Ah, I have much experience of 50s style gowns. Fiendish things to wear, but oh-so-pretty.

The secret to getting a dress like that to stay up is in making sure it fits well under the bust, where the ribbing is in that picture. It ought to be a snug fit so that that part of the dress isn't slipping when you move. That way, so long as the bust of the dress isn't too big for you, it won't need to be stapled and superglued into place, because the rest of the dress will be holding you.

Then, as elettaria says, have a good bra (general guideline is that it ought to cost more than the bloody dress ;) ) I also agree that if straps can be managed, it might be a good idea, considereing it's a ceilidh.

Hope you have fun.