
The retro Valentine’s dance was the brainchild of 25-year-old Sarah Scheideman, who is determined to bring back the art of romance.
It’s also a radical departure from Scheideman’s most recent event, a punk-inspired “Something From Nothing” party that drew more than 500 people and had a full lineup of hip-hop, rockabilly and high desert electro bands.
Where that event was all about immersing yourself in art, the retro dance is about becoming it.
“A costume party allows the people to be art,” Scheideman says. “You can get your hair done up, put on something fun and really get into character.”
The event will be held Feb. 13 at the Ace Hotel in Palm Springs.
The semi-formal festivities include live music from Evaro, frosted cupcakes and a prom-style photo backdrop for snapshots cute enough to keep in your wallet.
Plus, DJ Alf Alpha will be spinning the hits of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s on vinyl, complete with scratches and pops.
“Nobody really does this kind of stuff anymore for Valentine’s Day,” Scheideman says. “It’s time to make it fun again.”
So far, tickets have already been purchased by snowbirds from Canada, skaters from Blythe, and everyone in between.
“I get so excited about seeing a bunch of random people come together,” says Scheideman, who writes the Coachella Valley Arts Scene blog. “I’m big into community, and that’s the whole idea.”

