Updated August 20

Instructor’s Handouts!
Handouts from this year’s classees are available for download (pdfs)
 

Barbara M. Pugliese: The Rats Quadrille Marc Casslar: French Quadrille English Sequence Dances Foxtrot Steps Maxixe One Step Short-Fun-Quadrilles Tango Steps & Sequence Variations Tango Steps Margarita Marambio: Waltzed Lancers Quadrille

Richard Powers: Castle Schottische Freestyle Mazurka Figures late 19th Century Schottische Mazurka Steps Newport Maxixe Skater’s Tango Swiss Dance Tour Holubiec Joan Walton: Blues Castle Walk Half and Half Two Step Sequence Jeanette Watts: Cake Walk La Carmencita Waltz Pivots Rye Waltz Walse Minuet

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Updated August 11

Photos in the New York Times!
We have breaking news, the marvelous photos of the Newport Vintage Dance Week will be in this Sunday’s New York Times (August 12th) in the Style section. They are also available on-line: a daytime spread, an evening spread and a lide show. Enjoy, and thank you all for making the week so wonderful!
 
Some links to the New York Times:

• Style homepage
• daytime pics
• evening pics
• Video “last dance”

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Updated July 18

REGISTRATION INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!!

• Registration Packet (pdf)
• Registration Packet (webpage)
• Schedule detail
• Schedule detail (webpage)
• Weekly Schedule Grid
• Transportation and Directions Booklet
• Campus Map
• Costume Booklet
• Vintage Dancers' Gazette

Updated June 17

NEW LOCATION FOR REGISTRATION!!
Registration will be in our new dormitory this year, NOT the Recreation Center.
As you arrive in Bristol from the Mount Hope Bridge/Rte 114/Ferry Road, Roger Williams University will be on your right. From Ferry Road bear right onto Metacom Avenue/Rte 136, passing the University's main entrance (at the security office); take the next right onto North Campus Road/Columbian Drive (the second campus entrance). Take the next left into Lot "F" (North Lot) to park. Enter the dorm at the narrow end of the V shaped building through either set of glass doors. Registration will be just ahead on the first floor in the foyer near the elevators. View the Campus Map, the dorm is #28, Gym, field house and dance studios are #7, Dining Commons is #26.

Early Arrival Schedule:
Registration and Costume Workshops
If you have planned for early arrival on Saturday, July 28, we will be opening registration, in the dorm, at 1pm. Starting at 1:30pm we will be offering some free optional costume workshops, also in the dorm; the topics and schedule will be announced shortly. Dinner on campus is included for early arrival participants.

Schedule Sunday July 29:
Mansion Tour, Registration, Costume Workshops, Orientation,
and Welcome Dance
If you are arriving on Sunday July 29 for the mansion tour we will be meeting on campus at 10am for our drive into Newport. We have chosen three mansions to tour this year to accommodate our sell-out crowd! Registration for the conference will open at 1pm Sunday. Lunch is on your own for those arriving Sunday, you may eat in the cafeteria and pay at the door if you wish. Registration will open at 1pm on Sunday. At 1:30pm there will be a vintage hairstyles workshop in the dorm (room TBD), and orientation will start at 4pm, also in the dorm. After a break for dinner the Welcome Dance will start at 7pm in the Gymnasium.

We are starting on Sunday July 29 this year

The week will be starting on Sunday July 29^th with an optional morning Mansion Tour, registration will open in the early afternoon. The Welcome Dance will be held on campus Sunday evening. The full class schedule will start bright and early on Monday morning. Check-out will be Saturday morning August 4.
Early Arrival: There will be an early arrival option, Saturday afternoon July 28
Late Stay: we are still working on plans for the late stay option and optional special event for Saturday night August 4, with check-out Sunday August 5.
 

On-line registration form and PayPal
PLEASE REGISTER ON-LINE

We are encourage all participants to fill out their reply form on-line, whether you will be paying by PayPal or sending us a check. Payments can be made by PayPal (via credit card or bank account) or you can opt to send us a personal check or money order! These changes have made the registration process faster and more efficient.

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• Scholarship Applications are due by May 31; applicants will be notified of their status by June 30.

• Deposits can be refunded up to December 31.

• Registration will close, and all final payments must be received, by June 30.

You may register with or without a dance partner, however priority is given to those who register with an opposite gender partner.

Registration Procedures for 2012
Please be aware that registration for 2012 is full
All new registrants will be placed on a first come first served waiting list.

