Just in time for the Valentine’s Day season, the Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) will be hosting a romantic Regency-era costume ball, called the Cyprians Ball, at the San Mateo Masonic Hall on Saturday, Feb. 16. The Cyprians Ball is based on the historical truth that courtesans of the Georgian and Regency eras held balls where they could shop around for new “protectors.” This popular annual historical re-creation event features flirtatious Regency and English country dances as well as passionate waltzes.
All the country dances are taught by caller Alan Winston. You don’t need to have prior knowledge of these dances and you don’t need to bring a partner with you. The Divertimento Dance Orchestra led by James Langdell will be providing beautiful dance music from the period.
The ball starts at 8:00 p.m. and ends at 11:30 p.m. There will be breaks where savory and sweet treats will be served as well as refreshing drinks.
As for costuming, costumes both scandalous and demure are welcome but not required. However, costuming will make you feel like you’re in a scene from a Jane Austen novel. So for costuming inspiration, look no further than TV and movie versions of any of the author’s works such as “Pride and Prejudice” (this year is the 200th anniversary of its publication) and “Sense and Sensibility.” Whether you come in costume or not, the evening is sure to be a delightful and lively event.
For more information about the ball, go to: http://baers.org/Cyprians_2013.jpg. Tickets are $20 at the door or you can purchase them in advance for $15 via Paypal until Friday, Feb. 15, at: http://baers.org/ (click on the “Add to Cart” yellow button).
Copyright 2013, Jean Martin.
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