The Pride & Prejudice Ball ~ Winnipeg

**New for this event: a light, pre-Ball Dinner!

Pre-Ball Dance Class Dates:
May 15
May 29
June 5
June 12
All at Harrow United Church (Upper Hall) 1:30 – 4:00 p.m. See event link for details.

Delight your senses and step into a Jane Austen novel with the clothing, dancing, music, drink, and food of Regency England c. 1815.

You love Bridgerton, now you can live in it!

Imagine yourself transported to England circa 1815. It’s the world of Jane Austen, where Mr. Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennett are dancing by candlelight at the Netherfield Ball, where military heroes such as the Duke of Wellington have returned triumphant from the Napoleonic war, their regalia glittering, where there is dancing to live music, and where a frothy cup of syllabub is yours to sip with a room full of charming people.

You find yourself surrounded by the cheery sight of elegant, bejewelled ladies and dashing gentlemen who are all as delightful as they are delighted to find themselves with you in Regency England …all without the use of a time machine.

This event is an experience unlike any other you have imagined. You will immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of Regency England with beautiful, period appropriate clothing, dancing, music, drink, and food.

THE PRIDE & PREJUDICE BALL – WINNIPEG
In the Fort Garry Hotel’s 7th Floor Concert Ballroom

**NEW FOR THIS EVENT**
THE DINNER (5:00-6:15 pm; doors at 4:45 pm)

Enjoy a Regency era-inspired, light dinner of Regency White Soup, the Fort Garry’s famous bread, Regency Greens (salad), and beautiful Beef Stew. A Vegetarian meal of Mulligatawny Soup with a beautiful Vegetable tart is available as an option.

THE BALL (7:00-11:00 pm)

WHAT TO EXPECT:

You arrive between 4:30 and 4:45 p.m. if attending dinner, or 5:45 and 6:45 p.m. if arriving in time for the Ball. You make your way to the 7th Floor to register and mill about. You prepare your calling card for the upcoming promenade…you choose a fictitious “historic” name (unless, of course, you have a title!). Tonight, you have selected “The Duke and Duchess of Pembina-shire.”

You stroll around the beautiful Loggia, greeted by excited friends that have come to spend the evening with you.

After the ringing of the bell at 7:00 p.m., the Ballroom Doors open Room Promenade commences.

Lady Jane greets you warmly, and you are announced at the entrance to the ballroom. You take a formal stroll about the room to see and be seen. You sip a lovely punch and enjoy the immersive walk to a different time and place, accompanied by the music of the Pemberley Players chamber ensemble.

The promenade concludes and the first dance is announced at around 7:30 p.m.

The dancing takes place all evening with one ~30 min interval. Each dance lasts between 5 and 12 minutes, and 2 to 5 minute breaks are taken between each dance.

You dance all evening, guided by Lady Jane and accompanied by the Pemberley Players. Free from the grip of modernity, you are at liberty to relax and enjoy the evening at your own pace.

Light refreshments are provided, and the bartending staff is on hand at the cash bar with libations.
The room is alive with laughter and light, and you are glowing with the joy of an evening well-spent.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
No partner is necessary and no dance experience required. Many guests come solo, and many have never danced before. A dance partner is easily acquired, as it was commonplace in this period for people to dance with different partners over the course of an evening.

Dance lessons are very stongly recommended, even for returning guests, so that you can arrive at the ball ready to dance, just like you would have done in 1815. The dance lessons build community and are an essential part of the Ball experience. New Ball goers are asked to attend *at least one class*, so as to not impede the enjoyment of those who have invested in learning all of the dances.
(Please read the Lesson Details below.)

English Regency Era dress (c. 1800 – 1820) (or a reasonable facsimile) is mandatory, and the use of cell phones is not permitted in the Ball Room.

Dressing for the Event:
For Ladies, the bare minimum is a full-length gown in a soft fabric with fully covered shoulders. An empire waist is preferable but not mandatory. Think: floor-length straight-to-the-floor gown. Flat shoes are the best choice. Ladies are also welcome to wear regional / cultural formal dress appropriate to the early 19th century.

Gentlemen are asked to wear, at minimum, a suit worn with Oxford style dress shoes. A Regency-era ensemble of fall-front breeches, waistcoat, chemise, cravat, and Georgian frock coat is certainly encouraged. Gentlemen are also welcome to wear historical military attire, or other regional cultural dress appropriate to the early 19th century. This would include traditional Scottish attire (ex. Kilts), or any other formal cultural dress from the period.

Gender fluid / bending / swapping attire is absolutely encouraged. 🙂

Hosted by Lady Jane Productions
www.LadyJaneProductions.ca
For more information read the FAQ below or contact Lady Jane at mydearladyjane@gmail.com.

FAQ:

Q: Do I need to bring a DANCE PARTNER to the classes or to the Ball? May I attend the lessons and Ball solo or with a friend?A: You can come solo or with a friend! You do not need to come with a dance partner. The style of dance we will do is called English Country Dance and is not the same as Ballrooom Dancing. Many people choose to attend the Ball on their own and couples of all descriptions are welcome.

Q: Are DANCE LESSONS mandatory? (**PLEASE READ**)
A: Dance lessons are not mandatory, but they are one of the most wonderful parts of this event as they are the place where your community starts to grow! They are very strongly recommended if you have never done this kind of dance before, and are recommended anyway as a means to refresh your memory of the dances and socialize with your fellow ball-goers. These dances are very challenging to pick up at the Ball itself, and there is an expectation that all Ball-goers will take the time to consult the LJP Dance Tutorials. New Ball goers are asked to attend at least one dance class, so as to not impede the enjoyment of those who have invested in learning all of the dances. We want this event to be so fun for you that you “just can’t even” (!), so please familiarize yourself with the dances. This is essential! Register for the dance lessons by purchasing the “Dance Lessons” ticket(s) in addition to your ball ticket. Lessons take place on the Sunday afternoons listed from 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. (Sign in at 1:15 pm) Location TBD in Winnipeg, MB.

