Hi, Anna. It's nice to hear from you. Yes, Le Bal des Vampires will be held again this year on Saturday, November 7. In fact, it's an annual event! I'll be posting a write-up of the ball shortly but here's a link to the ball website: www.peers.org/vamp09.html

PEERS gives a formal ball on the first Saturday of almost every month and they are definitely open to newbies. For a list of our scheduled events (with descriptions), please see www.peers.org/events.html or simply check out our home page at www.peers.org Events almost always begin with a dance lesson and special dances are taught throughout the evening.

In late November and December, most of the PEERS crowd takes a break to work at the annual Dickens Christmas Fair, which I think you'll enjoy. We have an all-day costumed dance party and lots of other entertainment. Check out the Fair's website at www.dickensfair.com

Other costumed dance organizations include the Gaskell Occasional Ball Society -www.gaskellball.com/ - and the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) -www.baers.org/

And I really must mention Friday Night Waltz - www.fridaynightwaltz.com/ - and the new East Bay Waltz - www.eastbaywaltz.com/ Both produce mostly informal dances (though FNW has some grand costume events) but have the added advantage of beginning the evening with 2-hour dance classes (for both beginners and experienced dancers).

Have fun and please feel free to email me at peers@peers.org if you have any questions.