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Vintage Dressmaking

CVD Costume Workshop:
Sewing a Civil War Ball Gown

Saturday, October 1, 2011, 12 noon
Sew-fisticated Fabrics
136 Howard Street, Framingham, MA
(In the former "Fabric Place" building)
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Build your own vintage wardrobe with expert guidance at CVDs costume workshops! This month we will be learning how to fit a ball gown bodice with Katy Bishop. In this class you will be provided with a Ball Gown Pattern, kindly donated by Past Patterns. We will take measurements and fit a muslin mock-up of the bodice during the class. An overview of construction techniques of a bodice and skirt will also be presented. We request that all participants bring a sewing machine, corset and hoop-skirt. Visit the Costume Workshop page for complete details.


Vintage Lyceum

Vintage Dance Lyceum
Sundays, October 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30, 2011, 6 pm
The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy
738 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

This month we will be learning Advanced 19th Century dances.
Have you attended vintage balls or dance workshops and always wished you could learn more? Maybe you’ve enjoyed modern ballroom or swing classes, or a modern contra dance, and wondered where those dances came from? If so, the Vintage Dance Lyceum is for you! Come alone or with a partner.

The Vintage Dance Lyceum will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8pm,
at The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy 738 Main Street, Waltham, MA.
You can visit the Lyceum Page for complete information. There is no charge for the classes,
but you must register in advance by on-line or by calling (617)  819-4283 or email


dancers

Cape May Victorian Dance Weekend
Saturday, Oct 8 & 9
Cape May, New Jersey
Sponsored by: Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts

Enjoy dance workshops on Saturday afternoon led by Martha Griffin, a Vintage Ball Saturday evening and a Sunday afternoon Tea Dance. Live music by Spare Parts. For more information visit the Cape May website.


zouaves

Salem Light Infantry Levee & Ball
Saturday, October 15, Dinner at 6 pm, Ball at 8 pm
Hamilton Hall
9 Chestnut Street, Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

In 1861 the members of the Salem Light Infantry held a ball on their return from service in the Civil War. For a brief moment, before joining other units and returning to battle, they celebrated friends and fellowship.
Admission includes:

  • Buffet Dinner inspired by menus from mid-19th century Salem Light Infantry events
  • Live Music by Spare Parts
  • Dancing on the Sprung Floor of the 1805 ballroom
  • Authentic Civil War Era Dances (instruction provided)
  • Bayonet Drill demonstration by members of the Salem Light Infantry
  • Sweets and Treats from 19th century recipes
  • Once in a Lifetime Chance to recreate this historic event in the original hall where they gathered 150 years ago!

Admission $45 Dinner and Ball. Pre-registration is required by October 10,
You may register on-line
Military or civilian dress of the Civil War era, or modern formal attire, is required.
For answers to your questions phone: (617)  819-4283, or email .
Visit the Ball webpage for more information.


zouaves

Practical and Fashionable Dress of the Civil War Era
Thursday, October 27, 6 pm
Grove Hall, Boston Public Library
41 Geneva Avenue, Dorchester, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Boston Public Library

Barbara Menard Pugliese will present an illustrated lecture on the fashions of the Civil War era. At the time of the American Civil War, women wore the hoop-skirted silhouette that many remember from “Gone with the Wind”. Ms. Pugliese will explain how and why women dressed this way. Barbara has spent the last two decades researching nineteenth century dress and teaching historic sewing. Her reproductions of Civil War uniforms and civilian clothing have been exhibited at the American Textile History Museum. This is part of the Boston Public Library’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Visit the BPL Calendar for more information.
 

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civil war ball

Civil War Ball
Friday, November 4, 8 pm
Salem Old Town Hall, Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE TO
FRIDAY NOVEMBER 4.

Experience the rousing music and energetic dancing that were enjoyed by soldiers on the front lines and by their loved ones waiting on the home front during America’s Civil War. Visit the Ball webpage for more information.
 

Ball will commence at 8 pm.
Admission: Adult $25 Students (with id) $15, ($5 surcharge applies at the door),
Registration will open soon.
For answers to your questions phone: (617)  819-4283,
or email .


zouaves

Practical and Fashionable Dress of the Civil War Era
Thursday, November 9, 2 pm
Charlestown Branch Library, Boston Public Library
179 Main Street, Charlestown,, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Boston Public Library

Barbara Menard Pugliese will present an illustrated lecture on the fashions of the Civil War era. At the time of the American Civil War, women wore the hoop-skirted silhouette that many remember from “Gone with the Wind”. Ms. Pugliese will explain how and why women dressed this way. Barbara has spent the last two decades researching nineteenth century dress and teaching historic sewing. Her reproductions of Civil War uniforms and civilian clothing have been exhibited at the American Textile History Museum. This is part of the Boston Public Library’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Visit the BPL Calendar for more information.
 


zouaves

Practical and Fashionable Dress of the Civil War Era
Thursday November 17, 9 pm
Honan-Allston Branch, Boston Public Library
300 North Harvard Street, Allston, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Boston Public Library

Barbara Menard Pugliese will present an illustrated lecture on the fashions of the Civil War era. At the time of the American Civil War, women wore the hoop-skirted silhouette that many remember from “Gone with the Wind”. Ms. Pugliese will explain how and why women dressed this way. Barbara has spent the last two decades researching nineteenth century dress and teaching historic sewing. Her reproductions of Civil War uniforms and civilian clothing have been exhibited at the American Textile History Museum. This is part of the Boston Public Library’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Visit the BPL Calendar for more information.
 

