Olde South Christmas Ball

"There was a land of
Cavaliers and Cotton fields...
called the Old South"

Olde South Christmas Ball
Dance Schedule

Home

2009 Dance Schedule Below
2010 Dance Schedule Will Be Posted
After Registration Opens

Set 1
Grand March
Virginia Reel
Pat-A-Cake Polka
Duke of Kent's Waltz

Set 2
Gothic Dance
Carolina Promenade
Spanish Waltz
Waltz

Set 3
Sir Roger de Coverly Reel/Virginia Reel
Haste to the Wedding
Polka
Soldier's Joy

Set 4
Gothic Dance
Spanish Waltz
Waltz
Virginia Reel

Free Dance Practice
11:00-12:30, December 11
FW Symmes Branch Library
1508 Pelham Road, Greenville SC 29615
(About 5 minutes from the Marriott)

Ball Etiquette of the 1860s

During the early Victorian era, dancing was considered a social mixer. Most dances were group dances and spouses rarely danced together.

At a private party, a gentleman could offer to dance with a lady without an introduction, but at public balls he would first secure an introduction from a mutual acquaintance or the master of ceremonies.

If attending a ball, gentlemen were expected to dance and to make sure there were no "wall flowers."

If a lady declines to dance with a gentleman, she is expected to give him a reason. She then should not accept another partner for the same dance unless it was previously promised.

During the course of a dance, one should endeavor to look pleasant, politely greeting other couples in the set as one moves through the figures of the dance. However, one should not dance or caper in a manner that would draw attention to oneself.

When a dance is complete, the gentleman should offer refreshment or a stroll to his partner. If she declines, he should conduct her to her seat and thank her again for the dance, whereupon she should smile and nod politely.

All dancers should wear white or ecru wrist-length gloves to protect the ladies' dresses from soiling.

No hats, bonnets, sabers, or spurs are to be worn when dancing.