Lanterman Ragtime Tea Dance

Last weekend we attended the Lanterman Ragtime Tea Dance - this event is held annually at the Lanterman House, a 19-Teens home in north Los Angeles. The event consists of a dance lesson, live music provided by Ian Whitcomb, and afternoon tea. (I've said it before and I'll say it again - I can get Chris to go just about anywhere if there are good cookies!)

I made my first attempt at a Teens outfit - like everyone else, I've been drooling over the Downton Abbey costumes, and this event gave me an excuse to make one. I didn't have nearly as much time to work on this outfit as I normally like, so there are some fit issues that I'd like to correct. But considering this is basically my mockup, it turned out pretty good!

I bobbed my hair a couple weeks ago, so I gave a go at a curled Irene Castle bob. Not bad for a new era! Chris's outfit blew mine out of the water, though - I've wanted him to wear a boater for years. Good look for him, yes?

Lanterman House - the tea was held in the center courtyard, and the ballroom is upstairs (where the tallest roof peak is) and runs the length of the house.

Downton Abbey Publicity Still? 

No, silly! It's Cait from Curse Words and Crinolines and Lauren from Wearing History.

Cait is wearing an original Edwardian Suit, and if you ask her real nice I bet she'll post some photos of the amazing details and beautiful lining. Lauren is wearing a late teens outfit she made herself.

Yes, right after I took this photo Chris *did* bust out some tap steps.

A wrinkled mess! Just look at the cute sailor collar instead. :)

An original WWI Liberty Loan pin, found at a local flea market. I added the ribbons.

Buttons! My favorite trim of the era. 

But really I just wanted to show you my white lacy shoes - my favorite part of my whole outfit!

Trying out some Vernon and Irene Castle dance steps...

...which quickly dissolved into the popular animal dances. 

Who can resist the "Grizzly"?

Ian Whitcomb and his Bungalow Boys provided the music.

Sheila Murphy-Nelson sang several songs with the band.

Walter Nelson gave the dance lesson and was on the floor the whole event, asking all the lovely ladies to dance (don't worry, this photo proves he didn't neglect his wife!)

More dancing...

Diane and Sheila

Dapper.

Relaxing on the balcony after we got tired of dancing.

Cait and Michael on the balcony. 

I love how you can see her tattoos through her original Edwardian blouse.

Time to go home? Oh no!

Trying to get a photo of the boys...easier said than done.