Calling all Mr Darcys. The wet shirt isn't required, nor for that matter is a dip in Wentworth Falls Lake, but organisers of a Regency era event at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts this weekend, do need some beaus-in-breeches.
"It is a Regency event, and although we may get many Elizabeth Bennetts and Lady Catherines, I fear we may be short of Mr Darcys," said a spokeswomen for the event, Caroline Barrell.
The Colonial/Regency ball and weekend celebrates 200 years of Wentworth Falls on Saturday October 31, with an afternoon dance workshop to learn the moves (suitable for beginners), and a costumed Regency ball (1795-1820s) for $50 to then enjoy the dances at Wentworth Falls School of Arts, home of the Blue Mountains Heritage Dance Group.
Mrs Barrell said "with all dances called, and no partner necessary, enjoy some of the easier dances from around Jane Austen's time, including some from the movies, as well as other back to 1815 activities".
Visitors to the event were coming from interstate including NT, SA, ACT, and some experts in Regency dance and costuming were also attending, she said.
"Having said that, the event is catering more to the beginner level of English Country dancing and Colonial dancing, and attending the workshop should enable anyone to take part in most of the dances, which will all be walked through and called."
The weekend also features a private $10 visit to historic Tarella on Sunday November 1.
"Frock up for 1815 theme Colonial times daywear ... and enjoy a private Tarella tour with woodfired scones for morning tea and a historic talk on Australia's first native born returned serviceman from the Battle of Waterloo, presented by a devilishly handsome fellow, Mike Crowther, 95th rifles re-enactor and military historian," she added.
There will be a costumed BYO picnic and promenade at Wentworth Falls Lake afterwards so there is the option for those wannabee Mr Darcys to replicate Firth's famous wet shirt move.
The Blue Mountains heritage dance group meets Wednesday evenings from 7.30-9.30 during school terms.
The events are reasonably priced at $50 for the workshop and ball and $10 for the private Tarella tour with scones. See http://regencyweekendandballwentworthfalls31.yolasite.com/ or phone 0439 314 948.
For catering, RSVP and pre-payment is needed.
