Gaskell Ball

12/28/2025

I sincerely hope that everyone had a fabulous night last night. I loved seeing so many beloved friends, new faces, and the next generation of teens together in one space. Thank you all for making a magical evening!

12/28/2025

A little bit of lost and found. Send us a message if these are yours.

12/27/2025

After many days of wind and rain, my goodness it is gorgeous in Oakland today! Sunny, clear skies, and a warm afternoon. Perfect for a lovely evening at the Gaskell Ball.

12/27/2025

It took a scientist with a PhD four hours of math and mixing, but the famous Gaskell Punch is ready to go!

12/26/2025

Here's nice short summary of the ball.

https://localnewsmatters.org/2025/12/24/best-best-gaskell-ball-exploratoriums-glow-princemas-kung-pao-kosher-comedy-jiaoying-summers/

Get your tickets now, we are running low.

Party like it’s 1899: High-spirited dancers whirl around the room, women’s voluminous skirts sweep the floor to a fine polish, and the men’s natty dark

12/25/2025

The team at the hall confirms the “floor has been cleaned for product buildup and freshly polished.” It’s the perfect gift for every dancer. Bring your best dance shoes and enjoy the night gliding across the floor!

12/24/2025

We keep working to improve the Gaskell Ball based on your feedback from last year. From the hall manager, she says, “I’m opening up two separate dressing rooms for women and men to reduce the mess and chaos.” We hope this gives everyone a little breathing room to get dressed, and a clearer path to the toilets to handle necessary tasks. Look for signage directing you to the other dressing spaces. Also, please do remember that all of this is shared space and to please keep things tidy and put things away before leaving the dressing space by hanging coats and clothes on racks and tucking bags out of the walkways and off of the chairs. Thanks everyone!

12/21/2025

Less than one week until the Gaskell Ball! Get your tickets now before they’re gone!

Get ready to dance the night away in Victorian style at The Gaskell Ball!

12/17/2025

We are happy to announce that there will be a performance by internationally known The Academy of Danse Libre at the upcoming Gaskell Ball.

The Academy of Danse Libre is one of the nation's premier vintage dance groups. They'll be performing, of course, dances from the Victorian era.

tickets for the ball are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gaskell-ball-tickets-1749455501499

12/11/2025

UPDATE: the Tuesday class has been canceled. Sorry everyone.

Updates for those wanting to learn the Bohemian National Polka:
1. The Friday Night Waltz class this Friday night will be limited to 90 dancers.
2. Richard is adding a second 2 1/2 hour BNP class on Tuesday, December 16th, starting at 7:30pm at the First United Methodist Church. Admission is $10. This is a great class for Gaskell Ball participants, social dancers in general, and anyone who cannot attend the Friday night class.n

Send a message to learn more

12/08/2025

Over half of the tickets have been sold for our December 27th ball. Get yours now if you want to join us for one last night at the Oakland Scottish Rite.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-gaskell-ball-tickets-1749455501499

Get ready to dance the night away in Victorian style at The Gaskell Ball!

12/03/2025

Friday Night Waltz has announced that Richard Powers will be teaching the Bohemian National Polka at 7:15pm on Friday, December 12th. Arrive 15 minutes early to get checked in and grab a spot.

Go to http://fridaynightwaltz.com/ for more information.

We’ll love to see what you have learned at the Gaskell Ball!

Holiday Dance Party! This is always a big one. Treat yourself to a fun night out, dancing with friendly people and fun music.