August 11-17, 2003
Portsmouth and Newport, RI

Greetings!

We are looking forward to welcoming you to the Sixteenth Annual Newport Vintage Dance Week, another wonderful week filled with dancing and other period activities. We have a special event this year, a private tour and tea at Blithewold Mansion. For the mid-19th Century Ball we return to the seaside Easton’s Beach Ballroom and the Carousel. In addition to our ball at Beechwood, there will be an opportunity to play period games on their lawn one afternoon, as well as take a complimentary tour of the mansion. As you prepare for your trip, here are some further details about activities planned and hints on preparations you may wish to make.

Hannah Roberts Artuso,
Conference Director

On-Site Registration

Participants may, for an extra fee, arrive on Sunday to sight-see in Newport. The fee is $45 per person for a double room or $55 for a single and includes Sunday dinner and Monday breakfast and lunch. Reservations for Sunday accommodations must be made no later than July 31st.

Early Check-in: Sunday, August 10 (3:00 - 9:00pm) Winter Garden

Participants arriving on Sunday August 10should pick up their room keys between 3:00 and 9:00pm in the Winter Garden and should register for the conference on Monday. There is no 24-hour security office on campus, so we must staff a check-in table. No keys will be given out after 9:00pm on Sunday. If this causes you tremendous inconvenience because of a flight you have already booked, call Hannah at (781) 662-8344 and we will try to work something out.

On-Site Registration: Monday, August 11 (2:00 - 5:30pm, 8:00 - 10:30pm) Winter Garden

Registration will open at 2:00pm on Monday, August 11, in the Cortazzo Administration Building’s Winter Garden at Portsmouth Abbey School and will remain open until 5:30pm, when it will close for dinner. Registration will also be open, for latecomers, during the evening Welcome Party. Everyone is urged to arrive in time for dinner.

All fees are due upon registration.

Checks (in US dollars) should be made payable to: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers or CVD. We are unable to accept credit cards.

Key Deposit:

It is necessary to charge each participant a $20 key deposit. A separate check for the deposit, made payable to CVD, will be required. Deposit checks will be returned after the conference to all who return their key.

Check Out:

All rooms must be vacated and keys returned by 11am on Sunday, August 17th.

Costume Workshop: (Monday 2:00 to 4:00pm)    near registration

Period Hairstyle How-To's: Katy Bishop of CVD will illustrate the basic hairstyles that were fashionable during the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as shortcuts and products that she has found useful. She also welcomes participants to share their secrets, successes and horror stories. Please feel free to bring along your own hair brush, accessories, products and tips. We hope this will be a hands on seminar!

Orientation: (Monday 4:00 to 5:00pm)    near registration

The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers will host an informal, optional, open discussion to introduce newcomers to various aspects of the Dance Week and to answer questions. First timers to the dance week 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.

Volunteer Jobs:

There are a tremendous number of details to be attended to in order to make a week such as this a success. We accomplish this feat by asking each participant to assist CVD members at one or two events during the week. With everyone pitching in, no one has to devote a major amount of time attending to these tasks, and the disruption to everyone’s dancing pleasure is minimal. A description of the jobs and a sign-up sheet will be available at registration. Please sign up to help, and Thank You!

For Further Pre-Conference Information:

Please feel free to call Hannah Roberts Artuso at: (781) 662-8344.
You may call as early as 7:30am and as late as 10:00pm (eastern time).
All correspondence should be sent to:
CVD Newport, 99 Malvern St., Melrose, MA 02176.
Some conference information is on our website: www.VintageDancers.org/newport
Or you may e-mail your questions to:

In Case of Emergency:

Participants can have messages left for them at the Portsmouth Abbey Summer Program Office at: (401) 683-2000 x225. When the switchboard is closed at night, voice mail can still be left by dialing the number above or a caller may dial the main number (401) 683-2000 and press "1" for an emergency, when the recorded voice instructs. In either case the caller should indicate that you are with the Vintage Dance Conference. Also each dormitory has a pay phone at which you might be reached. Mail may be sent: c/o Summer Program Office, Vintage Dance Conference, Portsmouth Abbey School, 285 Cory's Lane, Portsmouth, RI 02871-1352.

The Campus:

The Portsmouth Abbey School’s 500-acre campus is situated on the edge of Narragansett Bay, 7 miles from downtown Newport. Enclosed is a map with driving directions and as well as a map showing the campus. Transportation information is given on the last page of this booklet.

