Tag Archives: balls
Advice on Good Taste from A Lady of Distinction
Most are not born with good taste, they must learn it from someone like A Lady of Distinction. If you missed the first part of this series, you can find links at the bottom of this post. Given the very negative impact dressing improperly could have on a young lady in society, one could hardly blame said young ladies and their mothers for seeking advice from those who might know better than themselves. Enter ‘A … Continue reading →
Undress, Half Dress, Full dress? What’s a Girl to do?
Undress, Half Dress or Full Dress. What’s the difference and why did it matter? This month the focus is all about the Netherfield Ball. And what are a young lady’s first thoughts about when invited to a ball? What to wear of course! Not surprisingly, the sort of ball being held would determine appropriate dress for the evening. An event like the Meryton Assembly, a public ball, might only call for ‘half dress’, nice by … Continue reading →
Planning a Ball
In Pride and Prejudice, Caroline Bingley is required to plan the Netherfield ball in something on the order of two weeks. What did planning a ball really require? Planning a Ball Most of us have, at some time or another been called upon to host an event. The frenzy, stress and excitement are familiar to us all, as is the way they all increase with the size and importance of the event–which helps explain the … Continue reading →
A look at Regency Dancing, part 1
Dances of the Regency era were lively and bouncy. Ladies pinned up the trains of their ball gowns for ease in performing the steps. Steps ranged from simple skipping to elaborate ballet-style movements. Country dances, the scotch reel, cotillion, quadrille made up most of the dancing. Many versions of these dances existed and often the lady of the leading couple would get to select the specific one that was to be danced. In the … Continue reading →