March 27, 2006
Look Ma I'm Dancin'
We all live with the modern paradox, the more people there are the more isolated one becomes. Sure you can go out to a movie or a meal but unless you are with family or friends you're on your own. So in my effort to actually interact with people to actually talk to strangers not lubed by sweet alchohol I ventured out to the English Country dance in the heart of darkest Monrovia. First I tried to bring along my brother who has some small dance skill ( not as much as one would suppose after years of being on the SDI committee) but he made some excuse like he wanted to see his wife or "little Britain" was on TV. Then I asked Todi who will travel to far off countries in her zeal to learn and dance. She reluctantly agreed. So, Monrovia, something like a medieval city state with Starbucks. You never know when aggressive Arcadia will try and move in on the frontier, with their vices of horse racing and botanty. I did finally arrive, Friday night on the 210 and MapQuest not withstanding and was happy to see about 16 other people had the same idea. The music was on and they were dancing to Marsden's calling.
Continue reading "Look Ma I'm Dancin'"
Posted by at 01:56 PM | Comments (1)
March 25, 2006
Vintage Dances and Bands
Here are a few thoughts about bands for vintage dance events.
Continue reading "Vintage Dances and Bands"
Posted by Walter at 10:22 AM | Comments (1)
March 23, 2006
Newport Vintage Dance Week
This just came to me, and I thought I would share it:
The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers are pleased to announce plans for the 19th Newport Vintage Dance Week, to be held August 14-20, 2006 at the Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI.
Continue reading "Newport Vintage Dance Week"
Posted by Walter at 08:15 AM
March 22, 2006
Vintage Dance Costume Suggestions
The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers have put together a helpful guide to what to wear at Vintage Dances.
It can be found at http://vintagedancers.org/costume.html
Posted by Walter at 07:25 PM
March 14, 2006
Renting a Hall for a Vintage Dance
One of the big challenges in putting on a vintage dance event is finding the right hall. Here are a few thoughts on the topic from someone who has been doing it for a few decades.
Continue reading "Renting a Hall for a Vintage Dance"
Posted by Walter at 12:34 PM
March 11, 2006
Victorian Ball Etiquette
I am going to briefly touch on some ideas for how to behave at a modern "vintage" Victorian Ball, rather than a dissertation on how Victorians behaved at balls in the 19th Century. For that, see The Gentleman's Page
Continue reading "Victorian Ball Etiquette"
Posted by Walter at 03:53 PM | Comments (1)
Los Encinos Rancho Needs Docents
Los Encinos State Historic Park in Encino will be reopening the De La Osa Adobe (build 1849) as a new and modern local history museum lacking only one thing: volunteers to give the tours. It is currently expected to reopen in September of 2006.
The Los Encinos Docents Association is starting a series of programs to recruit and train tour docents for this new museum.
If you might be interested in participating, contact Walter Nelson at laha@pacbell.net
For more about Los Encinos State Historic Park, go to http://www.lahacal.org/losencinos.html
Posted by Walter at 03:14 PM
March 10, 2006
Movie Review-The Libertine
I will give "The Libertine", with Johnny Depp, a conditional endorsement.
I enjoyed it, it presented a fairly good representation of the seedier side of the Restoration upper class world, and the costumes were pretty good.
My primary criticism would be that it seemed a bit pat and even melodramatic at times, and often had the feeling of a very modern sensibility.
However, John Malcovich was very good as Charles II and it is definitely worth seeing, if only to encourage Hollywood to make more historical costume movies.
Posted by Walter at 02:35 PM | Comments (2)
March 08, 2006
Upland Event Needs Volunteer Docents
My old friend Alice asked me to spread the word on this:
Upland is having it's Cenntenial Birthday and in honor of it. Upland Heritage is putting on a Home
Tour with all homes being at least 100 years old.
Continue reading "Upland Event Needs Volunteer Docents"
Posted by Walter at 03:09 PM | Comments (1)