Dances at the Vauxhall Masquerade
We will enjoy the full range of dance forms from the end of the 18th century all the way to 1820! This includes country dances, cotillions, Scotch reel, and that shocking new dance, the waltz.
We strongly encourage ball attendees to try to attend either the afternoon workshop the day of the ball or one of the advance workshops in New York City or Middletown. Even if you are already an experienced dancer, knowing the specific figures we will dance helps the ball run more smoothly for everyone. Less teaching at the ball = more dancing!
Please see below for the details on each of the three workshops.
Afternoon Pre-Ball Workshop, 2:00-4:30pm (Bumpkin practice 4:30-5:00)
This workshop is included in the price of the ball.
From 2:00-4:30pm, the workshop on the afternoon of the ball will cover steps and figures for the country dances for the ball, a cotillion, and a basic Scotch reel. The location is Trinity Lutheran Church, the same as the ball location.
From 4:30-5:00pm, there will be a special practice for the nine-person reel known as the Country Bumpkin. This dance will not be taught at the ball; if you want to dance it and do not already know it (or know this version of it), you need to attend this practice!
New York City Workshop: Sunday October 6th, 3:00-5:00pm
This workshop will be held at Spark Art Center, 161 W. 22nd Street between 6th and 7th, and will cover country dances, cotillion, and Scotch reel. The cost is $15 per person, and no advance reservation is necessary; pay at the door.
Middletown (CT) Workshop: Tuesday, October 8th, 8:15-9:30pm
This workshop will be held at Vinnie's Jump & Jive, 424 Main Street, Middletown, Connecticut, and will cover country dances, cotillion, and Scotch reel. The cost is $9 per person, and no advance reservation is necessary; pay at the door.