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fezziwigs ball

Fezziwig’s Ball
Saturday, December 10, 7 pm
Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers
and The Institute for Public History at Gordon College

You are Cordially Invited to Attend Fezziwig’s Ball, an unforgettable Evening of Dance and Merriment from the Era of Dickens.

More detailed information will be posted as it is confirmed.
Visit the Fezziwig Ball webpage
For answers to your questions phone: (617)  819-4283, or email .

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Even Later ...


Vintage Dressmaking

CVD Costume Workshop:
Regency Dressmaking Workshop

Saturday, January 7, 2012
Location TBD
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Build your own vintage wardrobe with expert guidance at CVDs costume workshops! Full details will be added shortly.


Vintage Lyceum

Vintage Dance Lyceum
Sundays, January 22, 2012, 6 pm
The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy
738 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

This month we will be introduced to regency dance.
Have you attended vintage balls or dance workshops and always wished you could learn more? Maybe you’ve enjoyed modern ballroom or swing classes, or a modern contra dance, and wondered where those dances came from? If so, the Vintage Dance Lyceum is for you! Come alone or with a partner.

The Vintage Dance Lyceum will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8pm,
at The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy 738 Main Street, Waltham, MA.
You can visit the Lyceum Page for complete information.


vienna dance week

Vienna Dance Week
Sunday to Saturday, February 5-11, 2012
Vienna, Austria
Sponsored by: Hofdantzer

"Mein Leben ist von der Liebe und Freude voll" (My life is full of love and joy), you will think as you recreate the dance culture of the Austrian imperial and royal monarchy in all its charm and splendor in historic Viennese ballrooms. Join Hannelore Unfried for a week of Viennese Dances of the Strauss Era. email Hannelore Unfried at


Jane Austen Ball

The 1812 Ball
Saturday, February 18, 8 pm
Salem Old Town Hall, Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Full details will be available soon!

For answers to your questions phone: (617) 819-4283,
or email .


Vintage Dressmaking

CVD Costume Workshop:
Fashions of the Titanic Era

Saturday, February 25, 2012
Location TBD
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Build your own vintage wardrobe with expert guidance at CVDs costume workshops! Full details will be added shortly.


returning heroes ball

Returning Heroes Ball
Saturday, March 3, 2012, 8 pm
Holliston Town Hall, Holliston, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

The War is over and it is time for those who fought so bravely on both sides to engage in more social and peaceful pursuits. Join us for an evening of contra-dances, quadrilles, waltzes and polkas taught and directed by Barbara Pugliese to the live music of Spare Parts. Civil War period dress (day or evening, civilian or military) is required for this event. Contact us for assistance if you wish to attend but lack proper dress. Feel free to consult our 1860's Costume Hints page for information on period dress. The ball will run from 8 to 11 o’clock.


For more information phone (617)  819-4283,
or email


Vintage Lyceum

Vintage Dance Lyceum
Sundays, March 18 & 25, 2012, 6 pm
The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy
738 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

This month we will be learning dances of the Titanic Era.
Have you attended vintage balls or dance workshops and always wished you could learn more? Maybe you’ve enjoyed modern ballroom or swing classes, or a modern contra dance, and wondered where those dances came from? If so, the Vintage Dance Lyceum is for you! Come alone or with a partner.

The Vintage Dance Lyceum will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8pm,
at The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy 738 Main Street, Waltham, MA.
You can visit the Lyceum Page for complete information. Questions? Email


titanic weekend

Titanic Weekend
Friday to Sunday, April 13-15, 2012
Boston, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Book passage to experience the opulence and romance of a bygone era and commemorate the 100th anniversary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage.
 
Some of the Weekend’s Events will Include:

  • A Steerage Dance Friday Evening
  • Formal Tea Saturday
  • Formal Dinner and The Grand Titanic Ball Saturday Evening
  • Enjoy a Costumed Museum Stroll Sunday
  • Concert of Titanic-era music by the legendary Ian Whitcomb

Plus additional events and workshops to be announced!

You can visit the Titanic Event Page for complete information.
Registration will open in October.
For answers to your questions phone: (617)  819-4283, or email .


1913 Ballroom

25th Annual Newport Vintage Dance Week
July 28 to August 4, 2012
Newport County, Rhode Island
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Stay tuned for announcements about special 25th anniversary events!
The Week will start Sunday July 29 with optional early arrival July 28
and the week will end Saturday morning August 4
We may add optional late stay events through August 5
Please contact us for the latest schedule information
before making your travel arrangements

Enjoy a week of dancing amid the splendors of the Gilded Age in Newport, RI. Featured in the New York Times in 2011 and named one of the Most Memorable Events of 2009 & 2010 by Bill Cunningham of the New York Times! An exceptional week of dance and elegance, with dance instruction covering popular ballroom dances of 19th and early 20th Centuries.
 
Formal balls to be held at splendid mansions including: the Roger Williams Park Casino, Glen Manor House , The Rotunda Ballroom at Easton’s Beach and the spectacular Ochre Court.

Visit the Newport Vintage Dance Week webpage for the latest information.

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 Quick Links: 

Coming Soon!
1920s dancers
Ladies Evening Dress:
the Early Jazz Age:1920-1924

Attend our Ball!
Nahant Dancers
Come to the Nahant Victorian Day Ball
July 16, 2011
with music by Spare Parts

last updated 25 may 2011/csb