‘Bridgerton’ fever inspires Regency-era dancing at Gore Place
At Gore Place’s upcoming workshops on popular dances, attendees won’t be learning the Charleston, Twist, Hustle or Macarena. Instead, they’ll be mastering the steps of Lord Byron’s Maggot and other Regency-period “longways” dances from England.
“I was noticing because of shows like ‘Bridgerton’ people were getting more interested in the period,” said Ruth Levin, a retired modern dance and ballet instructor.
After becoming interested in vintage dance forms (including those from the Regency period), Levin brought the idea to Gore Place officials to hold classes and a grand event. The estate, which is described on its website as a “museum, working farm, and community resource,” agreed and hosted its first Winter Regency Ball last year.
“The historical and political definition of the Regency is the period from 1811 to 1820 when George IV, Prince of Wales, governed the country as prince regent when his father George III was considered unfit to rule due to mental illness,” according to the BBC. “But culturally the term is applied to the years 1795-1837.”
This year Levin will lead two dance workshops at Gore Place on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24, ahead of the Winter Regency Ball in the estate’s grand hall on Feb. 7. The facility also will sponsor a discussion about fashion of the era on Jan. 18.
Back in vogue
Leah Kotok, programs manager at Gore Place, said the historic home has seen increased interest and participation.
“There is a noticeable uptick in younger participants … and I think it is because of ‘Bridgerton’ and recent [Jane] Austen adaptations,” she said.
“Bridgerton,” a book series written by Julia Quinn that was made into a Netflix TV show, is set in a romanticized, brightly colored version of the era. By a lucky coincidence the latest season of the show debuts on Jan. 29, just before Gore Place’s ball.
Unsurprisingly, the books and show feature many grand galas, which at the time were “basically marriage markets,” said Levin. “You can tell a lot from dancing with somebody.”
Longways, or English country dances, feature groups performing in two long lines across from each other. Participants weave in and out, and eventually everyone gets a chance to interact on the dance floor. During the period, people would be separated by sex, but Levin said at the Gore ball, attendees can be in whichever line they prefer.
In addition to teaching Lord Byron’s Maggot, Levin will instruct dancers how to perform Haste to the Wedding, Dover Pier, Money in Both Pockets and Well Hall.
Trip back in time
Kotok said attendees treat the ball “almost like living history.” Live music will be performed by the band Spare Parts, adding to the authentic feel of the event.
At last year’s ball, many people wore period-style clothing, which will be discussed in detail during the Jan. 18 Regency Fashion Talk.
Some participants commission bespoke outfits created by skilled modern seamstresses. Others go online to find stylish Regency-style garments, including lace-up boots.
Empire waist dresses, where the waist seam is sewn below the bust, were the height of fashion at the time for women.
“It’s basically like wearing a nightgown,” said Levin. “I think the men [attending the Gore event] have it harder.”
Regency fashion for men included a tailcoat, waistcoat, shirt, trousers, neckcloth, hat, shoes/boots and stockings, not to mention accessories.
The fashion talk will feature a person modeling replica clothing because actual pieces from the period are fragile. They will also demonstrate the order in which attendees donned clothing for a ball.
Details
The Regency Dance Workshops take place on Jan. 10 and Jan. 24, both from 2 to 4 p.m. You do not have to attend the workshops in order to attend the ball.
The Regency Fashion Talk takes place on Jan. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m.
The Winter Regency Ball takes place on Feb. 7 from 7 to 10 p.m.; rain date on Feb. 8 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Workshop general admission is $25. Ball plus one workshop is $85. Ball plus two workshops is $95.
Gore Place is located at 52 Gore St. Click here for more information on upcoming activities.
