A Weekend with Jane Austen, Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16, 2014
Arrowhead Country Club and Foothills Recreation and Aquatic Center
During A Weekend with Jane Austen, March 15 – 16, JASNA-Greater Phoenix Region Janeites were treated to a weekend lush with Austen experiences. On a lovely Saturday evening, dancers attended a “Do you Dance, Mr. Darcy?”-themed masquerade ball complete with a live three-piece band, caller, and a light dinner fare. The fabulous dance caller, Peg Hesley, provided members with a lecture regarding Regency dance talk and demonstration prior to organizing 72 dancers decked in flowing gowns, white gloves, cravats, and kilts into what Jane Austen herself would have considered a respectable display of felicities in motion.
On a glorious Sunday afternoon, 110 attendees took part in a lecture of “Do Darcy & Elizabeth Really Improve Upon Acquaintance?” provided by the brilliant Dr. Joan Ray.
After a light tea fare, attendees were absorbed in the “Jane Austen’s Legacy in Scent” lecture provided by the wonderful Evangelina Duman, who treated guests to the sweet smells of lavender water and other aromas traditionally used during Austen’s time.
And no such event would be complete without a Regency-Inspired Fashion Show. Numerous models displayed Regency attire appropriate to everyday use, the military, afternoon outings, and formal evening and ballroom attire.
This wonderful event, no doubt an intense labor of love for the Special Events Committee, resulted in the Region’s acquiring 21 new members.
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