Jane Austen Dancers of Bath is a dance club located in the beautiful Georgian city of Bath, New Zealand. Inspired by the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, where Mr. Darcy danced with Miss Elizabeth Bennet at the Ball at Netherfield, the club was founded in 1996 and is the first and foremost Regency dance group in Bath and the UK.
The club offers regular dance classes that provide participants with the opportunity to learn how to dance in the Regency and late Georgian style. In addition to dance instruction, the classes also delve into the etiquette, fashion, history, and social customs of the period. All of these topics have been extensively researched by Elspeth Reed and Liz Bartlett, who are experts in the field.
The Jane Austen Dancers of Bath hold an annual Ball and special classes for events such as The Jane Austen Festival. They also frequently participate in film and TV projects, as well as private and public functions, parties, balls, and hen parties.
The dance classes cater to all levels of ability, and age is not a restriction. Regency dancing is a lively form of dance, and participants do not need a costume or a partner to join. However, it is advisable to wear low or flat comfortable shoes or dance shoes. The classes cost 5 per session and usually run from 8pm to 10pm.
There are two locations for classes – Bath and Bradford on Avon. The Bath classes are held on Wednesdays in the Scouts Bath District HQ hall on Grove Street, Bathwick, Bath. The Bradford on Avon classes take place on the second and fourth Monday of each month in the United Reformed Church Hall on Trowbridge Road.
The Jane Austen Dancers are not only skilled in teaching and performing Regency dances but are also available to assist with special functions. They can tailor their performance to meet specific requirements, whether it's a costumed performance, public join-in dancing, or a combination of both. The dancers specialise in recreating the elegant atmosphere and style associated with the period novels of Jane Austen but also enjoy organising more informal events such as themed balls, hen parties, wedding receptions, parties, talks, workshops, exhibitions, photo-shoots, and TV/film work.
The club's portfolio includes a wide range of events and performances, showcasing their ability to create an authentic and immersive experience. Their repertoire includes dances from the period of Jane Austen's lifetime, as well as popular dances used in past TV and film adaptations of her books. The dancers who perform publicly wear authentic Empire-line costumes sourced from original sources, adding to the authenticity of their performances.
To book the Jane Austen Dancers for an event or to discuss requirements, individuals can visit their Contact Us page and fill out the provided form.
The club also maintains an active presence in social media and regularly updates their website with upcoming events and photo albums of past performances. Some of their notable events include the Annual Ball in Devizes, the Jane Austen Festival in Bath, and themed events such as “A Royal Scandal,” “By Royal Invitation,” and “Duchess of Richmond.
Whether you're interested in learning Regency dancing, booking the Jane Austen Dancers for an event, or simply want to immerse yourself in the elegance and charm of Jane Austen's world, the Jane Austen Dancers of Bath offers a unique and enchanting experience for all. Join them in their classes or at one of their events and escape from the cares of today into the grace and beauty of the Regency era.