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In addition to Bill's Lifetime Award, I'm excited to announce the 2018 Jane Austen Ball to be held at the College of Wooster in Ohio. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 24: Workshops 2-5 p.m. and Grand Ball 7-10 p.m. What to wear? How to dance? What would Jane Austen have done? To explore these questions, we are offering a variety of activities here in Wooster.

1. Take a Class at Wayne Center for the Arts

Come learn English country dances from around 1800 that might have been danced by Jane Austen. No partner or experience necessary--we will change partners.

  • Class meets 6 Mondays, January 22 – February 26, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

  • For ages 8 through adult, instruction by Susan English

  • Click here for cost, location, and registration.

2. Attend a Presentation at the Historical Society

"The Jane Austen/Regency Look"

a presentation by Susan Heady

Saturday, January 20 at 2 p.m.

$5 adults, students free

Come see what period gowns, hair, and accessories a woman would have worn to a Ball in the early 1800’s. Menswear will also be discussed and the correct behaviors of the time described. Learn also how to get the look without spending a fortune, for women and men. Free gift and handouts to attendees.

3. Make a Costume

From the Thrift Store to the Jane Austen Ball:

Creative Workshops with Cherrill Wertz

Saturday, January 27 and February 3, 1-5 p.m.

Bring your sewing machine (some will be available) and dress to be altered and trimmed; or materials, pattern, and supplies to make a woman’s gown or man’s vest and cravat.

  • $5 per workshop (students free); individual appointments also possible

  • For questions and reservations, ​please ​contact tcwertz@frontier.com or call 330-465-1364

  • Location: NAMI/MOCA Activities Room, 2525 Back Orrville Rd. Wooster, Ohio 44691

4. Attend an English Country Dance

Saturday, January 27, 7-9 p.m.

Music by Fourpence

Instruction and prompting by Susan English

2411 Shreve Road, Wooster, Ohio 44691 (routes 226 & 3)

  • No partner necessary – we will change partners

  • Comfortable clothing and clean shoes please

  • Suggested donation $6; students $5; family $20

  • More information: woosterdance@gmail.com 330-347-8155

5. Attend Newcomer Orientation

Saturday, February 24, 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Dance workshop with Susan English

Learn the basic formations, figures, and styling you will need to enjoy your evening at the Jane Austen Ball. No partner required -- we will change partners.

Bill is 2018 Recipient of the LIFETIME CONTRIBUTION AWARD

from the Country Dance and Song Society (CDSS) -- a national organization with over 3,000 members and 300 affiliate groups across the U.S. and Canada

Celebration on Sunday, February 25, 2018, 2:00-5:00 p.m.

Free and open-to-the-public, a celebration and dance with invited callers leading contras, squares, mixers, and English country dancing for all. Music by Pocketful o' Gimmick. For more information, please contact Susan English at 330-347-8155 or senglish@umich.edu

Bill Alkire has positively impacted the world of American traditional dance for over 70 years.

Saturday, February 24, 2018

Workshops 2:00-5:00 p.m

Dance 7:00-10:00 p.m.

Kittredge Hall at the College of Wooster

in Wooster, Ohio

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