• Electronic Registration Form: We strongly encourage all registrants to fill out their form electronically, whether you are paying your bill by PayPal or sending us a check, as it will make the registration process much easier.

  • Follow this link to the on-line registration form.
  • A printable form (pdf) is available for those who cannot complete an electronic form.

• Room Selections:
  There are a number of housing options available at our campus. They have been described in detail below; we will be in a new dormitory this year. If you have any questions about which option is best for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

• Payment Options: We are able to accept payment for the dance week via PayPal (credit card or bank account), personal checks or money order. Indicate which payment option you prefer on your registration form (see above). We will send you an invoice detailing the exact amount due. You do not need to have a PayPal account to pay by credit card, and all of your personal information will be kept completely secure.

• All registrations and payments should be sent to:
      Newport Vintage Dance Week
      4 Grove Terrace
      Leominster, MA 01453
      c/o Brian Carlson, Treasurer

Registration Partners

You may apply singly or with a partner. To help provide dance partners for everyone at all events, priority is given to people who register with a partner of the opposite gender. Please note that you are not obligated to share housing nor are you placed under any specific obligation to your registration partner during the week. Please state clearly if you wish to room together or not.

Wait List Policy

We have reached our initial capacity for registrants; we are waiting for RWU to confirm how many beds they can make available to us and we have to determine the capacity of our evening venues. If you have registered and are on the waiting list we will get back to you as soon as we have further information from the college. Please email us if you are unsure of your status.

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• Tuition is $750

• A deposit of $300 is required from all registrants.

• Price includes:
  • All dance classes and workshops
  • All evening events:
    • Welcome Dance on Campus
    • Gatsby Ball at Rosecliff
    • Silent Film Evening
    • mid-Century Ball at Ochre Court
    • Glen Manor Ragtime Dinner Dance
    • 1890s Soireé at Roger Williams Casino
  • All afternoon events:
    • Seaside Promenade & Tea Dance at the Rotunda Ballroom
    • Formal Tea

• Deposits can be refunded up to December 31.

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A limited number of scholarships, supported by the Dr. Patri J. Pugliese Historical Dance Scholarship Fund (see below), are available; most scholarships will be in the form of partial aid. If you are applying for a scholarship we still require a deposit check; it will be held until a financial aid decision is made. A scholarship application will be sent to all who apply. The application may also be downloaded from our website.

Dr. Patri J. Pugliese Scholarship Appeal

The Dr. Patri J. Pugliese Historical Dance Scholarship Fund will be used in part to help enthusiastic young dancers for whom the dance week would otherwise be out of reach financially to experience the magic of Newport. An optional donation line has been included on the registration form to make the donation process easier. We hope even if you are unable to join us for Newport this year that you will consider making a tax deductible gift to the scholarship fund. Unrestricted donations are also appreciated.

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Roger Williams University

Roger Williams University’s (RWU) 140-acre campus in charming Bristol, RI offers a beautiful coastal location overlooking Mount Hope Bay. The campus offers state-of-the-art facilities including air-conditioned dance studios, gyms, dining commons and dorms. All campus buildings are within walking distance of each other. RWU is a short drive from both Newport and Providence. RWU is a bustling campus with several summer classes and programs taking place at one time. Despite not having the campus to ourselves, we found that the configuration of the dining hall and dormitories still afforded a significant measure of privacy for the week, and the larger size of the facility offers additional conveniences we did not previously enjoy, such as a cafe and bookstore.
 
Campus Map (pdf)
#28 Our Dorm
#7 Recreation Center--site of registration and all our classes
#26 Dining Commons
We do not know yet which lot we will be asked to park in for overnight parking, usually it has been lot H

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There are two choices of housing available, the Dormitory, on-campus, offers apartment living and the Baypoint Inn and Conference Center, a ten minute drive from campus, for those wishing a hotel-like accommodation.

Dormitories

New Dormitory: This year we will be housed in the North Campus Residence Hall. The 350-bed, air-conditionaed, residence hall in the northern portion of the RWU campus opened in fall 2009. The 120,000-square-foot facility provides a variety of apartments and suites, elevators, laundry rooms, and lounge space. Its open lounge and corridor spaces offer pockets of comfortable seating for relaxing and socializing with friends, and there are even a couple of classroom style rooms for meetings and other gatherings. This LEED certifiable building has some of the best views of the Mount Hope Bay and athletic fields. We are excited to experience life in this new dormitory, with ample common room areas for better opportunities to socialize.
Note: There are elevators in the building.
 
