by Zarabeth, guest blogger
So some of you may recognize me as a frequent reviewer for Keira in historical romances from Regency and Highlander for LRP. Recently I attended a ball and danced with a series of heroes--no I'm not talking about a new romance novel. I really did spend the last two months sewing a period appropriate ball gown, learning period appropriate dances, and then spent a wonderful night reveling in my success (relatively minor though they may be). The ball was set in 1866, just after the end of the American Civil War in a little northern town to celebrate the homecoming of our soldiers and politicians.
I built my dress out of many many yards of a beautifully embroidered green silk and a ruched green satin for the overskirt. The stays and other undergarments/petticoats are a light muslin suitable for a summer ball. The hoop skirt is just tulle and flexible steel boning, as well as the structure of the bodice. I do have to mention that I have never used a sewing machine until this experience so I am particularly proud of my results.
Aside from the process of dress making--one that makes me truly appreciate every modiste on Bond St--I had the opportunity to learn a number of dances. I am happy to report that I only fell twice. I suppose I won't be finding any husbands on the dance floor... The waltz (you know the one where all of our heroes and heroines first fall in love because they fit so perfectly together) absolutely requires a great deal of skill on his part and the grace to follow without tripping over either of them (or her dress) on her part.
The polka is a fast paced jaunt around the room which requires less communication, but a substantial amount of coordination. At least here there are no specific steps needed. The other dances are all great fun where couples dance together trading partners and twirling about. Most of these dances really only require partners to hold hands and not for very long.
I absolutely have a better understanding of how these events could be the most social interaction a young woman would have with the opposite sex. It was wonderfully fun and enlightening. I highly recommend trying something like this if you have any interest. Of course reading blogs and books is great too!
Want to see more photos of the ball?
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This post was written by...
Zarabeth Golden – who has written 23 posts on Love Romance Passion.
Zarabeth's favorite heroines are inevitably spinsters, her favorite subgenre is Highlander, and the more those two combine the happier her favorite shelf will be. Learn more about Zarabeth in her Reader Highlight.
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Zarabeth,
Your gown is lovely! I admit I can’t even sew a button on, and my late grandmother was a seamstress! She tried many-a-time to teach me sewing and knitting to no avail. It’s just not part of my DNA I suppose. Love your post, very nice.
@Zarabeth — I guess we know why they had all those dancing lessons and instructors!!!! So they wouldn’t trip on their feet and dresses. Ouch. Glad you’re okay!
@Susan S. — Naw. I think everybody can learn to sew/knit and do it well you just have to want to and face it most people don’t need to make a living sewing/knitting anymore so nobody learns. It’s a skill most ppl don’t bother with.