We Make History
Proudly Presented
Our 6th Annual
Pride & Prejudice Ball
October 20th, 2007
Mesa, Arizona
The 2006 Pride & Prejudice Ball
The 2005 Pride & Prejudice Ball
The 2004 Pride & Prejudice Ball
The 2003 Pride & Prejudice Ball
Notes from the Nobility
The age range was from under 10 to over 70, with a wonderful, uplifting experience for all, thus proving that our ancestors were on to something in comprehending the value of multi-generational social settings.
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Dear Lord and Lady Scott and Family,
Many, many thanks for the kindest invitation to the ball. It was all that could be expected, and more, I dare say. A ball of such significance is always worthy of the long carriage ride from Oxford, even with these new modern carriages which seem almost to fly. The music was beautiful, the dancing graceful, and the company and community of friends was gentle and noble, of the highest sort of character.
Kindest Regards, the Henry family
Paradise Valley, Arizona & Oxford UK
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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,
Thank you once again for such a wonderful and grand Ball. What a most enjoyable evening of beauty and elegance.
The evening was well spent. Everything went so well. The company, the music, the dances chosen, your speech, the refreshments, etc., … all was well planned and well enjoyed. The ladies with their dresses looked very pretty, the gentlemen so mannerly and proper, for moments we were back in the time when beauty was appreciated.
We never thought that such a large gathering could dance with so much grace and pleasure in what became a small space. Did you ever imagine having that number of people? When planning to build your Ballroom, do take that into consideration. Increase is the inevitable result of your good work.
We are looking forward for the next Ball. Thank you for giving us this wonderful opportunity to relive society at it's best in good company. May the Lord bless you and your family for all that you are and for what you are doing.
Yours sincerely,
Phoenix, Arizona
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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,
Thank you so much for such an enjoyable evening at our first "We Make history" ball, the 2007 Pride and Prejudice Ball! We had such a nice time that we hope the men of the family, Jim and James, will join us at a ball soon... next summer, if not sooner. Thank you!
Sincerely,
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Dearest Lord And Lady
Scott,
Thank you once again for one of the finest of evenings among the finest of
company. I shall never forget the beauty of the Duke Of Kent's Waltz, and the
moments I shared with a young refined lady of grace and uplifting smile. But
why limit my praise? Every lady I danced with and every gentlemen I
encountered this evening displayed class, dignity, manners, and courage --
yes, courage. Learning unfamiliar steps can be intimidating and I pray the
newcomers I led were put at ease by my partnership, and that they enjoyed the
figures as much I did.
I passed up a friend's wedding reception to attend this evening. As much as I
adore the bride, I knew that I would not be able to venture or even face the
modern-day dance floor without my thoughts longing for the beauty of the We
Make History ball. In the end, upon hearing of some of the displays that
transpired at said reception, I knew my choice was indeed the wise one.
I recall your message about how it is possible to feel isolated when one seeks
higher purpose and standards. I know that feeling well. To those who may feel
discouraged in their stand for civility, may I offer this word of hope:
remember all the young faces that surrounded you on this evening. They are
learning the joy that comes through a humanity unknown to many of us, and they
will eagerly share that gift with others. We have much to give Thanks for.
God Bless You And The Family of We Make History.
Your Friend And Humble Servant,
In Christ,
Christopher F.
Tucson, Arizona
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To Lord Scott and the We Make History Family:
What a delightful evening we had this past Saturday. The array of colorful clothing was magnificent and the creativity of others (including the use of a band uniform) was most impressive. The dances were all very lively, the guests polite and agreeable, and one must mention the array of handsome gentlemen. However there is one gentleman who I am concerned about and that is the Prince of Orange. What awaits him? I can't help but wonder. :)
My family and I enjoy these historical balls greatly, always eager to dance the night away in such wonderful company. Plus, you don't have to be a pro to do it! That's a major plus. May the Lord bless We Make History and its vision for the future!
With sincere love and gratitude,
Kendra Ruth
Mesa, Arizona
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Our first event with We Make History was the Pride & Prejudice Ball and we had a great time! I look forward to coming to some others, and I hope to bring my husband next time. He is a kid at heart and I think he would have a great time as well.