Shared, Apartment Style, Living: The North Campus Residence Hall apartments and suites have 2, 3 or 5 bedrooms with two twin beds per room.
Note: There are no 1 bedroom apartments available.
 
There is ample closet space in each bedroom, with additional storage in each apartment’s common area. Each apartment has one or more showers, separate toilets and sinks/vanities outside the bathrooms. The living room is furnished and a kitchenette offers a full-size refrigerator, microwave and sink. Bed linens and towels will be provided. Please plan to bring your own hangers, dishes and utensils if desired, as these are not provided by the school (but please note that as all meals are provided, cooking is not required or encouraged by the school). The Dormitory is just a few minutes walk from the dining hall, gymnasium, and dance studio.
 
Some helpful hints about the new dorm:

• All floors are accessible by elevators. When going up in the elevator, swipe your key card to start the elevator.
• The entire dorm is air conditioned. Bedroom windows open partially.
• Laundry facilities are located on the second floor in both wings. Bring your own soap and quarters for the machines.
• The “Great Room” second floor lounge will be a fantastic place to unwind after the balls. There are also several smaller lounges, a game room and outdoor patios.
• Each suite or apartment has a kitchen with a sink, full-size refrigerator and microwave oven. No stove/oven will be available.
• The dorm is on the same level as the Dining Commons & Gym, no hill climbing this year! There is a path running directly from the dorm to the Gym and Dining Common, between the sports fields.
• There is plenty of parking adjacent to the dorm (lot F, behind the dorm).
• Refrigerator must be cleaned and furniture returned to its original layout upon departure.

Apartment/Suite Layouts: (all rooms have two twin beds in each bedroom; 10 person suites have 2 private bedrooms)
2 bedroom Units: House four people, in 2 bedrooms, has 1 shower and 1 toilet.
3 bedroom Units: House six people, in 3 bedrooms, have 2 showers and 2 toilets
5 bedroom Units: House ten people, in 5 bedrooms and have 2 showers and 3 toilets.
 
Laundry facilities are available in the dorm area, bring quarters and laundry soap, to wash or dry. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining hall for Bayside residents.

Baypoint Inn and Conference Center

The Baypoint Inn and Conference Center is part of the RWU campus complex with Hotel-style rooms, with two double beds, are available at the University’s Baypoint Inn & Conference Center, a ten-minute drive from campus. This facility now functions as student housing during the school year, but was originally designed as, and retains many of the amenities of, a modern hotel, including an on-site pool and weight room.
 
Reservations for the Baypoint Inn must be made directly with the hotel at 401-683-3600 x9 (ask for the Vintage Dance block), but payment should be made to CVD as part of your registration. Baypoint Inn guests will have continental breakfast served at the hotel; lunch and dinner will be on campus in the dining hall.

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Prices include room and meals from Saturday dinner through Saturday breakfast.

North Campus Dormitory:
2 twin beds per room (prices are per person)

• $435 Double Room (in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment)
• $715 Double Room as a Single (in a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment)
• $385 Double Room (5 bedroom apartment), this option has limited availability

Baypoint Inn & Conference Center:
2 double beds per room (prices are per person)
Make room reservations directly by calling 401-683-3600 x9 before May 31!

• $355 Baypoint Inn Double (double occupancy)
• $655 Baypoint Inn Double (single occupancy)

Meal Plan Only (for those lodging off-campus):

• $160

This option is only for those who are lodging off-campus, not for those lodging in the Dormitory or Baypoint Inn. It covers meals from Sunday dinner through Saturday breakfast. You may also pay for meals a la carte if you do not wish to purchase a full meal plan,
 
OPTIONAL Early-Arrival Lodging:
Early-Arrival, check-in 1pm Saturday, July 28 (prices below are per person per night); includes dinner Saturday and breakfast Sunday (lunch is on your own).

• North Campus Dormitory
  • $75 Double Room
  • $125 Double Room as Single
• Baypoint Inn
  • $67 Baypoint Inn Double (double occupancy)
  • $112 Baypoint Inn Double (single occupancy)

OPTIONAL Late-Stay Lodging:
Late-Stay, Saturday Night, August 4 (prices below are per person per night); includes breakfast Sunday. Lunch and dinner Saturday are not included.