Q: I’ve never danced before. Are the dances difficult to learn and do?
A: You do not need to have any kind of dance experience to join in. Guests of all walks of life report that these dances are very accessible and easier than they thought. If you can walk briskly and count, you can take part in these dances. Also, there will be plenty of dancing throughout the evening, so you can always sit one out for a rest. Seating will be provided throughout the Ballroom, in the Lobby, and on the Mezzanine level.

Q: I’ve danced before. I’m not sure if I need to attend classes again?
A: That’s so great! The guests who have attended classes for all of the Balls tell me that they are so glad that they went to all the classes for multiple events because they are great social outings on their own. They also tell me that they didn’t realize how much they would forget, and how much they enjoy getting to see the people that will ultimately be at the Ball. It where the community is built, and confidence grows. 🙂

Q: What DANCES will we be doing?
A: We will be staying with a limited repertoire of dances for this Ball. Experience has shown that the more dances are the same from one event to the next, the more familiarity, comfort, and enjoyment guests experience. There’s the wonderful feeling of… “Oh! I love this one!”…which builds confidence and ensures enjoyment. We will add more dances along the way.

Q: How can I learn the dances if I can’t attend the classes?
A: It can be challenging to learn the dances without attending the classes. LJP provides video tutorials, as well as the written out dance figures (the steps) on the LJP website. Find some friends (you’ll need 3) and try them out!

Q: I don’t have anything to wear. How can I find an OUTFIT?
A: You have a few options. You can make something from a pattern or have something made for you, you can alter or repurpose an already existing garment, or you can rent an outfit from the lovely people at Harlequin Costumes (book early!). The idea is to find something lovely and comfortable that formal dress.

Q: I want to put together my own OUTFIT for the Ball, but I don’t know anything about what I need! Where to I start?A: Visit www.LadyJaneProductions.ca for details on “How to Dress for a Regency Ball.” You’ll find information and all kinds of resources such as pictures, patterns, fabric, clothing hacks, footwear, hairstyles, and accessories. LJP will also be hosting an event this winter for those interested in learning more about Regency-era clothing and accessories. It will be an interactive “Dressing up Regency” Tea. Watch Facebook and the website for details.

Q: I want to RENT a Regency Era ensemble. Where do I go?
A: Harlequin Costume is a great resource for the Ball. They have Regency / Napoleonic / Colonial era clothing for both Men and Women. They also have a tuxedo rental department if you’d like to wear a modern suit, and kilt rentals if you’d like to wear Scottish garments. Historical Army and Naval uniforms are a great option for men, and can sometimes be more readily acquired than Regency era civilian dress. Please note that Ladies are welcome to come in Gentlemen’s dress, and vice versa, should they choose.

Q: Once I have my Regency ensemble, will I ever be able to wear it again?
A: Yes! Lady Jane Productions produces this Ball twice a year: in the Fall and in the early Summer. There are other LJP events to dress up and “Live in History” (Summer Promenade, Winter Dinner Party), so there will be plenty of occasions to wear your ensemble.

Q: I don’t have any ACCESSORIES like gloves, fans, and stockings. Where can I get these specialty items?
A: LJP will connect you with the resources to acquire these items, as both are easily acquired online. You can also look for gloves at vintage clothing stores, or in your grandmother’s closet! LJP will place an order for socks, so these will be availble for purchase at the dance classes.

Q: What kinds of SHOES should I wear?
A: Flat shoes or shoes with less than 1″ heels work best. High heels were not worn at this time, and are not very comfortable for dancing. For gentlemen, a dress shoe works well. At the time, all Ball-goers would change into a dance slipper. Wear something that is comfortable for you.

Q: Will there be FOOD at the event? If yes, will my dietary restrictions be consisdered?
A: Yes, there will be limited food at the Ball. Punch will be provided and hors d’ouvres will be circulated throughout the evening. Please contact the organizer to let us know about any severe allergies (it is your reponsibility to contact us). All dietary requirements can be accommodated with adequate notice. Additionally, please speak with the serving staff to inquire about ingredients if you have allergy concerns.

Q: Will there be playing CARDS at the event?
A: Yes! There will be card tables set up where you can try your hand at WHIST!

Q: I’d like to have SUPPER before the Ball. Is there a restaurant on site?
A: Yes, a light dinner is available for this event. Alternately, the Palm Lounge will be available for dining all evening.

Q: Will there be a BAR at this event?
A: Yes, there will be a cash bar in the Ballroom, and the Palm Lounge is also available for Bar service on the main floor.

Q: Is there an AGE minimum to attend?
A: There is no formal age minimum, but we recommend that guests be at least 14 years of age, and minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult. The Ball is not suitable for young children, though it is possible that a very keen and well-behaved 12 or 13 year old, accompanied by an attentive adult, would do very well.

Q: I would really like to have PICTURES of the event. Is Photography permitted?
A: There will be a professional photographer capturing the event, and taking photographs of all guests. This service is included in the ticket price. You will be able to download these at no additional cost after the event. Please note that the use of cell phones and cameras is not permitted in the ballroom itself, but may be used anywhere else in the hotel. You may keep your cell phone on your person, but please do not use it in the Ballroom. This is to ensure that the illusion of stepping into the past is maintained in the Ballroom. Please note that some staff will use a cell phone in the Ballroom for social media coverage.

If you have any other questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Lady Jane. XO