Thanks,
Stefanie M.
Pearce, Arizona
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Dear Lord and Lady Scott,
I'd like to thank you for organizing and coordinating the Pride and Prejudice Ball. I went to this special event with a large group of homeschooled friends, and we all enjoyed Saturday night very much … aside from sore feet after! My friends and I like going to the Pride and Prejudice Ball because it's a way for us to have fun together while still learning about the Regency Era, and we get to enjoy it with wonderful people such as yourselves. Thank you very much, and I'll hope to see you again next year.
Your
Modern-Day Elizabeth Bennet,
Mary P. of Mesa, Arizona
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I just wanted to send you
a quick note to say again how much I enjoyed the Pride & Prejudice Ball. What
a wonderful environment with very nice people.
Thank you for the opportunity to experience it.
Thank you.
Marta W.
Chino Valley, Arizona
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Lord Scott:
What an amazing time my group and I had at the ball. We all enjoyed ourselves
very much. As I participate in more and more balls I feel
that my dancing skills continue to improve. So much so, that I did some of
the dances with my eyes closed... I would like to take this
moment to apologize to the people who were dancing next to me at
that time. Thank you once again for all of the hard work and planning
you and your family put into making these balls happen. We continue to be
blessed by your efforts.
God Bless,
Josh S.
Prescott, Arizona
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Dear Lord Scott,
Thank you for your kind welcome and advice.
I had a really good time at the ball. It was a great learning experience, and people were so kind and enthusiastic,
Thank you for an opportunity to attend such a nice event.
Jean K.
Scottsdale, Arizona
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A friend told us about your Pride and Prejudice Ball, which she has attended the past 3 years. Our daughters just attended this past weekend and had a truly wonderful time!!
Please sign us up for your monthly newsletter! Thank you!
Alysa B.
Mesa, Arizona
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Thanks again for another
tremendously wonderful ball! Several of the newcomers that I brought are still
talking about it with so much
enthusiasm that they're telling more and more people about it...
Expect some more newcomers!
My friend Jonathan was very pleased to have met you. Upon looking at the
pictures, my grandparents were sure that the people were plucked
directly from the 19th century.
Thanks again,
Kristen K.
Prescott, Arizona
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Dear Lord Scott,
Again, thank you for organizing the balls!
Because of Him,
Melissa P.
Mesa, Arizona
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I had a nice time again at the Ball and enjoyed talking to your guests. Amazing grace was a good addition. See you next year for the ball and I will see you in 4 weeks at the American Heritage Festival.
Scott L.
Gilbert, Arizona
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Dance And Danceability
An
unforgettable night of honour and
grace, just as Jane Austen would
have wished it -- another noble effort of
We Make History.
From the writing desk of Mr. Christophe, a regimental, and with full
apologies and tribute to Miss Austen.
The seasoned regimental soldier stood amongst his friends, settled for
only a short time in the line of highly respectable ladies and gentlemen,
dancing companions all. He was a sprightly man, known for spontaneous
demonstrations of spirit, with enough welled inside to sustain him through a
prolonged and hurried travel of one hundred miles by carriage. Yet he could
still be disposed to moments of weariness, as much as he laboured to disguise
them, as in the moment when an involuntary expression of fatigue migrated from
his lungs through his mouth despite his best effort at suppression.
It caught the eye of the ballroom host standing next to him. "Mr. Francis!" he
said in a low tone of teasing disapproval.
"It has been a long day's journey into night," the regimental replied, ashamed
that he would permit a display so incongruent with the occasion. Indeed, it
was with haste that he had departed a wedding in his other life and time.
Moments after witnessing a colleague joined in matrimony, he offered the new
couple a hearty, if anachronistic, "HUZZAH!" as they passed by him at the
ceremony's conclusion.
Not one inferior of character had been received into the large hall. Genteel
and graced young Britons in their finest apparel, gowns and coats and
breeches, awaited instruction from the dancing mistress Madame Toussaint, a
highly regarded instructor. She laboured to ensure that each step was footed
with precision, in order, with a steadfast patience and kindness well-suited
to many eager newcomers, numbered in the dozens about the room, to the point
of starting the music over if need be to ensure the enjoyment of the gathered.