• North Campus Dormitory
  • $75 Double Room
  • $125 Double Room as Single
• Baypoint Inn
  • $67 Baypoint Inn Double (double occupancy)
  • $112 Baypoint Inn Double (single occupancy)

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Newport Vintage Dance Week offers you the rare opportunity to learn from some of the finest vintage dance instructors in the world. Classes will start Monday morning, July 30.^th

CLASS STRUCTURE

CORE CLASSES:
Classes are offered for all levels of dancers. There will be two core class periods each day and two classes to choose from during each class period. For classes covering core material, participants will have a choice between Fundamentals (beginner/intermediate) and Variations (intermediate/advanced) classes. The distinction here is intended to reflect a dancer’s familiarity with the specific material of vintage dance rather than his or her overall ability as a dancer.

• Fundamentals Classes: The Fundamentals classes are ideal if you are new to vintage dance and are designed to build a solid repertoire of steps so that you can enjoy yourself on the dance floor from the very first ball.

  • 19^th Century Fundamentals covers the popular dances of the mid and late 19^th Century, including waltz, polka, mazurka, galop, and schottische.

  • Ragtime Fundamentals introduces many early 20^th Century favorites including the one-step, tango, and fox trot.

• 19^th Century or Ragtime Variations: These classes build on the steps learned in the Fundamentals classes, providing many fun variations to enhance the ballroom experience for intermediate and advanced dancers.

SPECIALTY CLASSES:
Specialty classes, taught by variety of instructors, will offer classes covering different dances from the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. These are intended to allow dancers to try new material or get additional practice in dances they already know.

• Specialty Classes: Specialty classes offer a selection of one hour workshops taught by a variety of instructors. Choose the dance classes that interest you most.

QUADRILLE CLASS
The Quadrille class, taught by Barbara Pugliese, is provided for everyone, experienced dancers and newcomers alike, to learn this year’s quadrille. Attendance is encouraged for all as this dance will be performed without calls at Wednesday evening’s ball (instructions will be printed, almost legibly, on the dance card).

WARM-UPS
Our morning warm-ups will be led by Idy Codington. For safety’s sake, to help avoid injury, we urge everyone to take the time to warm-up properly.

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Instructor Biographies

Once again, talented instructors will teach diverse 19^th and 20^th century social dance. Full biographies and curriculum will be published soon. Teaching Staff will include: Marc Casslar, Idy Coddington, Margarita Marambio, Richard Powers, Antonia Pugliese, Barbara Pugliese, Hannah Roberts Artuso, Joan Walton and Jeanette Watts.

Marc Casslar

Marc Casslar, dancer, choreographer, and producer has been involved in a variety of historic dance forms since 1977 and Victorian and Ragtime dancing since 1984. He is the founder and director of the Vintage Dance Society and its performing troupe, Polite Society.
 
He has conducted research into and taught historic dance for more than 25 years. He has taught at a variety of dance weeks including Newport, San Diego, New Orleans, and Cincinnati. He routinely teaches at vintage dance weekends and precepts balls throughout the United States.
 
In addition, he has produced, choreographed for, and/or performed in numerous stage and screen productions, with an occasional television show thrown in for good measure. Recent theatrical activities include choreographing historic dance sequences for a production of The Mad Woman of Chaillot and Benedict Arnold: A Brave Revenge. Recent screen activities include appearances in TR, An American Lion and shooting segments for a film on the Golden Era (the 1890s). Recent television appearances include performing a tango for WTNH in New Haven, Connecticut. While Mr. Casslar has produced numerous dance productions and events since 1987 (including a waltz weekend in Santa Clara California in 2011), he recently produced Pictures at an American Exhibition, his first foray into a dramatic theatrical production. When not dancing, performing, choreographing, producing, etc. Mr. Casslar runs an environmental consulting firm, GeoQuest, and a production assistance company, Specialty Productions, both based in Bloomfield, Connecticut

Idy Codington

Idy Codington has taught dance in the Boston area for over 25 years. A former professional dancer with the Ohio Ballet, Idy has toured Asia and performed with Symphony Pops Orchestras across the US with the Kamikaze Jitterbugs. Her school show, The Roots of American Dance, has been seen by over 100,000 Massachusetts children. Idy has been a performer with CVD for many years.
 
Idy is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Smith College and is three quarters of the way through earning her MA in American Dance Studies from Florida State University. She is hoping to move back to Massachusetts from Tallahassee, Florida when she finally completes her studies.

Margarita Marambio

Margarita Marambio joins us from Montréal, Canada. In addition to directing Ensemble Aquarelle historical dance company, Margarita specializes in researching and reconstructing dances from Chilean, French and other dance manuals. Margarita Marambio began her study of vintage dance in Santiago, Chile. She studied dance of the 19^th century and early 20^th century with teachers Yvonne Vart and Patrick Nollio in France, where she was also a member of Divertissements, a dance group located in Paris and Révérences, a group based in Lyon.
 
