[T]he fiddler ... struck up "Sir Roger de Coverley," Then old Fezziwig stood out to dance with Mrs. Fezziwig. Top couple, too; with a good stiff piece of work cut out for them; three or four and twenty pair of partners; people who were not to be trifled with; people who would dance, and had no notion of walking.

- Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol

Dancing at Fezziwig’s Ball:

Much of the program will consist of set dances which will be taught during the evening. These will include such Victorian favorites as Pop Goes the Weasel, other easy contradances and simple quadrilles, as well as Sir Roger de Coverly, an English version of the Virginia Reel. Interspersed with these will be elegant couple dances such as the waltz and polka.

Schedule of Events:
The evening will begin at 7pm with a lantern procession through the streets of Salem. We will then have time available for people to change out of their snowboots and into their dancing slippers. Dancing will commence at 8pm. Lavish refreshments will be served at the intermission. The evening’s festivities will conclude at 11pm.

Clothing:
Modern evening dress or costume from the lifetime of Dickens (1812-1870) is requested. Ballet slippers or low heeled shoes are recommended; for men we suggest comfortable shoes with leather soles. More information on period costuming is available on our costuming page Changing space is limited. We suggest you arrive in your costume if possible; a small changing room will be available for last-minute adjustments. The hall will open at 6pm.

Registration and Fees:
Adult admission is $30 ($25 advance purchase), Youth admission is $15 for ages 13-17. Admission to Fezziwig’s Ball includes a free workshop on December 11 at 8pm, to be held at Salem’s Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square (between Essex and Front Streets). You may also enjoy our November workshops (see below).
 
You may register on-line with Brown Paper Tickets. They will let you use a credit card and will accept your reservation immediately. If you would rather pay with a check or money order, you may print out this registration form and mail it with your payment to:

Other Salem Dance Workshops:
We are hosting a series of Friday night dances leading up to Fezziwig’s Ball, November 13 & 27 and December 11th. They will all take place at the Old Town Hall. The price for each is $8 or $5 for students. The December 11th dance is free with paid Ball admission. All three evenings will include dances that you will see again at Fezziwig’s Ball. Enjoy the music of Dave Goss and Bob Killam as you practice dances like Pop Goes the Weasel and Sir Roger de Coverly. Dance instruction will be by Barbara M. Pugliese.

Parking:
There are parking lots in the area and on-street parking is free after 5 pm weeknights. There is a commuter rail from Boston’s North Station to Salem. The final run from Salem back to Boston is at 11:24 pm Friday, 10:30 Saturday. For parking consult the City of Salem website

Questions?

• Phone Barbara (781) 396-2870
• or email