Dances of Fashionable Society

Cotillons, quadrilles and country dances from the ballrooms and dance halls of Georgian and Victorian England

St Pancras Church Hall, 1 Lancing Street, London, NW1 1NA. (Off Eversholt Street, beside Euston Station. Ring doorbell for entry.)
Saturday 23rd September 2023 10.30 – 4.30 (arrival from 10.15)
Man and woman dancing; cover illustration by Paul Gavarni, from Fashionable Dancing, Henri Cellarius, 1847

The workshop is led by Libby Curzon of Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom to launch the publication by the Historical Dance Society of Dances of Fashionable Society by Ellis and Christine Rogers. This book and CD is a compilation by Ellis of his favourite dances originally taught at [D]HDS Summer Schools. 

Head and shoulders photograph of Ellis Roger
Ellis Rogers

Ellis Rogers

Highly regarded teacher and researcher of nineteenth century dancing, founder with his wife Christine of Quadrille Club and author of The Quadrille. For full information on his achievements, see https://quadrilles.co.uk/

Libby Curzon

As well as running Mrs Bennet’s Ballroom, Libby runs fortnightly Regency dance classes in Surbiton and online via zoom, as well as the Ball Preparation Society in North London. She loves organising popular annual balls, tea dances and promenade picnics.

Libby discovered quadrilles through Ellis & Chris Rogers and is thrilled to be running a workshop as part of the launch of Ellis’s book. Following in the footsteps of Ellis and Chris, she enjoys encouraging new people to try historical dance, seeing people improve and get the bug! She enjoys the pleasure that dance brings to both body & mind.

Photograph of Libby Curzon in period costume
Libby Curzon

The Workshop

The workshop will cover Regency dances in the morning with country dances and cotillions. In the afternoon we will dance some later quadrilles from the Victorian era.  Studying these dances will help us learn their fundamental moves, footwork, timing and patterns. In dancing together, dancers can get a great sense of teamwork and achievement! All welcome, both beginners and experienced dancers.

Tea and coffee available; bring your own lunch. During the day, we will toast Ellis and launch the publication with a drink and nibbles.

Booking and enquiries

On-line booking: WebCollect

Enquiries: Helen Young