“Oh, I Long for a Ball!”

Lydia Bennet was described in Chapter 9 of Pride and Prejudice as… “a stout, well-grown girl of fifteen…[who had] high animal spirits and a sort of natural self-consequence, which the attention of the officers…had increased to assurance.”

Therefore it is no wonder that when the opportunity for a ball arose, she was extremely enthusiastic, peppering Mr. Bingley with requests and then stating she would ask the officers to give one after his.

I could say that I have few similarities to Lydia, but, to quote the 1995 BBC production, I too ‘Long for a Ball.’  But where to find one?  I do not live in England where they  still seem to be plentiful, nor a large city where organizations often have cosplay nights. What was one to do?  Well, one must take matters into their own hands, which is exactly what I did. I decided to throw one myself.

For the last few years, my Creative Writing Club and AP Literature class have joined together to throw as authentic a Jane Austen Regency Ball as possible. This year, our theme was “A Ball 250 Years in the Making,” to celebrate Jane’s birthday.  Professional caller Lise Dyckman and local regency band “Quite Carried Away” came together to provide authenticity for our students, community members and Jane Austen of North America Society members.

Guests snacked on a multitude of treats, the most popular not Regency appropriate at all…a chocolate fountain.

Senior Laura Quinn said, “The Jane Austen ball was a very exciting and fun evening. Since I was able to read the book in my AP Literature class, I was able to make a connection between scenes and moments at the ball.”

Junior Giovanna Salas said, “I’m glad I was able to attend this school dance because I was able to participate without feeling embarrassed. I also enjoyed learning about historical events while having fun.”

Senior Zanae Tarver said, “It was a joy to learn the dances alongside everyone and look around the room at the movements of the dance floor come to life. It was a surreal experience where everyone was lively and actually having fun after the initial nervousness went away. ”

And finally, Senior Hailey Smith said, “Five out of Five! This was the best night ever!”

Breathing life into Jane Austen’s world and connecting it to my students’ was something that I strove for and happily succeeded. So, when you see a need that hasn’t been filled, I encourage you to fine a way to achieve that goal. Who knows?  Perhaps next year Mr. Darcy will ask for the next dance.