Follow Footwork & Frolick down the rabbit hole…
…and join us for an evening of mid-19th century dances, lively music, and teatime treats!
“Turn not pale, beloved snail, but come and join the dance.
Will you, won't you, will you, won't you, will you join the
dance?”
from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll’s beloved novels Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (1865) and Through the Looking Glass (1871) introduced mid-19th century readers throughout Europe and America to a whimsical world of quadrilling lobsters, advancing turtles, and singing gryphons. On Saturday September 14th we will bring the spirit of the Lobster Quadrille to Andover - though perhaps not the lobsters themselves. Andover Old Town Hall is a beautifully restored (and air conditioned!) mid-19th century building with an upstairs ballroom, perfect for an evening in Wonderland.
Historical costume or costumes inspired by Carroll’s novels will be admired but not are not required - wear whatever makes you feel elegant and ready to appear before her majesty the Queen of Hearts.
Dances will be taught throughout the evening, but those looking for additional practice can join us early for an afternoon workshop. Beginners welcome!
Schedule of Events
3:30-5:00 Workshop
6:30 Doors Open
7:00-10:00 Ball
As a non-profit, we want our events to be accessible to everyone. We have a few work scholarship positions available for this event: these positions will include doing a setup or cleanup task in exchange for a complimentary ticket to the event. If ticket costs are a hardship, we encourage you to reach out to welcome@footworkandfrolick.org.
What will the dancing be like?
Dancing will include a mix of contra dances, quadrilles, and round dances (often called “couple dances”). Contra dances and quadrilles are done by many couples together arranged in long lines, squares, or circles around the ballroom and do not require any special footwork - just walking! These dances will be taught throughout the ball, and will be the majority of the program. We will also teach a selection of the evening’s dances at the afternoon workshop for those who want to give them a try. All dancing will be done to recorded music, so you will be able to practice to the songs you’ll dance to in the evening.
Do I need a partner?
As was considered polite in the 19th century, we encourage guests to change partners throughout the evening. You do not need to bring a specific partner, although we encourage groups to attend - the more the merrier!
What should I wear?
Guests are encouraged to come dressed in whatever feels fancy and elegant. Historical costumes of the mid-19th century, historical “fancy dress” or masquerade costumes, or modern Wonderland-inspired costume elements added to your evening attire will all be admired but are not required.
We do recommend flat or low heeled shoes, as modern high heels are not conducive to historical dances.
Most people wear modern comfortable clothes for the workshop. Folks attending the afternoon practice will be able to leave any items or changes of clothes at the hall in between, and you will be able to change in the hall if desired.
Will there be food?
Light refreshments will be served during the ball, but we strongly encourage eating dinner beforehand. Andover has several lovely restaurants for dinner near the Old Town Hall at a range of price points.