Two dancers practice their moves at a European-style masquerade, held in a Beijng hotel over the weekend. [Photos by Zou Hong / China Daily]

Inside a large carpeted room, people in vintage-style masks and formal clothes were grouped in fours and working through the steps of late 19th century European dances. Women dressed in baroque evening gowns greeted men with courtesies and the men returned their greetings with bows. They walked in figure eights and clapped each other's hands in time to the Kaiserwalzer. This European-style masquerade is not from a British movie, but seen at the fifth floor of Yongdingmen Hotel last Sunday. Dressed in magenta, Guo Keli, one of the event organizers, patiently taught different groups the dance step by step. "One-two-three-four, and turn," said Guo through a microphone as she waltzed in front of curious eyes.

At first, nervous participants giggled at their clumsiness. Still, the formal setting encouraged them to learn the dance well.

More women than men attended this event, possibly because they were eager to wear gowns with elegant floral designs, shining sequins and fluffy crinolines.

A pair of dancers strike a pose. [China Daily]

Guo Keli (left) joins in with her students. [China Daily]

The group used to meet in parks and dance in ordinary clothes, but some of the women wanted something fancier.

"Women wanted a princess experience, so we organized this event," explained Romansi, a 29-year-old Chinese office worker.

Some of the participants said they believe that dancing is a good way for people to relax after work.

Indeed, most of the 40 participants who chattered behind their feathered masks are office workers. Some read about this event online and asked their friends to come along with them.

Gao Yuanwei, an amateur dancer and another organizer of the event, rented the extravagant gowns for about 150 yuan each per night, necessitating a 100-yuan per person general entrance fee.

Gao said that she danced frequently in college, but after graduation, she couldn't find anywhere suitable to dance.

"At parks, most of the people dancing are old, while night club environments are uncomfortable," she said.