Housing:

We will be housed in dormitories on the lower campus. Most rooms are doubles with twin beds. Linens and bath towels will be provided. Each participant has a closet. In most rooms, full length closet space is approximately 18" wide. Most rooms have two half length closet areas next to the full-length section. No rooms have private baths or air conditioning.

Parking:

After unloading upon arrival, all cars must be parked in the lot adjacent to the hockey rink. During the week cars must not be parked at the dormitories except for brief periods while picking up or dropping off people or goods.

Meals:

Several entrees, as well as a salad bar, will be available at each meal. Although the kitchen cannot meet special dietary requests, a vegetarian entree will be available at each meal. Meals are included from Monday dinner through Sunday breakfast. Please note that Alcohol may not be brought into the dining hall. Each dorm is equipped with a soda machine.

Smoking:

Portsmouth Abbey does not allow smoking in or near any of the buildings, including dormitories.

Laundry Facilities, Telephones & Computers:

Each dorm has a coin-operated washer and dryer, as well as an iron and ironing board. There are no telephones in individual rooms. Pay phones are available in each dorm. Each dorm does have a computer room with web access.

Pets:

Pets may not be brought to the Portsmouth Abbey campus.

Noise:

Resident monks, as well as faculty and their families, make their permanent home at the Abbey. For this reason, late night noise is not permitted.

Beach and Facilities:

Participants are welcome to use the small, stony beach adjacent to the campus. A pair of bathing shoes is recommended, as well as a beach towel; sandy beaches are available in nearby Newport. School facilities (such as tennis courts, library, etc.) are available to dance week participants; also, we will be the only conference on campus during the week.

Special Event:

Instead of the usual optional mansion tour, this year we will be having an exclusive private party Tuesday afternoon at Blithewold Mansion with a tour and private formal tea. There will be no additional charge for this event. See the Tuesday schedule for further information.

Sight-seeing:

We highly recommend a tour of the Astor's Beechwood. The tour is led by "members" of the Astor family and their "staff." We will be holding our 1890's ball there Friday evening, but will not have a tour then. This year, as a special treat, showing your conference nametag will gain you complimentary tour admission. Also, on Saturday afternoon, there will be an optional outing to Beechwood where Patri and Barbara Pugliese and members of CVD will lead period games on the mansion's lawn. For more information visit www.astorsbeechwood.com/Home.html

If you would like to tour additional mansions, or enjoy a stroll along the Cliff-Walk, you might consider arriving on Sunday or early Monday to view a mansion or two before check-in. Time is also available Saturday afternoon for personal outings. Ten mansions are owned by the Newport Preservation Society and discounts can be obtained by purchasing multiple tickets at the first mansion you visit. (Note: The Astor's Beechwood is not one of the Preservation Society mansions.) 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 Visit www.newportmansions.org or call the Newport Information Center in Newport at: (800) 976-5122..

Things you may wish to bring:

A full-length mirror; extra hangers; beach towels; change for washer/dryers and soda machines. In past years, sea breezes have usually made up for the lack of air conditioning, but if you are concerned about heat, you may wish to bring a window fan. If you tend to get chilled at night you might bring an extra blanket. Each dorm has an iron and ironing board, but you may want to bring your own so that you can use it in your room.

Classes:

Classes are offered for all levels of dancers. There will be three 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 beginner/intermediate and 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. Other classes are intended to be accessible to dancers at a wide range of experience levels. There will also be a Quadrille class which will be aimed at teaching The Quadrille to all participants so that the dance will not need to be called at the Ball.

Warm-ups:

Warm-ups will begin at 8:50 each morning in the upper Gymnasium. For safety’s sake, to help avoid injury, we urge everyone to take the responsibility to be properly warmed up.

Instructors:

Martha Griffin will lead warm-ups and teach a class in Early Twentieth Century dance.

Susan de Guardiola will teach a class in Early Nineteenth Century (Regency) dance.

Patri Pugliese will teach a class in Nineteenth Century dance.

Richard Powers will teach a class in Nineteenth Century dance and in Early Twentieth Century (Ragtime) dance.

Bob and Idy Thomas will teach a class in early Twentieth Century (1920’s) dance.

