Jane Austen Ball coming to Wayne Center for the Arts

Turn back the clock, don your finest 18th-century attire — or just something comfortable — and dance the evening away at the Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, March 23.

The ball will be held from 7-10 p.m. at the Wayne Center for the Arts, 237 S. Walnut St., Wooster. The event is limited to 100 dancers. Registration can be done online at https://canvas.wayneartscenter.org/events/10.

Dance leader Susan English is organizer of the event and many other regional dance gatherings. English said the goals of the evening are to build community while recognizing the long traditions of dance.

“The music and dance we know in the U.S. today came from other times and places,” English said. “In the jigs, reels and waltz music, you can feel the regular beat and phrasing of modern pop music as well as Western classical music. The tunes come from many parts of the British Isles, Europe and America, and some will remind you of Irish music.”

No partners are required for attendance, and no dance experience is needed. There is a dance lesson for newcomers just prior to the start of the ball at 6:30 p.m.

Four area musicians form Fourpence, the group that will play what English called the most moving and memorable part of the ball throughout the evening. Mike Deyo arranges every tune for four instruments: the violin, which he plays; pennywhistle, played by Cid Cayhoe; keyboard, played by Stephanie Musselman; and cello, played by Linda Hershberger-Kirk.

“The band members are well known in both Wayne and Holmes counties for their teaching and performance, music leadership, and choreography,” English said.

English country dance from the lifetime of the writer Jane Austen is the focus of the evening.

“She was an enthusiastic dancer who wrote about her dance experiences both in her personal letters and in her novels,” English said. “Today’s films of Jane Austen novels all feature one or more dance scenes. That is exactly the kind of dancing we will be doing.

“In longways dances, couples will face their partner and join hands to form two long lines — think of the Virginia reel. We will also do a square dance from the 1700s and will conclude the evening with a lively circle dance that was one of Jane Austen’s favorites.”

While period costumes or formal attire are encouraged, English said the most important detail is to wear shoes that will slide but not slip on the composite floor. She said leather soles are best, or individuals can use duct tape on the soles of any comfortable shoes.

Tickets for the Jane Austen Ball 2024 are $15, with students age 8 and up $10. If space permits, walk-ins may pay cash at the door, and light refreshments will be served.

For more information call 330-347-8155 or visit www.woosterdance.com/classes.

“Doing traditional dances from 18th-century England, people of all ages come together, join hands and celebrate the joy of moving together to the music,” English said. “Some will meet old friends, but the goal is for everyone to meet new people and celebrate together.”