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The Red and Black Ball: RESCHEDULED! New date: January 2
Saturday Jan 2, 7:30PM @ 2640 (2640 St. Paul St.)
Sorry folks! Due to a combination of a power outage in Charles Village that's left 400 homes (and 2640) without power, and the most awesome snowstorm that Baltimore's seen in years, we're pulling the plug on tonight's Red & Black Ball! We hate to do it, but with no power, there's no heat, and it gets awfully cold in that drafty old building!
We've rescheduled the Ball for Saturday, January 2nd. Same, time, same place, same awesome event! We'll post a reminder about the new date too ...
Until then, stay warm!
*****
That's right my fellow mischief-makers: the Red Emma's Red and Black Ball returns again this year on December 19! Join the Red Emma's collective as we celebrate the traditional anarchist gift-giving season with an all-out, over-the-top evening of revelry in your Victorian-era red and black finest! Think Victorian-era dances, parlour games, phrenology, bands of travellers, and, of course, spirits to warm your body and soul. Think renaissance festival dress gone anarchist. Think steampunk. Think Alan Moore ("V for Vendetta," League of Extraordinary Gentlemen"). Live and DJ'd music throughout the evening, as well as performances, games, "etiquette" lessons, phrenology, and more, led by our very own Master of Ceremonies, Ryan Coffman, with the help of a variety of Baltimore favorites! Plus ... cake. And booze.
Last year's Red and Black Ball was possibly one of our favorite events we've ever pulled together ... and this year's ball is sure to be even better, because it also doubles as our fifth anniversary party! So pull out that fancy dress you picked up at a thrift store; borrow your brother's tuxedo! Make a mask, or grab one at the door! This is the holiday party you don't want to miss ... come out and celebrate with us!
It all takes place at 2640 Saint Paul Street, December 19, starting at 7:30PM. Tickets are $10-$15 sliding scale, and include food and a free drink. Masks provided for those who need them. Proper attire is NOT required, but isn't it more fun to cobble a costume together? Email info@redemmas.org for more info ...
Wondering what in the heck we're talking about? The Red and Black Ball is a neo-Victorian-themed masquerade ball! Check out Mike Anderson's beautiful photos from last year's ball to get a sense of the madness:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/44002560@N04/sets/72157622662979486/
Still wondering what it's all about? Check out these links for inspiration:
The basics:
http://www.victoriana.com/Etiquette/ballroomdancing.htm
Somewhat horrifying rules of etiquette. (Ladies are allowed - and encouraged - to cross the room unattended at the Red and Black Ball ...):
http://www.burrows.com/other/manners.html
"Proper" attire. Take it with a grain of salt and pull something together out of whatever you can lay your hands on ... go nuts! The more Red and Black the better ...
http://www.vintagedance.com/dress-vic.htm
But, keep in mind that not all ladies (or men) accepted the norms of Victorian dress codes. Even back in the 1850s, women were agitating for an end to normative social images of what the ideal female body looked like ... and how it should be clothed. Many women in the US and England recognized Victorian dress (corsets and hoops) as unhealthy for the women who wore them( mostly the middle/upper class). There was a controversial dress reform movement to rid these aspects of "proper dress" from popularity. interestingly the bicycle also played a part in the ousting of the corset and multilayer hoop skirts.
http://www1.assumption.edu/WHW/DressReform.html
These folks are fun, check out the pictures:
And ... Seriously. Awesome. Mask.
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