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 1 - 2" heels (e.g. 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:

After some debate within the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, we have included a set of fairly detailed costume sheets illustrating ideal outfits for events that we will be hosting during the week. Several members of CVD felt that including such a sheet would carry an unwritten implication that elaborate costuming was expected even if not required, and therefore argued that these sheets should not be included. Others, who agreed that no one should feel obliged to spend more work on their wardrobe than they wanted to, felt that it was unreasonable to deprive those attendees who were interested in doing more costume preparation of information that could help them produce the most appropriate looks.

Please regard all the information that we are including in that light. 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.

For further information on costuming please feel free to e-mail or call Katy Bishop at (781) 593-3038 or Barbara and Patri Pugliese at (781) 396-2870. Please don't call earlier than 9am or later than 10pm eastern time.

Schedule of events (precise times may change):

Monday, August 11

Registration (2:00 - 5:30pm)    Winter Garden
Cortazzo Administration Building’s Winter Garden at Portsmouth Abbey school.

Costume Workshop: Hairstyles (optional)(2:00-4:00pm)     near Registration
“I can’t do a thing with it!” Period hairstyle tips with Katy Bishop.

Orientation(4:00-5:00pm)    near Registration

Late Registration (8:00 - 10:30pm)    Winter Garden

Welcome Dance (8:00 - 10:30pm)    Auditorium
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 approximately 9:30pm. Dress can be casual, modern or vintage.

Tuesday, August 12

Morning Classes    Gymnasia

Private Tour and Tea at Blithewold Mansion (2:00-5:00pm)    Blithewold Mansion, Bristol
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum is a 33 acre estate just north of Portsmouth Abbey, in Bristol, Rhode Island- a spectacular property with lawns and gardens sweeping down to Narragansett Bay. The 45-room mansion is built in an English Country Manor style, and most of the furniture dates back to the original house. The house is long and narrow so that all the main rooms look out onto Narragansett Bay. Blithewold is world renowned for its gardens and arboretum, largely designed by John deWolf. Visitors can linger in the rose garden, visit the water and rock gardens or stroll across the Great Lawn to view the Giant Sequoia or the Bamboo Grove with its 30 ft. tall bamboo. The mansion will be closed to the public so we will have a private tour, to be followed by tea and lawn games. This promises to be a relaxing outing amid the estate’s trees, lawns, flowers, and the sea. For more information visit www.blithewold.org

New England Lobster Dinner (6:00-7:00pm)    Cafeteria
What would Summer in New England be with out a lobster feast? Alternative fare will be available for non-crustacean eaters.

Swap & Sell (7:30-9:00pm)    Auditorium
If you have a gown or dress coat that you just can't wear any more, perhaps you have left your favorite gloves at home, or if you just want to own more (or less) stuff, then the Vintage Swap and Sell is for you. Participants are encouraged to bring items (vintage or not) to sell or trade.

Wednesday, August 13

Morning and Afternoon Classes    Gymnasia

Summer Garden Tea (3:30-5:00pm)    Manor House Gazebo
Come relax and chat with other Dance Week participants. Casual dress, modern or vintage is appropriate.

1890's Formal Ball (8:00 - 11:00pm)    the Astors’ Beechwood, Newport
Come dance the latest 90's steps in the dazzling ballroom of Beechwood, 580 Bellevue Avenue, where Mrs. Astor welcomed Newport's social elite. The New River Dance Orchestra will be entertaining us with their splendid music.

Thursday, August 14

Morning and Afternoon Classes    Gymnasia

Bathing Beauties Tea (3:30-5:00pm)    Manor House Gazebo
Come sit and chat with other Dance Week participants, play a game of croquet, or visit the lovely stony beach adjacent to the lower field where tea is served. Casual dress modern or vintage, or period bathing costume, is appropriate

Reception, Formal Dinner and Ragtime Ball (6:00 - 11:00pm)    Glen Manor House
We will be traveling off campus to the nearby French inspired chateau of Glen Manor House, 3 Coelho Drive, Portsmouth, for a Reception and formal dinner to be followed by a Ragtime Ball, with live music by The New River Dance Orchestra.

