Fellow Gaskell Enthusiasts: If you've ever wanted to try out the dances of Jane Austen's time or had any curiosity to experience a pre-Victorian ball, this might be a good opportunity since we teach the "pattern" dances on the spot and still have plenty of gorgeous waltzes. Here's our latest ball write-up:

The Pride & Prejudice Ball
(Sponsored by PEERS – the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
(at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)
Dance Lesson: 7:00 - 8:00 pm with Dance Master Alan WinstoN
Formal Dancing: 8:00 pm to midnight
Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

Mr. Bingley requests the pleasure of your company at Netherfield Manor. Join us for an evening of elegant dancing, wit, romance and intrigue.

Late Georgian or Regency costume, day or evening, is admired, not required, and either generic Romantic costume or modern dress is perfectly acceptable. Given the changeable nature of our English weather, wraps are recommended for the ladies, who may find the early part of the evening chilly. Once dancing begins, of course, the ballroom warms up charmingly. We suggest that our guests attend the ball in character as well (choosing from among Miss Austen's other novels for your characters).

That most British of California bands - Bangers & Mash - plays an evening of delightful English country dances (which will be briefly taught or called on the spot) and slightly anachronistic but exquisite waltzes. If you need to brush up on your Regency dancing, there will be a pre-ball dance lesson at 7:00 pm. Partners, fortunately, are not required since it is customary to change partners after every dance set and we will be happy to introduce you to partners, if desired.

Other potential amusements include cards (both Whist and Speculation), music, singing (including a period round, catch and glee sing-a-long), witty conversation and elegant flirtation. There will be a light period snack buffet (Your potluck contributions to our host's kitchen are most welcome).

For more information, please email peers@peers.org,call (510) 522-1731, or see our website at www.peers.org To order advance tickets, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at www.peers.org/prideprej.html, scroll down to the PayPal icon, and follow the directions. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.