Cook
Valet
Lady's Maid
Footman
Governess
Laundry Maid
Head Coachman
Groom
Kitchen Maid
Fezziwig Ball
Click here for information on having your Christmas Party at The Wilderness.
Just imagine . . . . . . you shed all your cares and concerns of this world, your responsibilities. You arrive at The Wilderness in Mentone, Alabama and put on a life from the past. Your only concern is what time to wake, what you will wear to tea, or what direction you should like to walk in the garden. The only thing that is expected of you is to deport yourself in the manners and customs of your rank and circumstances in early nineteenth century England. And speaking of position, which rank and circumstance are you to arrive at The Wilderness?
As the governess? The governess arriving with your single bag and a few text books.
Or perhaps as a Ladies' Maid. Do you in fact know what is required of a Ladies' Maid?
Will you be the hired artist, hired to cut silhouettes of the guests at the ball?
Or, do you arrive at The Wilderness in grand style?
Theme for 2011: A Partridge in a Pear Tree
Hear ye, hear ye, all within the sound of my voice: you are hereby officially invited to attend the "First Annual Fezziwig Ball at The Wilderness in Mentone, Alabama." This Regency Ball will be held on Saturday, December 31, 2011. Prepare your attire, learn the dance steps and join us for a spirited evening.
 |
|
First Annual Fezziwig Ball
|
The festivities don't begin on New Years Eve, however.
We have reserved the entire place for up to seven days beforehand. Come to Mentone and step back into another world and another time. Be prepared to leave behind your current impressions of the world.
Bring your own Regency undergarments, shoes and day dress. (eBay or Etsy) Depending on the amount of your pledge, your ball gown or Regency attire will be provided for you.
You could be the Duke and Duchess for a week - seven days in your own cottage. Three meals a day will be provided, servants attending. And, of course afternoon tea will be served in the Sunroom. Regency attire for the Ball will be provided. Dance lessons, Ladies' maids and Valets in attendance before the Ball. You will receive a Dance Card and will have an opportunity to have your Silhouette cut.
You could be a guest at the Ball. You will receive a dance card to record the evening's memories.
You could be the scullery maid for two days. Again, bring your underclothes and shoes. If you want to come to the ball, but don't want to dance, being a servant could be the way to go.
Once you decide to come to the Ball, determine who you will be: your name, your occupation, your station in life, etc. This event will only be what we all put into it.
You might be happy to hear that there will be no smoking in or around the Chapel. If however, you are not happy at this announcement, we are sorry for any inconvenience this causes.
Preparation: Prepare your formal Regency attire in advance of the grand ball. Ladies, come prepared to be pampered. Hairdressers are ready to take appointments for that special touch. Ladies maids are waiting by to help you to dress in your finery. Then, once you are ready, a carriage awaits to take you to the ball, where the festivities await. The evening will be filled with authentic English Country Dancing, grand music, light fare, non-alcoholic punch, and lots of merry-making.
Regency Dancing: Of course we understand that some may find their English Country dancing skills a bit rusty. Have no fear. In an effort to bring confidence in your abilities we offer monthly dance classes. Your ticket price includes three dance lessons at _______ Dance Studio in Fort Payne, Alabama.
Regency Attire: We hope to inspire all who participate to adapt clothing as close as possible to the period, but we require an empire-waisted dress to the floor for ladies, and a jacket and tie for gentlemen. Information to assist in creating a regency ball attire is available here.
Regency Etiquette: Our appreciation: The Regency Ball Committee in conjunction with _______ Dance Studio and the Cosmetology Department
For more information: please refer to www.theWilderness.tv for more information on etiquette. To add yourself to our mailing list send an e-mail to: HisWilderness@yahoo.com
Dancing at Fezziwig's Ball: Much of the program will consist of set dances which will be taught during the dance workshops. These will include such Victorian favorites as Pop Goes the Weasel, other easy contradances and simple quadrilles, as well as Sir Roger de Coverly, an English version of the Virginia Reel. Interspersed with these will be elegant couple dances such as the waltz and polka.
Lessons: ________ Dance Studio will be hosting a series of dance workshops. A dress rehearsal workshop will be held in November.
Schedule of Events: Ladies; anticipate an evening of pampering with hairdressers and ladies maids to dress you. Dressing times begin at 5:00 in the evening. The evening will begin at 7:00 pm with a carriage ride from your Cottage or the Farmhouse to the Chapel. Dancing will commence at 8:00 pm. Lavish refreshments will be served at the intermission. The evening's festivities will conclude at 12:30 am on New Year's Day of 2012.
Clothing: Evening dress or costume from the Regency Period (1790-1825) is requested. Ballet slippers or low heeled shoes are recommended; for men we suggest comfortable shoes with leather soles. More information on period costuming is available on our costuming page Changing space is limited. We suggest you arrive in your costume if possible; a small changing room will be available for last-minute adjustments. The Chapel will open at 6:00 pm.
Registration and Fees: Admission is $80. Admission to Fezziwig's Ball includes two free dance workshops on December 11 at 8pm, to be held at the ________ Dance Studio in Ft. Payne. Additional lessons will be $?? payable directly to the ________ Dance Studio!
Admission to the Fezziwig Ball includes two free dance workshop on December 11 at 8pm, to be held at The Wilderness (the same location as the ball.)
