Dos and don'ts for your first Regency ball
Dr Lizzie Rogers reveals what you need to know ahead of your first ball in Regency England...
If you’re a huge fan of Bridgerton and Jane Austen and are dying to know how not to embarrass yourself at your first ever ball in Regency England, don’t worry historian Dr Lizzie Rogers has some great tips for you!
DON’T, as a gentleman, ever approach a lady to ask her to dance if you have not been introduced. Seek the introduction of a mutual acquaintance, or, if at a public ball, the Master of Ceremonies.
DO make sure to leave plenty of room to be asked to dance whilst at a ball, ladies: it is considered highly rude to save too many dances in advance of entering the ballroom.
DON’T dance more than two dances together, or you risk your relationship being the subject of gossip around the ballroom… and the morning after!
DO make sure that you truly like the partner who you are dancing with before supper is served, ladies: they will be the person escorting you into the supper room, and who you will probably have to converse with over refreshments. Make it a good choice!
DON’T, gentlemen, leave any ladies standing on the sidelines without a partner if you are not engaged. All of you should be inviting available ladies to dance throughout the evening.
If you haven’t already given it a listen, you can hear more from the fabulous Dr Lizzie Rogers, on the latest episode of my podcast, in which we discuss underrated woman in history Elizabeth Montagu - ‘Queen of the Bluestockings’! Listen here.