When she returned to Montréal, Ms. Marambio founded Ensemble Aquarelle, promoting ballroom dances from the early 19 ^th century up to World War I. Ensemble Aquarelle and Ms. Marambio have participated in numerous demonstrations given in theatres, museums as well as outdoors. Among her many other accomplishments, Ms. Marambio has led Viennese balls with the Strauss-Lanner Orchestra conducted by Jean Deschênes, and provided costumes and danced in the PBS Public Television production Elegancia.. She has also taught and performed English Country Dance of the 18^th century as a member of Danse Cadence. She continues to reconstruct dances published in France, the United States and in Chile.
 
Margarita Marambio graduated with a Bachelor of Communications degree from Université du Québec à Montréal.

Antonia Pugliese

Antonia Pugliese made her first appearance at Newport Vintage Dance Week in 1990, and has been a performing member of the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers for the past 9 years. Over the years, she has taught historical dance to young children, museum goers, science fiction fans, costumers, and even vintage dancers. While most of her time in college was spent studying molecular and cellular biology, she also used her significant historical sewing experience to costume several plays, and featured occasionally as a performer (of Baroque dance) or a choreographer. She has studied vintage dance internationally, but mainly learns from the American dance manuals of the past. She has been teaching at CVD’s weekly rehearsals and public classes, and she is the caller and chief force behind CVD’s highly successful February Regency Balls.

Barbara Pugliese

Barbara Menard Pugliese is a dance historian specializing in the social dances of the 19^th and early 20^th centuries. As co-director of The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, she manages a troupe of 16 members, a performance schedule that includes museums and festivals throughout New England, and an internationally recognized dance week. She is the troupe’s primary choreographer and teacher. She leads 19^th century balls, early 20^th century dancing parties and a regular series of 19^th century contra dances.
 
She is the widow of Patri Pugliese, one of the founding board members of the Society of Dance Historians. She was his teaching assistant for nearly 20 years. 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 be exhibited at the American Textile History Museum. Her reproduction ballgowns have been worn in ballrooms from the mansions of Newport, RI to the palaces of Vienna. She provides costume advice and support to several military reenactment groups including the Salem Zouaves (American Civil War), the Salem Trayned Band (1630s New England) and the Higgins Armory Sword Guild.

Richard Powers

Richard Powers is a dance historian and instructor on the Stanford University dance faculty. Richard’s focus since 1975 has been the research and reconstruction of nineteenth and early twentieth century American and European social dance forms, working from a personal collection of over a thousand historic dance manuals. Founder of the Flying Cloud Academy of Dance in Cincinnati, and director of the first Vintage Dance Weeks, Richard has also has choreographed for dozens of stage productions and films, and has taught workshops across the U.S. and abroad.

Hannah Roberts Artuso

Hannah is one of the Conference Coordinators, is a Co-Director of The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers and one of its founders. She has been involved with Newport Week since it began 25 years ago.

Joan Walton

Joan Walton was introduced to the world of Vintage Dance by Richard Powers in 1983, and has not stopped her involvement since. As Assistant Director and dancer with Richard’s Flying Cloud Vintage Dance Troupe for ten years, she performed all over the country, including at the Smithsonian and on the ABC-TV mini-series North and South. Since 1991 she has taught classes in Ragtime, 1920s, 1930s and 19^th Century dance at Vintage Dance workshops across America, in Australia and the Czech Republic.
 
Her focused teaching, theatrical choreographic style and morning warm-ups have become well known to vintage dancers over the years. As a teacher, her strength lies in her ability to communicate movement concepts to all levels of learners with energy, humor and interest. A keen observer of learning styles, Joan has an ongoing interest in understanding the many ways that people learn to dance.
 
Teaching on the faculties of San Jose State University, Western Kentucky University and the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music has produced opportunities to choreograph Vintage Dances, Musical Theatre and award-winning Opera productions. She received a Master’s Degree in Dance Education from Stanford University and is currently teaching dance at The College of San Mateo and San Jose State University, choreographing and residing in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Jeanette Watts

Jeanette Watts, self-described dance slut, , (’If it involves dancing, I’ve either tried it, or I’d sure like to!‘) has been performing, learning, and teaching a wide variety of dance forms, including scottish dancing, international folk dancing, tap dance, modern dance, belly dance, contra dancing, and of course Vintage ballroom dance.
 
