1547 Lakeside Dr. Oakland
December 28, 2024
After an eight-year hiatus, the Gaskell Ball made a spectacular return to the Scottish Rite Center on the shores of Lake Merritt. The event rekindled a beloved tradition for vintage dance enthusiasts across the Bay Area. For fans of Mr. Fezziwig's Warehouse at the Great Dickens Fair, the ball’s absence (which began at Mill's College in 1979) had been sorely felt. In 2015, the rising venue costs forced a pause. With the Scottish Rite Center stepping in as host, this year’s event was a much-anticipated revival—and it did not disappoint.
Tickets sold out in record time, and the event organizers were clear that anyone not adhering to the dress code would be turned away. Guests were expected to arrive in period-appropriate attire, or at least very fancy. As I joined the crowd in my blue velvet pants and Edwardian-style jacket, I crossed my fingers, hoping I’d make the cut. A testament to the community’s passion for vintage dance and style, each costume outdid the last.
For those who hadn’t yet mastered the steps, the event offered a two-hour dance class earlier in the day, as well as a 30-minute refresher class just before the ball. Led by seasoned instructors Tom Hill, Robert Galloway, and Amelia Thomas, the class covered the basic steps of the Waltz, Polka, and Schottische. My skilled partners kept my two left feet in check, expertly guiding me through each dance without incident.
“Am I getting it at all?” I anxiously asked Athena Woodbury, one of those partners. She shrugged and patiently showed me the steps again, her hand made gown swirling around her in elegant circles.
The 600 attendees crowded the dance floor for the Grand March, a sweeping procession that set the tone for the night. The orchestra, Brassworks Band, added to the excitement. Gowns in a kaleidoscope of colors, many with taffeta, stripes, and tartan, floated past the stage, an enchanting spectacle, imbuing the air with elegance and regal joy. For many guests, these gowns were a labor of love, either made by hand or thrifted and lovingly restored, and the night a dancing work of art.
“A lot of people who are into vintage dance are also into historical costume making. Many people make their own dresses or you can thrift them or have them made. The passion is for the costume as well as the dance.” said Darlene Yan. She is part of a vintage dance group called Danse Libre who practice weekly: their skills owned the floor.
Veterans of the Ball, one of the waltzing couples (pictured above) stood out for their flawless dancing. Their movements were nothing short of poetry, capturing the attention of everyone nearby, their passion for the event evident in the way they moved through the night.
Emma Etherington, who holds the title of Miss Art Deco of the Decobelles, expressed her fondness for the Gaskell Ball and noted how much she had missed the event during its absence. For both her and her partner Kyle, the ball is more than just a night of dancing, it is a celebration of community and culture. This spirit is particularly strong in Oakland. The city’s vintage dance scene has always been vibrant, and this event showcased the depth of that passion and history.
As the evening wound down, it was clear that the Gaskell Ball’s return had revived something special in Oakland. The sense of camaraderie, elegance, and fun that defined the event was as strong as ever. The crowd seemed to relish every moment. The night wasn’t just a look back at a bygone era, but a celebration of how dance, music, and style can unite people across generations.
For those eager to catch future events, more information is available on the Gaskell Ball website: Gaskell Ball UpcomingEvents.
