For two years now, a congenial group of gentlefolk has gathered in Bluemont, Virginia, for a delightful evening of English Country dancing, good conversation and Regency-era delicacies. Charming and graceful ladies complemented attentive and cordial gentlemen. Live musicians played excellently well, and everyone enjoyed an evening of frivolity and lighthearted good cheer. Unfortunately, there is not a 2000 Ball in the works, since our hall has been reserved ahead of us, and the two co-founders of the ball have been unable to secure another. But we hope you enjoy the pictures from our last two gatherings, and follow the links at the bottom for more information on the delightful pastime of English Country Dancing and the Regency Era--when Jane Austen delighted readers, London was the centre of the universe, and everyone dressed in the best of taste.

Our delightful dance instructors, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Malson-Ruckman, arrive and prepare to lead us all in set.

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Left to right: Mrs. Elizabeth Hocker, dressed in her stunning pelisse, chats with Mary Dotson (back to camera); our callers chat with Lt. Mallinak, Miss Norvell and Mrs. Ihde; Miss Kellie McHugh awaits a partner; The Lyons Family poses for a portrait.

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Several dancers pause to show us their wonderful costumes.
Left to Right: Miss Heather Dovan, Mrs. Teri Simonds, Miss Bethany Peterson, Mr. and Mrs. George Hocker, Mr. and Mrs. Dotson.

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The dance is about to begin. Groups of couples wait for the music,
then walk through the steps as they are taught.

(Click on the thumbnail for larger image.) Christine Malson-Ruckman calls the dance. Isn't her costume the height of elegance?

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Friends meet and greet at the ball. You may notice that the ladies outnumber the gentlemen in these pictures. With Elizabeth Bennet we can say, "Gentlemen were lacking, and more than one lady was in want of a partner!" We hope to beat the shrubberies next year in search of more gents who will render their services as amiable partners.

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Left to right: Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins head to the floor; two couples prepare to begin the set; a group gathers to chat at the end of the dance.

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Left to right: Miss Jenna Pocoroba and Miss Sarah Durkee smile for the camera; several lovely ladies wait for partners; Mr. and Mrs. Ihde rest between sets.

Here is the refreshment table, loaded with tarts, cakes, ginger bread, cookies and punch.

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A final look at some of the wonderful costumed participants.

1998 Photos

The imposing Mr. George Hocker and his lovely wife, Elizabeth, arrive, accompanied by the demure Miss Stacy Hampton. Mr. Hocker crafted his own amazing suit, and Mrs. Hocker made her exquisite gown. I made Miss Hampton's.

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Above, left: A group of gentleman chat at the ball.
Center: Everyone enjoys the Regency refreshments and candlelight.
Right: Miss Melissa Carpenter shows us the beautiful gown she made for the ball.

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Above, left: Miss Kathy Norvell and Lt. David Mallinak meet Mrs. Jennie Chancey.
Center: Miss Karen Goldman shows us the La Mode Bagatelle gown I made for her. (Note: This one is not a thumbnail--just a teensy photo!)
Right: A group of ladies chat while waiting for the music to begin.
Mrs. Chancey wears her "maternity" ballgown--shocking!

Our dancing master, Mr. Fricke, and the graceful Miss Jayme Farris lead off a set. Miss Farris's gown is a Sense and Sensibility original.

Such elegant dancing! Lt. Mallinak in his smart regimentals certainly could lead a set, and his delightful partner, Miss Norvell, added such charm and grace.

Here we proceed "up a double," gents leading ladies with care.

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Above, left: Mr. David Ethell and Miss Farris take a turn.
Center: Couples wait for the music to begin.
Right: Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Chancey enjoy the waltz.

Mr. Chancey leads the elegant Miss Goldman through a turn.

"First" couples join in the middle of the set for a turn.

Mr. Ihde dances with Miss Farris.

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Above, left: Mr. Ethell and Mr. Joshua Chancey give us a dignified pose.
Center: Dancers gather in groups to visit between sets.
Right: Mrs. Tenby Ihde and Miss Carolyn Esau enjoy the candlelit atmosphere.

A final glimpse at the refreshment table, complete with silver candlesticks, damask cloth and delicious treats waiting to be eaten.

Links to English Country Dancing Sites

The Hawaiian Contradancers "Pride and Prejudice" Dance Page

The SCA Dance "Cheat Sheets"

The English Dance Catalogue: Where to Go to Find the Music!

Links to Regency Sites

The Republic of Pemberley
Many of the ball attendees had previously "met" through the wonderful Republic site.
Be sure to drop by and visit the many fascinating discussion forums.

Jessamyn's Regency Costume Companion
Certainly one of the finest sources on Regency dress available.
Jessamyn tells you where to find the perfect outfit and accessories and includes tips on hairstyles and outerwear.

Cathy Decker's Regency Costume Site
Beautiful, top-notch site full of original fashion plates, portraits, and museum photos.

My Page of Regency Images
My own small collection of fashion plates and other sources of Regency fashion.

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Thank you to Victorian Elegance for the beautiful background!