The Edwardian Ball is Coming Back to Los Angeles

Since its inception 13 years ago, the Edwardian Ball has grown into a much-anticipated multi-media event that merges music, ballroom dancing, carnival games, acrobatics and fashion into “an elegant and whimsical extravaganza…” that celebrates the creative spirit of author / illustrator Edward Gorey (1925-2000). Founded in San Francisco by Rosin Coven and co-hosted by the Vau de Vire Society, the Edwardian Ball returns to Los Angeles this February for the third time and promises another night of fun for all ages.

In what’s become a highlight of every Edwardian Ball, Rosin Coven and the Vau de Vire Society will bring one of Gorey’s stories to life through narration, theatrical choreography and music. This year they’ve turned their prodigious talents on The Doubtful Guest, published in 1957. Told in a set of fourteen rhyming couplets and accompanied by beautifully spare pen and ink drawings, this charming, playful and mysterious story has endeared itself to readers for decades. If past experience is a guide, the performance is sure to captivate and delight all who experience it.

What other talent can you expect at the Ball? The list is impressive.

• Vau de Vire Society
• Rosin Coven
• Dark Garden Corsetry
• “Belle of the Ball” Jill Tracy
• MC Vegas
• DJ’s:  Xian, Delachaux, Shakti Bliss, Justin Paul, Lushbunny, Mia Dangerfield, E-Jag
• and more to be announced.

You’ll also find Barbary-themed Midway Games, a Portrait Booth and DJ dancing on the Rooftop Garden.  More acts will be announced in coming weeks.   

Still not sure what to make of this event? Consider this: one of the things that’s so special about the Edwardian Ball is the degree to which attendees define the experience for themselves and each other. Every person who shows up is part of the spectacle and half the fun is dressing-up for a night on the town that’s unlike any I’ve attended.

If you’d love to participate but are wondering what to wear – here are a few photos I took last year to give you some ideas. You’ll also find all sorts of great advice and resources on the Edwardian Ball web site. Just remember that anything’s possible, so dust off your top hat, cinch up your corset, and let your imagination run wild – the Edwardian Ball is coming back to Los Angeles!

Edwardian Ball Los Angeles 2012

Edwardian Ball Los Angeles 2012

DETAILS

When: Saturday, February 23^rd, 2013

Where: The Fonda Theatre - 6126 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Tickets: Available online

More Information: Please visit http://edwardianball.com and http://facebook.com/edwardianball  

A Selection of Edward Gorey Books: