Country Sets & Fancy Cakes: Getting Ready for the May Blossoms Ball
When the Bridgerton-watching members of Footwork & Frolick got to episode 4 of season 5, there was much exclaiming. (For those of you unfamiliar, you can see the scene on Youtube below or through the link here). While not a faithfully accurate reconstruction of an early 19th century dance, Hyacinth’s “longwise set” is probably the closest in spirit to the Regency ballroom that we’ve seen in the series so far. For starters, a “longwise set” is a real 19th century term: it is the name of the configuration in which dancers form long lines down the length of the ballroom with partners facing each other. Typically in a longwise set dance, the couple at the top (and sometimes additional couples the length of the set) begin as “actives” and lead the choreography of the dance, working their way down the room by dancing progressively down the set with the couples below them, until they reach the bottom and are no longer active. If you’ve ever attended an F&F event and danced a country dance in longwise sets with us, you’ve experienced this! And looking at the choreography of Hyacinth’s dance many of the figures are recognizable as well: circles of 6, cast down the set, and pousettes are all figures popular in period dances.
And we’re excited to share a little reconstruction of Hyacinth’s dance on the program at our May Blossoms Ball on May 16th!
In addition to preparing a variety of beginner-friendly dances for your frolicking feet, we’ve been hard at work on a refreshments menu to delight your senses. In our third year, it seems fair to say that a sword cake cutting has become an annual tradition…and one we think her majesty Queen Charlotte (or Lady Whistledown herself) would approve of. We’ll also be serving a range of period-inspired fare both sweet and savory - with vegan and gluten free items as always. And don’t forget the punch!
So we’re off to stack the China, gather the wisteria, and prepare the musicians. See you next Saturday!
Still need a ticket? A few are still available - grab yours and join us for a merry evening.