Victorian Fairy Tale Ball Workshop

$10.00

Our Victorian Fairy Tale Ball will feature country dances and quadrilles from the late 19th century, and beginners are encouraged to attend - this workshop provides an opportunity to break down select dances from the evening in greater detail and to get a chance to try them out prior to the evening’s festivities.

No partner is required - as was expected during the 19th century, we encourage dancers to change partners throughout the workshop.

Note that at our events we use the terms “lead” and “follow” to refer to the roles in the dance. All dancers are welcome to dance either role regardless of gender identity or presentation, and you’ll often find members of Footwork & Frolick switching between roles throughout the event.

We recommend comfortable modern clothes for practice. Those attending the workshop are welcome to leave things at the Ayer Town Hall while heading out to dinner, and will be able to return early for the ball to change into their evening attire.

Our Victorian Fairy Tale Ball will feature country dances and quadrilles from the late 19th century, and beginners are encouraged to attend - this workshop provides an opportunity to break down select dances from the evening in greater detail and to get a chance to try them out prior to the evening’s festivities.

No partner is required - as was expected during the 19th century, we encourage dancers to change partners throughout the workshop.

Note that at our events we use the terms “lead” and “follow” to refer to the roles in the dance. All dancers are welcome to dance either role regardless of gender identity or presentation, and you’ll often find members of Footwork & Frolick switching between roles throughout the event.

We recommend comfortable modern clothes for practice. Those attending the workshop are welcome to leave things at the Ayer Town Hall while heading out to dinner, and will be able to return early for the ball to change into their evening attire.

Event Details

What time are the ball and workshop?

Afternoon class: 3:30 - 5pm

Doors open: 6:30pm

Ball: 7-10pm

Dancing will begin just after 7pm. If you attend the afternoon class, you will be able to leave any items or changes of clothes at the hall in between, and you will be able to change in the hall if desired. If you do not attend the class, we ask that you arrive in your ball attire as there is limited changing space in Ayer Town Hall.

What will the dancing be like?

Set dances (often long lines or squares walking through patterns) will be taught during the evening, and all dances are selected with beginners in mind. All dancing will be done to recordings of period music.

For those who would like to spend more time with late 19th century dancing, we encourage you to attend Quadrillion! Our Fall series will focus on the dances that will appear on our ball program. You can attend a single month or purchase a session package for the classes at a discounted rate.

Do I need a partner?

As was considered polite in the 19th century, we encourage guests to change partners throughout the evening. You do not need to bring a specific partner, although we encourage groups to attend - the more the merrier!

Note that at our events we use the terms “lead” and “follow” to refer to the roles in the dance. All dancers are welcome to dance either role regardless of gender identity or presentation, and you’ll often find members of Footwork & Frolick switching between roles throughout the event.

Location

Ayer Town Hall: 1 Main St, Ayer, MA 01432.

As in many historical halls, the ballroom is on the second floor.

What to Wear

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in whatever feels fancy and elegant. Historical costumes (traditional, fantastical, or fancy dress) will be admired but are certainly not required. We do recommend flat or low heeled shoes, as modern high heels are not conducive to historical dances.

Cancellation Policies

Ticket Sales

Tickets are non-refundable but are transferable: If you are unable to attend the ball and would like to transfer your ticket to someone else, please email admin@footworkandfrolick.org.

Weather

If weather conditions are deemed dangerous for driving or a weather emergency is called for the town or state, the event may be canceled. In the event of a weather cancellation, you will receive an email notification at the address you entered when you purchased your ticket and your ticket will be refunded.

Public Health

COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged to attend Footwork & Frolick events. We also encourage those who are eligible to get flu boosters and RSV vaccines. While we will not be checking proof of vaccination, we ask that attendees practice transmission prevention by staying up to date on vaccines, testing if experiencing symptoms, and staying home when ill. 

Dancing requires contact with other people - even if you only have a cold, please wear a mask or skip this time! We are happy to transfer your ticket in the event of an illness. 

Masks are not required, but we encourage anyone who would prefer to do so to wear one.

We want our events to be accessible to as many people as possible, which means everyone in our community needs to do their part to prevent disease transmission and we will do our best to follow local, state, and federal health guidelines. If you have questions or concerns please email admin@footworkandfrolick.org.

Code of Conduct

All attendees are required to abide by the Footwork & Frolick Code of Conduct.