The historical building will provide the perfect setting for the 11th Annual Victorian Ball, which runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on Saturday, Nov. 10. Proceeds from the event, sponsored by the Victorian Social Club, will benefit the Saratoga Springs History Museum.

Sue McLane, founder of the VSC and one of the ball’s organizers, said this will be the 11th time the fundraiser has been done and the 10th in a row it’s been held at the casino.

Approximately 40 people attended the first ball that was put on at the Lower Mohawk Club in the Stockade, now referred to as The Stockade Inn, in Schenectady. Since then, it has regularly attracted between 75 and 100 people from all over each year.

The evening begins with a social hour during which the Saratoga Springs Youth Orchestra will play parlor music. The remainder of the ball’s live 19th century music will be performed by the group Out of Time.

Dancing begins at 8 p.m. with a grand march. All of the night’s dances will be instructed and prompted by professional historical dance preceptors. Prior dance experience is not necessary.

“If you can walk, you can do these dances,” McLane said.

Aside from the initial grand march and the last dance, which is always a waltz, most of the dances are done with groups rather than just a person’s date. McLane said the majority of the dancing often involves a set of four couples.

“This was and is a way to spend time with neighbors and friends, and to meet new people,” she said.

Formal attire is requested for the ball, and Civil War Era or Victorian period dress is encouraged. Victorian custom dictates the wearing of gloves by all dancers.

Wolf Catering will supply both hot and cold hors d’oeuvres for the first hour and a half of the event. Other refreshments at the ball will include a punch fountain, crudités, cheeses, coffee and tea, and a variety of desserts.

Tickets are $75 per adult or $55 per person under the age of 18 if purchased in advance, or $90 and $70, respectively, at the door. McLane said admission is limited to 100 people, so the dance floor won’t be overcrowded.

“The ball is done in a way that’s probably very close to how it would have been done back then,” she said. “This is the highlight of our social year. It’s a lot of fun and it’s for a good cause.”

For more information, email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call either 885-1077 or 377-4246.