Last night I went to my first Regency ball. I know, it is somewhat absurd that it has taken this long for me to attend one. Believe me, it is not for want of trying. I keep being out of town or otherwise scheduled when they occur.
Last night I pulled out my white sprigged muslin, which is the color most appropriate for a debutante. Even though I am an old married woman, since this was my first Regency ball I thought that I justified in treating it as though it were my coming-out. I added white kid gloves and pearl drop earrings as a nod to the formality of a ball.
(I do add the qualification first Regency ball because in my youth I did cotillion though was never a deb.)
The Oregon Regency Society threw an Autumn Assembly which was a lovely event. I had been quite nervous that my ensemble wouldn’t pass muster but the members of the ORS are very welcoming. Most of them make their own clothes and quite a few design them as well, so it was a lustrous occasion.
They had a dancing master or… rather, mistress, who taught the dances and then called them so that we could focus on having fun rather than remembering. It was a little like very genteel square dancing. But not in a square. And slower. Usually.
I’m afraid that I did not take my camera with me, but can offer you this photo that Miss Charlotte took. All in all it was a delightful evening and I look forward to the next event.
I’m delighted to hear you had a good time!
So – who was the dance mistress for your evening?
Even though I fiddle for English Country dance, I won’t demand the names of the band, though if you had Fred Nussbaum on cello his tenor-fiddling is superb, and worth going out of one’s way to a dance therewith.
I’m afraid I neglected to ask her name. The music was recorded.
Good gravy, you look fantastic and gorgeous in that outfit. I love how you do your hair, as well, the natural waves and curls you have are so very very period.
Congratulations on your debut!
Thank you! I do enjoy dressing up.
I can’t believe it’s only the first one!
But, I am sure there’s more to come.
Not for want of trying!