She is the founder of Madame Gigi’s Outrageous French Cancan Dancers, Raks Devi (belly dance troupe), the Terpsichorean Delights Dance Assembly (Vintage Ballroom club), and the Sinclair Ballroom Flash Mob. Besides running all four groups, she is currently also a performer and occasional choreographer with the Forget-Me-Not Historical Dance Company, and teaches social ballroom dance at Sinclair Community College in Dayton, Ohio. She is a frequent caller at re-enactor balls around the Midwest, recently calling with three outstanding bands at Cornets & Cannons in Frankfort, Kentucky, and returning to favorite venues, such as the annual reenactment at Sharon Woods Village outside of Cincinnati. She has been known to give occasional lessons to bridal couples and other people looking for private instruction. She has also been gleefully introducing a wide range of dances to playful new music at Steampunk balls, symposia, and weddings.

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CVD Conference Staff
We can't do the week without the tireless work behind the scenes of our members

Conference Coordinators:
Hannah Roberts Artuso (co-director of CVD)
Katy Bishop & Nicole Carlson
 
Dance Director
Barbara Menard Pugliese (co-director of CVD)
 
Members of CVD and Dedicated Volunteers
Michael Bergman, Ben Bishop, Brian Carlson, Terry Crumb,
Mark Millman, Jen Simon Lento, Kit Northup, Antonia Pugliese,
Julia Pugliese, Idy Codington, Gail Steketee, Victoria Wagner & Bill Hughes

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Detailed class descriptions will be available as soon as they are finalized.

Afternoon Events

Immerse yourself in Victorian life as you stroll vintage gardens, play lawn games, or take tea in the elegance of a gentler age. Afternoon events include:

Early Arrival, Saturday, July 28(optional, small fee)
Costume Workshops and Registration

Costume Workshops, Saturday, July 28(optional) Dormitory Classroom (1:30 pm)
Ribbon Flowers and Trims
Katy Bishop & Terry Crumb will host an informal workshop in the design and construction of period ribbon flowers and Trims. Katy has gathered a few period articles detailing ribbon flower construction as well as some modern books with helpful instructions for ribbon and cloth flowers and costume accessories. A limited supply of ribbons, silk scraps and other supplies will be available. A $5 donation is recommended. A few period and modern reproduction floral examples will be available to assist inspiration as well as period fashion illustrations and instructions and some period outfits to illustrate how ribbon flowers can be used to complete an ensemble.
Period Headdresses and Corsages
Katy Bishop & Terry Crumb will lead an informal workshop in the design and construction of headpieces and corsages. A limited supply of flowers, feathers, ribbons and wire will be available (for a small fee), for those ladies who do not have their own supplies. Period illustrations, as well as a few modern reproduction examples will be available to assist inspiration. A headpiece or corsage is the perfect compliment to any vintage ball dress.
Working with Ostrich Feathers
Antonia Pugliese will teach us all about how to use ostrich feathers.
 
Sunday Afternoon, July 29:
Orientation, Great Room (4 pm)
Barbara Pugliese will host an informal, open, discussion to answer questions and introduce newcomers to all aspects of the Dance Week. First-timers are encouraged to drop by for a few minutes (or longer) to hear about the events and customs of the week. Experienced participants are welcome to come by and hear about the new events for this year and to offer insights to first-timers.

Mansion Tour, Sunday, July 29
choice of: The Breakers, Rosecliff or Kingscote, all in Newport

We meet on campus and enjoy a tour of a Newport’s Gilded Age mansions. You may choose to tour of one of the three spectacular mansions (a small fee applies). Period dress is encouraged but not required.
 
The Breakers ($18)
Rosecliff ($13)
Kingscote ($13)
 
Our first choice, The Breakers, is the most well-known of the newport Mansions, it was the home of the Vanderbilts. The second choice is Rosecliff, well-known for having the largest ballroom in Newport; we’ll also be able to view a special costume exhibit on Gilded Age fashions there. Kingscote, a Gothic Revival mansion built in 1839 was one of the first summer cottages constructed in Newport.
 

Sunday Afternoon, July 29:
Costuming Workshop, Dormitory Classroom (1:30 pm)
I Can’t Do a Thing With It: Period Hairstyles 101 One of the most asked for fashion workshops, this will be a hands-on session led by Katy Bishop. She will illustrate ladies’ hairstyle fashions of the 19^th to early 20^th centuries as well as shortcuts and products that she has found useful. Participants are welcomed to share their secrets, successes and horror stories. Please bring along your own hair brush, accessories, products and tips. Four-foot long hair is not a pre-requisite. Advice on period headdresses will also be available, so if you have a headdress that you are working on for one of the week’s events, bring it along and perhaps you will find further inspiration on how to incorporate it with the perfect hairstyle.
 
