Jane Austen Ball/Dance Class/Info
Events
Dear Dancers,
I have been asked to conduct a “Jane Austen” ball (English Regency era, often considered from 1780 to 1830), and am working to put one together within the next year. For those of you who want to know, “What is a Jane Austen Ball?,” think of the movies, “Sense and Sensibility” and “Pride and Prejudice,” for example. This era pre-dates Victorian, and the dances are flirtatious and can be quite easy. Many of the dances are done in “Contra” formation, e.g., long lines facing each other with ones and twos working their way up and down the hall, along with Cotillions and Quadrilles. (For those of you worried this will be a stuffy affair, full of rules that you have to worry you will accidentally break…don’t. It’s me we’re talking about here. Let’s have fun.)
If you search on YouTube for Jane Austen Balls, you will find many examples from across the country, some more impressive than others. : ) Of course, watching the dance scenes from the movies will give you an idea of the elegance and romance we are striving to achieve.
A quick online search revealed the following two of many informative links:
Costumes for both men and women are easily obtained. I will provide many resources when the time comes. Here’s just a couple of online sources of information to get you started:
http://www.gentlemansemporium.com/store/vict_mens_30.php
I will be sending out more information as it develops. In the meantime, if you’d like to have a sampling, Chris Kermiet teaches a monthly class on this style of dance, and I encourage you to attend. If anyone would like to join me at his class in Denver this Saturday (info below), please drop me a line to let me know, and I will RSVP to Chris.
This class is not a costumed event. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Many of the ladies wear casual skirts, but feel free to come as you are. If you wish to know about other upcoming dances where Chris will teach, please email him and ask to be added to his email list directly:
Chris Kermiet – English Country Dancing and other old-time dances - k...@indra.com
English Country Dances are direct ancestors of our American contra dances. Early American dances from the revolutionary and colonial era may also be included. All dances are taught and walked through. Figures are taught as needed. Easier dances at the beginning of the evening lead up to more elegant and graceful dances by the end of the evening. No partner or previous experience needed.
Hope to see you at Chris’ class this Saturday!
Sincerely,
Sharon Guli
Please join us for the
English Country Dance
next Saturday, October 15th.
Visit our new website at denverenglishdance.com
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8:00 — 11:00 pm at the Berkeley Community Church, 3701 West 50th Ave in Denver (near Regis).
There is no lesson, and figures are taught as needed. Easier dances at the beginning of the evening lead up to more elegant and graceful dances by the end of the evening. No partner or previous experience needed. Adults $10, teens/students, $5, family rate, $25. Chris Kermiet teaches to live music.
A personal note — I'd like to thank you all for your support for the English Country Dances. As many of you know, CFOOTMAD is no longer supporting this event, so we'd like very much to break even this fall. We only need 10 more dancers to do it! Please forward this email to your friends and encourage them to join us.