CVD Costume Workshop:
Regency Dressmaking Workshop
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Location TBD
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

An introduction to Regency fashions. Learn how to make it or fake it. In this workshop we will view some original garments of the period, including a spencer (jacket) from the collections of Katy Bishop and the Nahant Historical Society. We will also have several examples of garments made from replica patterns (including corsets) and made from altered thrift store garments. We will discuss the most prevalent styles of the time and show you how to achieve the proper look, from the underwear out, to wear at the 1812 Ball on February 18. Fabric, pattern and trim recommendations will also be covered. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own projects for advice and assistance. You can Register on-line, pre pregistration is required.

Special thanks: to the Nahant Historical Society for generously co-sposoring this class
and allowing us to view original garments in their collection.
We would also like to thank the Nahant Preservation Trust for donating our class space.

Vintage Dance Lyceum
Sundays, January 22 & 29, 2012, 6 pm
The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy
738 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

This month we will be focusing on regency dance.
Have you attended vintage balls or dance workshops and always wished you could learn more? Maybe you’ve enjoyed modern ballroom or swing classes, or a modern contra dance, and wondered where those dances came from? If so, the Vintage Dance Lyceum is for you! Come alone or with a partner.

The Vintage Dance Lyceum will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8pm,
at The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy 738 Main Street, Waltham, MA.
You can visit the Lyceum Page for complete information.

Vienna Dance Week
Sunday to Saturday, February 5-11, 2012
Vienna, Austria
Sponsored by: Hofdantzer

"Mein Leben ist von der Liebe und Freude voll" (My life is full of love and joy), you will think as you recreate the dance culture of the Austrian imperial and royal monarchy in all its charm and splendor in historic Viennese ballrooms. Join Hannelore Unfried for a week of Viennese Dances of the Strauss Era. The week includes daily dance classes, fancy dress ball, afternoon tea dance, and Grand Strauss Ball (buffets included).

Dances for 2012 will include:
The Kör, which was on the program when we started in 2003, will be revisited as we celebrate our 10^th anniversary. This exceptional Hungarian Quadrille, was choreographed in 1842 for 8 couples. The counterpoint to the Hungarian Kör will be the Quadrille Stirienne by Eduard Eichler. These two different dances have been invented within several years of each other and reflect the political situation of the time: the Kör promotes Hungarian concerns in Budapest and the Quadrille Stirienne those of the German speaking alpine region in Graz.

Students should contact Hannelore Unfried for a reduced price. For additional details and to download a registration form, visit The Vienna Dance Week Page or email Hannelore Unfried at

The 1812 Ball
Saturday, February 18, 8 pm
Salem Old Town Hall, Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

America declares war on England, Napoleon invades Russia, and everyone dances! Travel back through time to the romantic Regency Era and enjoy an evening of live music, dancing, and refreshments at the 1812 Ball in a style that would have been a delight to the Miss Dashwoods themselves. All ages and experience levels welcome, with many dances taught throughout the evening. Come dressed in period costume, or in modern evening dress.

Ball will be from 8 to 11 pm with a dance workshop from 4 to 6 pm.
Admission: Adult $25 Students (with id) $15, ($5 surcharge applies at the door),
You may register on-line
For answers to your questions phone: (617) 819-4283,
or email .

CVD Costume Workshop:
Fashions of the Titanic Era
Saturday, February 25, 2012
Nahant, MA
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Learn how to buy, make, or even approximate, the distinctive look of Titanic era fashions for both daytime and evening at our informative costume workshop. In this workshop we will view some original garments of the period from Katy Bishop’s and Terry Crumb’s collections. We will also look at examples of garments made from period patterns and altered thrift store finds. We will show you how to put together ensembles for different times of day on a budget with great effect. We will cover both day and evening wear outfits appropriate for any of the events at the Titanic Vintage Dance Weekend. Participants are encouraged to bring along their own projects for advice and assistance.

Advance registration required, $10 ($5 students). Register On-line. Special thanks: to the Nahant Historical Society for generously co-sposoring this class
and allowing us to view original garments in their collection.
We would also like to thank the Nahant Preservation Trust for donating our class space.

Returning Heroes Ball
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 8 pm
Holliston Town Hall, Holliston, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers
 
PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CORRECTION

The War is over and it is time for those who fought so bravely on both sides to engage in more social and peaceful pursuits. Join us for an evening of contra-dances, quadrilles, waltzes and polkas taught and directed by Barbara Pugliese to the live music of Spare Parts. Civil War period dress (day or evening, civilian or military) is required for this event. Contact us for assistance if you wish to attend but lack proper dress. Feel free to consult our 1860's Costume Hints page for information on period dress. The ball will run from 8 to 11 o’clock.

For more information phone (617)  819-4283,
or email

Vintage Dance Lyceum
Sundays, March 18 & 25, 2012, 6 pm
The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy
738 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

This month we will be learning dances of the Titanic Era.
Have you attended vintage balls or dance workshops and always wished you could learn more? Maybe you’ve enjoyed modern ballroom or swing classes, or a modern contra dance, and wondered where those dances came from? If so, the Vintage Dance Lyceum is for you! Come alone or with a partner.

The Vintage Dance Lyceum will be held Sunday evenings from 6 to 8pm,
at The Acrobatic Rock and Roll Dance Academy 738 Main Street, Waltham, MA.
You can visit the Lyceum Page for complete information. Questions? Email

Titanic Vintage Dance Weekend
Friday to Sunday, April 13-15, 2012
Salem, Massachusetts
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Book passage to experience the opulence and romance of a bygone era
and commemorate the 100^th anniversary of Titanic’s fateful maiden voyage.
Some of the Weekend’s Events will Include:

• A Steerage Dance Friday Evening
• Formal Tea Saturday
• Formal Dinner and Grand Ball Saturday Evening
• Enjoy a Costumed Museum Stroll Sunday
• Concert of Titanic-era music by the legendary Ian Whitcomb

Plus additional events and workshops to be announced!

Registration is now open! register on-line.
You can visit the Titanic Event Page for complete information.
For answers to your questions phone: (617)  819-4283, or email

25^th Annual Newport Vintage Dance Week
July 29 to August 4, 2012
Newport County, Rhode Island
Sponsored by: The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers

Enjoy a week of dancing amid the splendors of the Gilded Age in Newport, RI. Featured in the New York Times in 2011 and named one of the Most Memorable Events of 2009 & 2010 by Bill Cunningham of the New York Times! An exceptional week of dance and elegance, with dance instruction covering popular ballroom dances of 19^th and early 20^th Centuries. Formal balls to be held at splendid mansions including: the Roger Williams Park Casino, Glen Manor House , The Rotunda Ballroom at Easton’s Beach and the spectacular Ochre Court.

Check back for special 25th anniversary events!
The Week will start Sunday July 29 with optional early arrival July 28
The week ends Saturday morning August 4; We may add optional late stay events through August 5
Please contact us for the latest schedule information before making your travel arrangements

Visit the Newport Vintage Dance Week webpage for the latest information.