a book on teaching dance, by the Gaskell Ball instructor, go here.

Note this is a book on teaching dance, not a book that teaches the dances from the ball.