Friday, August 15

Morning and Afternoon Classes    Gymnasia

Formal Tea(3:30-5:00pm)    Manor House Gazebo
We continue the tradition popularized by Queen Victoria: the taking of afternoon tea. A cup of tea, some fine pastries and pleasant company bring us a moment best described by Charles Dickens as one "in which we were perfectly contented with ourselves and one another." We'll even add a few rounds of croquet or badminton to our afternoon. Summer whites or formal day wear is encouraged. This would be the day to wear your most formal day wear.

Mid-Nineteenth Century Ball (8:00 - 11:00pm)    Easton’s Beach Ballroom, Newport
We will turn back the clock and visit the mid-19th Century, with an evening of dancing at the Rotunda Ballroom at Easton’s Beach Carousel in Newport. Live music will be provided by The New River Dance Orchestra. The Carousel will be open for rides during the intermission

Saturday, August 16

Morning Classes    Gymnasia
(to make up for the Tuesday afternoon class)

Picnic Lunch (optional)
Games at the Astors’ Mansion(12:00-3:00)     The Astors’ Beechwood, Newport
Personal Outings and Free Time (3:00-5:00pm)     Wherever you want to be

Members of CVD will be leading Victorian games at the Astors’ Beechwood, refreshing lemonade will be served to accompany your picnic lunch. This afternoon is also available for participants to schedule their own activities, perhaps a tour of Newport and its Mansions, a walk along the Cliff Walk, a visit to the Newport beaches and carousel, or an antique hunt. Picnic lunch fixings will be available in the dining hall for you to pack a lunch and enjoy period games and the sights of Newport.

Fancy Dress Ball (8:00 - 11:00pm)     Auditorium

COMMODORE PERRY'S VOYAGE TO JAPAN

We invite you to enjoy a voyage to a magical and exotic destination. We will join Commodore Perry as he sets sail from Newport in 1853 on a voyage of discovery that leads him to Japan. Revel as the cream of Newport Society would have at a Turn-of-the-Century Fancy Dress Ball. Costumes may be as simple as the addition of a mask or kimono to your period evening clothes or an elaborate nautical or Oriental fantasy adventure.

The goal of the Fancy Dress Ball is to draw upon the theme for costume inspiration in the manner of a party goer of the late Nineteenth Century, historical accuracy can take a back seat to fanciful interpretation. One may also wish to indulge in a particularly "punny" or representative costume. This will be an informal evening of dancing and merriment, featuring recorded music from the Nineteenth and early Twentieth Centuries.

Transportation to Portsmouth

Participants who are flying may go to either the T. F. Green Airport in Providence or Logan Airport in Boston. Providence is closer and usually more convenient. Participants who fly into Providence may either rent a car or take the airport shuttle. The campus is about 7 miles from the center of Newport. You will not need a car to get around campus and transportation to off campus events will be available. If you want to do extensive sight- seeing in and around Newport, you may want to consider renting a car.

From Boston/Logan Airport
The Bonanza Bus Company runs buses from Boston to Newport. The buses leave from South Station (700 Atlantic Ave.). South Station is located on the Red Line of the subway. Travel time from South Station is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cost is one-way $18, round trip $34. Busses terminate in Portsmouth at the Clemens IGA Market. If we know in advance you are taking the bus, we will try to have someone meet you. Otherwise, you will need to call a taxi to take you to campus. Boston’s Bonanza bus telephone is (617) 720-4110.

From Providence/ T. F. Green Airport
To take public transportation from the airport, you will need to take the airport shuttle from the airport to Portsmouth and a taxi (which the shuttle driver can arrange) from Portsmouth to the campus. The Cozy Cab Company runs a shuttle between providence Airport, Portsmouth and Newport. Travel time is about 35 minutes. The shuttle leaves from in front of the Avis area, near baggage claim. Tell the driver you want to go to the Portsmouth Howard Johnson's and that you need a taxi to take you to Portsmouth Abbey School. The driver can call ahead and have a taxi waiting for you. The cost for the shuttle is a flat rate of $20.00 one way. The taxi is a metered fare and usually runs around $17.00. The cab company's number is: (401) 846-2500. Cash or travelers checks (up to $20 denomination) are accepted. Reservations are strongly advised, especially for the late night runs.

Please be aware that a taxi from the airport will run $65-70. However, if two or more are traveling together, you can, with 24 hr. notice, reserve a sedan and the flat rate of approximately $65 will apply.

For further information Contact Hannah Artuso using the contact information below.

E-mail:

Phone: (781) 662-8344 (before 10pm eastern time, please)