A Bridgerton dance scene in all its pomp. Fans can be inspired this Easter at the National Folk Festival. Photo: Facebook.
Fans of Regency romance can live out their fantasies at the National Folk Festival this Easter when it stages the inaugural Bridgerton Ball, inspired by the hit television series.
The steamy streamer set in a reimagined early 19th century England captured the hearts and minds of viewers. The festival is hoping to capitalise on its popularity to entice a new breed of punter to Exhibition Park.
The Bridgerton Ball will take place at the Coorong Pavilion on Good Friday night.
Lose yourself in a night of English country dancing, to the tunes of John Playford’s The Dancing Master and music from the Bridgerton series performed by The Big Bard Band and Canberra’s Ellery String Quartet.
The festival is encouraging guests to dress to impress in full Regency kit, as a favourite Bridgeton character or your own creative guise.
Co-artistic director Chris Stone said the TV series made dressing up in 19th century outfits and dancing to English country music sexy.
“We’ve taken that kind of pop culture reconceptualisation of young, hot, sexy and fancy 18th [and 19th] century costumes and English country dance to say this is not just a dance for people who’ve been doing this for 40 years and everyone knows the dances,” he said.
“This is really about dress-up, come have a party.”
It’s not about historical accuracy, more about being inspired by the Bridgerton aesthetic and atmosphere of youth, celebration and freedom.
“So they don’t have to replicate a Regency gown,” Mr Stone said.
“There’ll be a lot of people there with really incredible outfits, which is also part of the thing if you go to one of these dances. You see the amazing outfits, you get inspired, you might even get into costume making, which is a whole other part of the dance community and culture.”
Aimee Brown from the Sydney Baroque Ballet and Katherine Tammaro from Canberra’s Historic Dance Delights will call the dances.
With different levels of dances on the night and expert calling, Mr Stone said novices should not be daunted.
He said the callers would teach the dances carefully and slowly so everyone could join in.
“If you’ve never danced before and you’ve found some fun clothes to wear and you show up, you’ll be gathered into the fold by experienced dancers,” he said.
Just make sure you’re wearing comfortable shoes.
Enjoy a little time travel with English country dancing. Photo: NFF.
The Bridgerton Ball is one of several dance events covering different styles and music at the festival.
These include daily Irish dancing workshops, the Scottish Cèilidh with the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers on Friday night, and African Dance Party led by Super Mande Percussion.
On Saturday night, the popular Queer Céilí returns with Amaidí called by Davydd McDonald, as well as the Trad Rave, a fusion of tradition and electric energy led by Elias Alexander from the US.
It’s dress-up time again on Sunday night with the Masked Heritage Ball, celebrating music and dance from Australia’s colonial heritage featuring David De Santi and The Good Tunes Band called by Susie Bolliger.
The Chilean Dance Fiesta, led by Vanessa Estrada with appearances from Shaking The Tree Choir, also hits the floor on Sunday.
On Monday, it’s time for the Farewell Contra dance with the National Festival Contra Band led by the Canberra Contra Club.
The Xtreme Stars, an inspiring ensemble of young adults with disabilities, will perform on stage with Kid Hank and his Ockerstra.
Banjo and accordionist Craig Woodward will team up with Lance Green and Gabrielle Mackey from the Handing Down and Stepping Up team to present a series of lively Cajun dances.
To learn more visit the National Folk Festival website.
