REGENCY CHRISTMAS BALL | 11th DECEMBER
Presented by Amy Lawrence
Friday 11th December
7pm-10pm
Tickets £35
Holy Trinity Church, Guildford High Street, GU1 3RR
Ages 18+
Members Booking Opens - 12th October
General Booking Opens - 16th October
Booking Closes - Friday 4th December
“Fine dancing, I believe, like virtue, must be its own reward.”
Well said Ms Austen!
After such a splendid affair last year, GSC's Regency Christmas Ball returns for you to follow in the footsteps of your favourite Jane Austen characters.
The evening will include a range of dances, called by Amy Lawrence, movement director of our internationally-acclaimed Pride & Prejudice. Absolutely no dance experience is necessary, and though not mandatory, Regency is dress is heartily recommended!
Join us for an enchanting evening of music, dancing and Regency splendour in the surroundings of Surrey’s largest Georgian church.
Licenced bar onsite.
NOTE: if you are a wheelchair user or have accessibility requirements please email us directly to answer any questions.
Dance protocols for the evening:
- In the spirit of the Regency Ball, you will not always dance with the partner you arrived with, but change partners throughout the evening.
- Guests do not need to come with a partner.
- Dances are group experiences.
- No dance experience is necessary.
- Full instructions will be given during the evening.
- On arrival guests will be issued with a dance card, indicating which dances they will be involved in.
REGENCY DANCE WORKSHOP
If you're looking to brush up on your regency dance steps before the ball itself, why not book into our Regency Dance workshop. Pick up some of the dance steps in a relaxed environment and perhaps even get an idea of who you'll want on your dance card for the following week! No regency attire, partner, or previous experience required.
Date: Friday 4th December, 7pm - 9pm
Cost: £20
Venue: GSC Rehearsal Rooms, GreenArk, Lido Road, Guildford, GU1 1HB
Ages 18+
GET THE REGENCY LOOK...
Though Regency fashions are not obligatory, guests are encouraged to enter into the spirit of the evening. Remember, Bridgerton wasn't purely traditional, so think fabulous! Here're some familiar faces to give you inspiration.
Women
- Empire-waist dresses: light, flowing fabrics like muslin or silk, styled with high-set waists, low necklines, and short sleeves.
- Hairstyles: inspired by classical Greek and Roman statues, adorned with ribbons or flowers
- Shawls: Often made of fine cashmere or silk, sometimes featuring a Paisley pattern.
- Bonnets: Worn outdoors and decorated with feathers or ribbons.
- Gloves: Wrist-length for day and over-the-elbow for evening.
Gentlemen
- Tailcoats were common, with a high collar and a front that was cut away at the waist to form long tails at the back.
- Waistcoats cut short and straight, often in a contrasting colour or patterned fabric to add visual interest.
- Shirts and cravats were high-collared white linen, finished with a starched white cravat tied in one of many intricate styles.
- Trousers and boots: Breeches that reached the knee gradually gave way to longer, tightly fitted pantaloons and then to trousers. Often tucked into boots.
- Hats: The tall, cylindrical top hat became the most fashionable choice!
Here's some local costume hire links:
https://pranksterstheatre.org.uk/costume-hire/
https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/hampshire-wardrobe
GSC does not stock Regency costumes