Sunday Afternoon, July 29:
Orientation, Recreation Center Conference Room (3:30 pm)
During the Registration period Barbara Pugliese will host an informal, open discussion to answer questions and introduce newcomers to all aspects of the Dance Week. First-timers are encouraged to drop by for a few minutes (or longer) to hear about the events and customs of the week. Experienced participants are welcome to come by and hear about the new events for this year and to offer insights to first-timers.

Monday Afternoon: The Vintage Swap & Sell
Field House

The Vintage Swap and Sell, Newport Dance Week ’s vintage clothing Bazaar! Perhaps you will find the perfect gown or accessory to wear or get the chance to lighten your luggage for the trip home! Perhaps you have a gown or dress-coat that you just can’t wear any more, or maybe you have left your favorite gloves at home, or if you just want to own more (or less) stuff, then the Vintage Swap & Sell is for you! Participants are encouraged to bring items (vintage or not) to sell or trade. Please let us know in advance if you need table space. We are pleased to welcome back Silhouette Artist Deborah O’Connor to this event.
 

Tuesday Afternoon: Seaside Excursion and Tea Dance
Easton’s Beach Rotunda Ballroom

Those of you who have attended Newport in the past may be more familiar with the Rotunda as a favorite site of our mid-19th century ball. Once again we will be visiting this charming venue during the day for an afternoon of tea, dancing, carousel rides, and strolling by the sea.
 
There is an optional Beach Outing or Stroll where you can arrive early and enjoy a liesurely stroll on the beach or dip in the ocean; this is optional and on your own.
 
As with all our afternoon events, there is no specific time period for this event, so expect the dance program to draw from the 1860s through Ragtime. Feel free to choose any era for your costume (including the modern era if you prefer).
 
Dancing will begin at 3 pm, but if you’d like to arrive early it’s the perfect opportunity to stroll the shore in your favorite seaside or bathing costume limited changing space is available if you would like to change out of your bathing costume before tea. We are pleased to welcome back Silhouette Artist Deborah O’Connor to this event.

Wednesday Afternoon: Formal Tea
The Lawn at Roger Williams University

Relax with a cup of tea and some favorite sweet or savory treats while enjoying the beauty of Roger Williams University’s seaside campus, just a short walk from our dorm. This is the time to catch up on conversation with friends both old and new, take a stroll, play croquet, or simply take a break from the busy schedule of classes and balls. Croquet and other lawn games will be available early in the afternoon for those who want to enjoy a quick game before tea is served. Formal afternoon tea will be served. Seating will be avilable.
 
As with other afternoon events, no particular time period is suggested and costume of any era is welcome, although traditionally, the formal tea is the event for which dance week participants might save their most formal outfit, favorite tea dress, or a special hat or parasol to keep cool in the afternoon sun.
 
We are pleased to welcome back Silhouette Artist Deborah O ’Connor to this event.

Friday Afternoon: Informal Dance Exhibition
Gymnasium, Roger Williams University

We have had many requests for an informal setting in which to review their steps, and show what they have learned to other participants who may have had to miss our fabulous instructors’ lessons!

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Evening Events

Balls have always been at the heart of Newport Vintage Dance Week. We have planned a number of memorable events from formal balls in opulent mansions, to relaxing afternoons dancing by the sea.

Welcome Dance
Sunday, July 29, Gymnasium, Roger Williams University Campus.

The first dance event of the week is the Welcome Dance, an informal dance to recorded music. This event is a chance to meet new and old friends in a relaxed atmosphere, with both Victorian and ragtime dancing. Instructors will be introduced and will give an introduction to their classes at 9 pm. You will also be given the opportunity to get a head start on this year´s quadrille! Dress can be casual: modern or vintage.

Monday: The Gatsby Ball
Rosecliff, Newport

A fourth formal ball has been added to the Dance Week! On Monday night we will hold a Gatsby ball at Rosecliff Mansion, where the 1974 movie was filmed. Whether you are a fan of the movie, the book, the 1920s or just enjoy dancing in gorgeous surroundings with the stellar company of Newport Vintage Dancers, you will not want to miss this special event.

