2026 A “Taste of Labyrinth”

Sep 9

3 min read

Updated: Sep 30

August 2nd • South Pasadena Masonic Lodge

💖 A Wonderful Afternoon Together

For one weekend each year, the Historical Tea and Dance Society transforms into the Dreaming Court, presiding over the Throne Room at the infamous Labyrinth Masquerade! Our Taste of Labyrinth workshop is a magical opportunity for elves, fairies, goblins and even the occasional human to learn the enchanted Throne Room dances.

Despite the 90 degree heat, 30 participants arrived early to learn the Rotary Waltz Survival tips, taught with grace by the lovely Whitton Frank.

The main dance workshop followed, welcoming even more attendees, all eager to learn the dances of the Dreaming Court! Darlene Hamilton lead us through each dance, blessing us as always with the joy of dance.

🦋 Dancing & Merriment

The program for the afternoon included the Grande Promenade and Fairy Circle Dance, both easy step dances. Others, such as the Courtly Introduction, were "scatter dances," requiring couples to find new couples in a fun chaos on the dance floor.

These and other magical dances led to the elegant Congress of Vienna Waltz, a more advanced choreographed favorite waltz. With guidance from our dance leader, Darlene, and the patient assistance of our red-sashed Dreaming Court dancers, MANY newcomers could successfully join in the fun!

🫖 Tea Time

Of course, no gathering of the Dreaming Court would be complete without a proper Tea Time! A generous spread of homemade scones, savory bites, sweet treats, and plentiful tea offered a delicious pause amid the afternoon's dancing and merriment.

❤️ The People Who Made the Day Possible

Rotary Waltz Survival Tips & Tricks

Whitton Frank removed all terror from the prospect of dancing the rotary waltz! Her waltz survival tips and tricks allowed attendees to participate with confidence.

Main Workshop Dance Leader

HTDS founder Darlene Hamilton brought her signature energy to the dance floor, leading an afternoon of lively and imaginative dances for newcomers and longtime dancers alike. As the original creator of our Throne Room dances, Darlene has helped shape the dancing and merriment at the heart of this HTDS tradition.

✨2026 HTDS Dreaming Court

Dreaming Court Program Director:

Darlene Hamilton ~ Darlene develops the Dreaming Court dance program, including dance selection, adaptation and original choreography, as well as the ambient and waltz-set music programming.