When Sellenger's Round was called, she hinted not at the dance's complexities,
but of its repetitions, its choruses and verses, which relieved the
regimental's first dancing companion. She was a young lady who, during the
opening promenade, confided she had never attended a ball such as this one.
The regimental reassured her as his eyes floated between her and the guests in
their satin and silk. Fathers accompanied their daughters, and they would be
recognized by the host throughout the evening as the finest of company. He
took note of a few three-cornered hats. A few had strayed from the designated
segment of time (in this instance Regency), offering more opulent gowns in
tribute to the earlier Georgian era. And one gentleman prophesied by his gray
wool uniform of a future conflict in the former colonies.
But the regimental’s focus would remain on his partner as he led her through
the intricacies of the opening number, sometimes catching himself in mistakes,
but making his best effort to please the lady and dampen any fear. Both of
them found themselves hurrying through figures at times but without losing
themselves.
"It is at times a bit complicated," he admitted. The regimental worked to
support his disclosure as a gentleman of experience as his legs maneuvered
through settings and sidings and slippings to the notes of the pianoforte.
"Thank you very much for a wonderful dance," he said upon bowing to her at the
end, indicating not only the pleasure of her company, but his thankfulness for
her willing tolerance of his awkward figures.
He found it unseemly that perspiration should adorn his forehead, although the
fluttering waves of the guests in hopes of generating a breeze gave him some
solace. He questioned his choice of attire: the dark blue embroidered coat and
tails topping his white breeches and hose. His shoes, to much relief, were
quite up to the task.
"From perspiration comes inspiration!" he declared and continued dancing.
However, he realized his coat might attract the suspicious eye, its epaulets
hinting at French sympathies, which he made every effort to dismiss before
anyone could challenge them. "I must have a word with my tailor." he
explained. "She has an eye for things French. But I am loyal to Britain!"
As if to prove his allegiance, he sought out a gentleman topped in a large hat
and dark regimental coat trimmed in the manner of a naval commander.
"That is a wonderful bicorn," he noted of the headpiece which reminded him of
French soldiers. "Are you allied with Napoleon?"
No, he returned with kind resolution. "The British Navy."
Of course, the regimental concluded. How could he not recognize the vestments
of his mother country? "There may be spies among us," he offered, desiring to
explain away his unfounded suspicions.
Upon seeking another partner, he found himself in a dilemma, approaching two
ladies standing together and not sure which one to bow to in request for a
dance. How could he offer in such a way that would be both fair and mannered?
His mind brought forth a memory
from another ball in another time,
of a technique shown to him by a commander whereby he closed his eyes,
pointed, and twirled around, with his tip of his finger indicating the winner
of the lot. The regimental did so, and upon opening his eyes, found a smiling
face in front of him.
"You," he smiled. Perhaps it was not as mannered as he desired. But fair it
was.
The call came for sets of six, and from a demonstration at the front of the
hall, many could tell a favourite dance was upon them: "Come, Let Us Be
Merry!"
Heads around him turned in confusion, and the regimental quickly gathered he
was the only one in the set who knew the dance. His determination strengthened
in the realization he must lead them, or risk confusion. Standing with his
partner as head couple, he encouraged observation as he took hands with the
lady and gracefully turned her towards the others, bowed, and turned again
with the appropriate honours. He cast her off to the middle, touched hands
briefly with her, and then cast to the bottom of the set, where they joined
inside hands, and the regimental walked her in three-quarter time up the
centre of the couples, turning to face her on opposite beats until the top of
the set where they cast back to the centre and all joined hands to circle
round.
The others learned quickly, after an iteration or two. A young lad in a
ponytail and three-cornered hat danced as well as his betters, and no one
frowned at any missteps. "Thank you for leading us!" a lady proclaimed to the
regimental upon the dance's conclusion. He bowed to her in return.
He would have another opportunity to demonstrate his abilities, when
Christchurch's Bells was announced. The gracious instructor sought him to show
the assembled the proper way of turning a lady, in a serpentine manner with
the partner's hand held gracefully -- and sometimes closely in a crowded set.
