Time Raveler

For the Love of the Dance

Imagine, if you will, that there was a way for you to easily, almost effortlessly, step back in time, and suddenly find  yourself dancing with charming partners to elegant music while exchanging glances and smiles with them (it is simply the custom in Victorian times, my dear!). Some people are dressed in Victorian attire, but others, like you, are still in modern clothing, yet no one seems to notice or be dismayed. You are spinning around a dance floor in the arms of a gentleman who is treating you like a lady, in every sense, or you are perhaps the gentleman, embracing and guiding that lady around the floor in a magic moment of grace and beauty.

 

While there, at a break in the dancing,  you also partake of delicious tea sandwiches and various sweets and savories prepared slowly and with love, and drink many cups of tea while listening to a talk about Gilbert and Sullivan.  Does all that sound rather wonderful and amazing? Time travel is not as difficult as you might think...

Every month I attend the Sunday Afternoon Victorian Dance Social, hosted by the Victorian Tea and Dance Society. I first saw this group when they were picnicking in period costume at the L.A. Arboretum, and was instantly enchanted.  When I found they were a group that not only wore Victorian costumes but also did Victorian dancing, I had to find out more.

This group of people all donate their time and energy to make these events happen--it's just for the love of the dance and the love of the Victorian period.  People give their time to teach the dances--everyone can learn and no one is left out as a "wallflower" if he or she wants to dance. Some people come dressed in Victorian attire, and though it is admired, it is not required. Each month, someone volunteers to make a feast for the tea itself, and each month it is different, but always delicious with lots of items to give plenty of variety.

When the tea is served, someone gives a short talk on some aspect of Victorian life.  Queen Victoria herself spoke to us on one occasion; I felt quite honored!

There are some splendid balls coming up that do require period dress, so I am going to try and find a way to do it.  There are also local historic re-enactment events where the group shows up in period dress and dances--more reason to extend my period wardrobe.

If you live in the greater Los Angeles area and this sounds like something you'd like to explore, look for the group on Facebook or go to their website and get more information.  If you don't live nearby, do a little searching for a similar group in your area.  

Shall we dance?