Tuesday: Silent Film
Film to be Announced (on campus)

Join us at the Bristol Orpheum Cinema as we present an entertaining silent film accompanied by an abundance of popcorn and cold drinks. No reservations required. Dress can be casual: modern or vintage.

Wednesday: The Mid-19th Century Ball
Ochre Court, Newport

The Mid-19th Century Ball will again be held at the resplendent Ochre Court. If Cinderella’s ball had taken it place in Newport, it would have been held at this Richard Morris Hunt masterpiece. The evening will begin with a Grand March through the numerous rooms of the mansion ’s first floor, and if your feet need a rest you can ascend the sweeping staircase to the second floor gallery for an unforgettable view of the swirling dancers below. The fine musicians of Spare Parts will be taking us back to the mid-19th Century with their splendid music. Visit the Ochre Court website.

Thursday: The Formal Dinner and Ragtime Ball
Glen Manor House, Portsmouth

Arrive early and enjoy a cocktail reception in the manor’s renowned Italianate gardens, followed by an outstanding gourmet dinner. The final ball of the week, the Ragtime Ball offers the experience of an elegantly relaxed turn-of-the-last-Century dinner party at a country estate, with lively and romantic music by The New River Dance Orchestra. and couple dances lasting well into the night. Visit the Glen Manor House website.

Friday: The 1890s Soireé
Roger Williams Park Casino, 1000 Elmwood Avenue, Providence

Come dance the latest 90's steps in the dazzling ballroom of Roger Williams Park Casino. Built in 1896 as a public ballroom, it has been beautifully restored and features intricate plaster friezes, maple floors, and a stunning view of Roosevelt Lake. The New River Dance Orchestra will be entertaining us with their splendid music. Visit the Roger Williams Park Casino website.

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Clothing for Classes: Modern dancewear or any light weight clothing that provides freedom of movement is ideal. Ladies may wish to wear a full skirt to classes to practice the art of dancing in a ball dress. Lightweight, flexible-soled, shoes that have not been worn out-of-doors are required for all dance surfaces. Ladies should have flat shoes or slippers for the 19th Century classes and shoes with one to two inch heels (such as Capezio character shoes) for Ragtime. Gentlemen should wear jazz oxfords or some other lightweight shoe with a moderate heel. Sneakers or other high traction shoes do not lend themselves to many dance movements and are dangerous to the wearer in some circumstances. Leg warmers are recommended for both men and women.
 
Clothing for Social Events: It is not necessary to have perfectly reproduced period outfits for any of the week’s events. Some participants do have large vintage wardrobes and while this can be intimidating to newcomers, it must be remembered that these participants have usually spent many years and considerable effort building up these wardrobes. Everyone understands that many dancers have had neither the time, nor possibly the inclination, to devote to this particular aspect of vintage dance. Any and all efforts to achieve a vintage style are admired and appreciated, and we simply request that you dress in keeping with the occasion, refraining from wearing shorts, jeans, t-shirts and similar examples of ultra-casual modern clothing at day events and choosing evening wear that is appropriate for a modern formal event (dark suits for gentlemen and long dresses for ladies).
 
Having said that, and after some debate within The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, we have compiled a fairly detailed Costume Library illustrating ideal outfits for events that we will be hosting during the week to aid those attendees who are interested in producing the most accurate vintage looks. Please remember that no one should feel obliged to spend more time or money on their wardrobe than they want to, and regard all the information that we are including in that light. Above all, Newport Vintage Dance Week is about dancing, making friends, and having fun, whatever one might be wearing!
 
The site Vintage Victorian has extensive informatuion on period clothing styles, in addition to links to other vintage resources.
 
For further information on the week’s costuming please contact us at:
e-mail: 
phone: (617)  819-4283

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If you would like to tour additional mansions, or stroll along Newport’s Cliff Walk, you might consider staying over Friday night by taking advantage of the late stay option. Ten mansions are owned by the Newport Preservation Society and discounts can be obtained by purchasing multiple tickets at the first mansion you visit.
 
Sadly, the Astors’ Beechwood is no longer a public Museum.
 
Closer to the RWU Campus, we can recommend Linden Place (built in 1810) in Bristol, the site of our Formal Tea in the middle of the week, Blithewold Mansion and Gardens, also in Bristol, and The Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth. From past experience we have found that it is wise to plan to see no more than two mansions in an afternoon. For further Newport information call the Newport Information Center at: (800) 976-5122 or visit Preservation Society Website or Linden Place’s Website.

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Web design by Nicole Carlson and Catherine Bishop, 2011