Janepic

Jane Austen's Birthday Dance

Saturday, December 17, 2011
2:30-5:30 pm
Masonic Hall, 1950 Massachusetts Avenue, Porter Square
Cambridge, Massachusetts


"Imagine to yourself everything most profligate and shocking in the way of dancing and sitting down together."
-- Jane Austen to her sister Cassandra, letter of January 9, 1796


Join dance historian Susan de Guardiola for a lively afternoon of early nineteenth century dance to celebrate (slightly late) the 235th anniversary of Jane Austen's birth (December 16, 1775)!

Dances will include the lively country dances of the era plus the Boulanger, Sir Roger de Coverley, and perhaps some of those scandalous new waltzes! No partner is needed and all dances and steps will be taught. All levels of experience are welcome!

dancers

"...he seemed quite struck with Jane as she was going down the dance. So he inquired who she was, and got
introduced, and asked her for the two next. Then, the two third he danced with Miss King, and the two fourth
with Maria Lucas, and the two fifth with Jane again, and the two sixth with Lizzy, and the Boulanger..."

-- Mrs. Bennet to Mr. Bennet, Pride and Prejudice, Chapter III


Music will be from dance band Spare Parts' beautiful CD, The Regency Ballroom, as featured in the recent movie Bright Star, and other dance music of the period. Light refreshments made from recipes in an Austen family cookbook will be served.

Dress Code: no shorts, no T-shirts. Please bring clean shoes to dance in. Period daytime costume is encouraged and admired but definitely NOT required.

Admission is $10 per person; students with ID $5.00. Under 13 free with parent or guardian.

For more information, please email Susan de Guardiola You can also join us on Facebook or download a printable flier here to share with your friends at events!