Jane Austen Ball coming to Wayne Center for the Arts
The Jane Austen Ball will take place March 29 at Wayne Center for the Arts.
Step back into 18th century England later this month for the Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, March 29 at Wayne Center for the Arts, 237 S. Walnut St., Wooster. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students and may be purchased until 5 p.m. on March 28. Visit canvas.wayneartscenter.org/events/31 or call 330-264-2787. Beginner instruction will be offered at 6:30 p.m. with dancing from 7-10 p.m.
The Wooster Jane Austen Ball was started in 2017 by Wooster Dance. Susan English will teach and call dances at the ball.
“You can find Jane Austen Balls on several continents, some sponsored by the Jane Austen Society and others sponsored by dance groups like ours,” English said. “The Wooster Jane Austen Ball is special because it includes a variety of dances that were actually done in the time of Jane Austen including some of her favorites.”
English explained the connection between Jane Austen and the balls.
“Jane Austen often attended English country dances and used them as the backdrop in a number of her novels,” she said. “Her characters often make and break relationships at dances, or they hear gossip that guides them in finding a life partner.”
The public event does not require any special dance training or knowledge.
“You must be able to walk briskly and follow directions,” English said.
And it isn’t necessary to attend with a partner. Partners change during the evening, and everyone is encouraged to dance with people they don’t know.
What kind of dancing does one do at a Jane Austen Ball?
“This is set dancing such as you may have seen in a Jane Austen film,” English said. “Everyone has a partner, but we change partners every dance. We use hand contact and eye contact to keep together and enjoy the dancing.”
The dances will include longways sets for an unlimited number of couples, three-couple sets, big circles and squares.
“This year we will actually dance to the music of a square for 12 from 1780. We will do a Tambourine Dance from 1755. We will also do a longways set dance from 1795 to music in waltz time,” English said.
Costumes or comfortable dress clothing is encouraged.
“The costume can be from 18th century England,” English said, “or any kind of costume you want.”
She said women can make a costume by taking an old dress and tying a ribbon to create an empire waistline. Men can make a cravat from a plain scarf. Shoes should slide but not slip. Leather soles work best.
There will be light refreshments and live music provided by Fourpence. The performing group includes professional musicians Mike Deyo on fiddle, Stephanie Musselman on keyboard, Cid Cayhoe on pennywhistle and Linda Hershberger-Kirk on cello.
“Our goal is to create a friendly and welcoming community of new and experienced dancers,” English said.
Who might enjoy a Jane Austen Ball?
“People who like any kind of music and dance,” she said. “This includes people who have done square dance, contra dance, English dance, ballroom, disco, or any kind of historical or international folk dance.”
The Jane Austen Ball is limited to 100 dancers. Walk-ins will be cash only if space is available. For more information visit www.woosterdance.com or call 330-347-8155.