Then, to the amusement of the guests, she demonstrated the improper way,
swinging his arm about as if she were throwing him aside to the gutters of
London. The regimental exaggerated the moment for as much comedic effect as he
thought proper, stumbling as her hand let go in feigned dizziness, leaving no
doubt as to the absurdly of gracelessness and the discomfort it would cause.
"I am a bit of a player," he softly admitted later, hesitant to leave an
unseemly impression among the refined, cultured and knowledgeable.
They proved themselves worthy when prizes were announced, offering historic
facts and dramatic recitations instead of the common jig to claim their
rewards, save for one gentleman at the end. Somebody, the regimental
concluded, must always bend against the wind. Yet all would cavort a few
moments later to claim tins of cookies passed among sashaying couples in
several lines.
Perspiration adorned the regimental once again, and he ventured outside after
the end of a set. "Air, glorious air!" he proclaimed, letting the wind revive
his spirit. Others had gathered outside in search of the same relief. His
heavy uniform was indeed the culprit, more dangerous than any French spy. Yet
the concern lingered enough that several gentlemen decided, on a future
occasion, to provide more representation for the Royal Army, in brightly
coloured uniforms. Procurement would be another matter.
"Do you wish to be head couple?" a lady offered after she accepted the
regimental's bow and offer of a dance.
"Yes," he replied and formed a new set. The host and a young lady joined him
as Madame Toussaint introduced the caper: "The Spaniard."
To the regimental's relief, the host pointed out the Spanish influence of the
young soldier's uniform. Perhaps, the gentleman thought, he had defended his
loyalties unnecessarily and thought too little of his seamstress.
He smiled as he skipped up and down the line with his dancing partner, a
seasoned young lady of impeccable manner and beauty, inside and out. He added
extra flourish to his turns and lilts in his steps to match his joy, his free
hand raised in happiness as they cavorted. The dance progressed them all the
way to the end of the line, where another soldier awaited the regimental and
his free hand. He enthusiastically slapped it in what societies would later
call a high-five.
"I don't think that was historical," the lady remarked with the grin of humour.
"Yes, but it was lively," the regimental replied.
The end of the evening drew nearer than many expected, as minutes evaporated
in the bliss of good company and fine dancing. Time remained for two more
dances before the final waltz, but the moments were consumed in merely one:
the Duke of Kent's Waltz.
For the final set dance, the regimental asked for the company of a young lady
with an infectious smile, one who had impressed him with her spirit and
quality of footwork. She did not disappoint him as the two balanced and turned
each other, casting off in graceful steps behind the other couples. In one
measure, he added an ambitious flourish, leaping slightly into the air and
touching down lightly in a "double-axle," as it would be known later. He tried
it only once.
All through the dance, the two exchanged smiles, the regimental grinning and
returning grins as they were drawn into the beauty of the music and the
movements. The caller's voice drifted into silence as the moves ingrained
themselves among the couples. The dance ran long, and then longer, and then
longer still, nobody wanting to end the moment, all enveloped in the joy of
grace and pleasant company, basking in a moment long anticipated.
When the evening ended, after the final waltz, the regimental offered his
traditional cry of approval: "Huzzah! Huzzah!" Even among the genteel, the cry
echoed over and over again.
Early in the evening, a charming schoolteacher offered her approval of such
boisterous displays.
"I know why we love you," she whispered to the regimental.
"I love you too," he responded, his heart humbled.
Read above for more
reflections and moments of happiness from this evening's fine assembly.
NEXT:
A Servant In The Cause
Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page as well as our "All About Us" page.
The live music and dances were appropriate to what one might have expected during the days of Jane Austen and her many characters such as Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennett and Emma Woodhouse as well as such historical figures as Thomas Jefferson, Dolley Madison, The Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte.
We recommended period style clothing as per the Regency era (1795-1825) but also welcomed fashions of the late Georgian era (1780-1795), the Romantic era (1825-1840) and modern evening attire.
For those who enjoy being "in character", both historic and fictitious persons of Europe or America were welcome - particularly British aristocrats.
Begin an educational journey through historic Regency fashion by clicking here.
You may order an excellent pattern for a ladies' gown from this location.
Your servant ... and blessed to be so.
Lord Scott of We Make History
