How to Throw a Vintage Party the Edwardian Ball Way

Josh "CuriousJosh" Reiss

Whether the setting is the Victorian era or the Roaring '20s, vintage-themed parties have become increasingly common in recent years. Few, though, can create a world that bridges eras as seamlessly as the Edwardian Ball. A long-running event in San Francisco, the Ball's founders added an annual L.A. party not too long ago and their most recent gathering, Sunday night at downtown's Belasco, drew large crowds of costumed partygoers for a night of performance and dancing.

The Edwardian Ball is primarily a tribute to author and illustrator Edward Gorey, whose grim and often darkly humorous tales appeared to be loosely set between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. While nods to Gorey's work peppered the venue and its stage, those now-classic books served as more of a launch pad than a guide for the attendees. Overall, the look on the dance floor was Downton Abbey meets Boardwalk Empire meets The Road Warrior. They keep things loose and that helps make the crowd feel comfortable.

Here's what works about Edwardian Ball. Try applying some of these techniques next time you throw a vintage-themed party.

Josh "CuriousJosh" Reiss

The Edwardian Ball originally was scheduled to take place at the Music Box. After that venue suddenly shut its doors, the organizers rescheduled and moved downtown to the Belasco. This proved to be the best decision they could have made. The theater's history dates back to the early 1900s, but it had been sorely underused for decades.

A beautifully restored venue, the Belasco is filled with small rooms, hallways and tall staircases. It's the sort of space that you want to explore while dressed in your silent film star finest.

Location Info

Venue

Map

The Belasco

1050 S. Hill St., Los Angeles, CA

Category: Music

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