An Invitation to the Ball

You are invited

on October 31st, 2009,

to attend

the

Bonnie Blue Ball

A unique event, a chance to step back in time,

to move your feet to the dances of the 1860's,

to watch hoopskirts swirl and gloved hands touch.

What an honor to be an attendee at this historical

"re-enactment"of one of the most important times

in our nation's history!

Join us!

October 31st, 2009

5:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Ticket prices are as follows...

Check out these Deep Discount prices! They are nearly half the "at the door price". Don't hesitate to get in early.

Deep Discount to "start the Ball rolling"
You must have your deep discount in by

Labor Day ( 9/8/09) actually the day after

$10.00 per person,
$18.00 per couple,
$50.00 per family-immediate members
(married children are a separate family)


Early Birds to "feather the nest"
You must have your early bird discount in by Columbus Day (10/13/09) actually the day after

$15.00 per person
$25.00 per couple
$65.00 per family - same parameters

At the door - Come on in! Glad to have ya! – The day of the ball (10/31/09)

$20.00 per person
$35.00 per couple
$80.00 per family- immediate members

Purchase tickets here. (At the Door ticket prices can only be purchased the day of the Ball. Online reservations are unnecessary)

Or send checks to...

Foundation for Christian Alternatives

2112 CR 4778

Winnsboro, TX, 75494

Or contact Karl or Nancy Falster at (903) 629-3034

Would you like to donate? Sponsor privileges include free admission to the ball, and advertisement for your business. Contact the Falsters at the number above for more information, or email them at zag@falsterfarm.com

Christmas Bonnie Blue Ball Photos

2006 Christmas Ball

Presenting the colors...


A small Southern Belle



Waiting for the dance to begin!

2007 Christmas Ball

The Tiger String Band leading the dancers in "The Virginia Reel".

A young couple dancing the night away...


Gathering to sing our final farewell, "Auld Lang Syne".



Please join us for the 5th Annual Bonnie Blue Ball on Februray 7th of 2009! (see below for more details)

Emma and Johanna, A Dance in Time official bloggers

Costuming Possibilities

I came across some lovely 1860's reproduction clothing and thought I would share, for the benefit of costume seekers.  

Enjoy!!

Reproduction 1860's Clothing

Announcing....  

The Bonnie Blue Ball

In April of 1861, the first shot of the American Civil War was fired. The people of the South fought the people of the North, brother against brother, family against family, one state against another.  The story is a long one, a story told countless times in countless ways, of the people of North and South, and the things they faced so long ago.

Take a step into history and join us on February 7th, 2009 at the annual Bonnie Blue Ball. This year’s event will be held in the City Auditorium of Winnsboro, Texas. Come and step in time to the lively 1860’s tunes played, in person, by the renowned Tiger String Band, dancing such dances as the Virginia Reel, the Spanish Minuet and the Patty Cake Polka. There will be an abundance of swishing hoop-skirts and courteous Southern gentlemen, of clapping hands and tapping heels. Come one! Come all! To celebrate our history and our heritage in a memorable evening that is wonderful fun for the whole family.

TICKETS

$15 adult

$5 child (ages 4-15)

$30 per couple

$50 per family/ group of four or more

These ticket prices are the reduced early bird rates. 

Do not hesitate to purchase them as soon as possible. 

Tickets bought at the door on Feb. 7, 2009 

will be as follows….

$25 adult

$10 child

$60 per couple

$85 per family/ group of four or more

If you are willing to sponsor this event and 

can invest a sum of money by December 10th, 

please contact me with one of the choices 

below as soon as possible. 

$1000.00

$500.00

$200.00

$100.00

$50.00-25.00

Sponsors are given the privilege of 

advertising their business at the event.

Note: If you decide to sponsor the event, 

your entry fee will be included in your donation.

Payment for tickets must be received by December 31th, 2008. Make checks payable to The Foundation for Christian Alternatives. The checks are tax deductible. If the amount of tickets sold by that time does not reach the needed quota to pay expenses for the ball, the event will be cancelled and your money refunded.

How about giving a ticket to the ball as a Christmas gift? Simply mention that you’d like it as a gift and the name/names of the recipients, and we’ll send you an elegant gift certificate that will serve as your ticket. What girl would not relish such a special evening?

We hope to see you there!

Emma and Johanna,  A Dance In Time official bloggers

A closer look, Women's Gowns

First, click on this link for a colorful and informative description of what women's Civil War era ballgowns looked like, including what was proper for certain age groups.

Have you looked at it? Yes? Then we can move on.

The question, of course, is how can we recreate this? How, in a simple, economical, timely, fashion? This is, of course, for those of you who aren't professional seamstresses, and can create anything you would like with a pattern, in record time.

First thought... Ebay. Check it out. There are some decent deals on there. Yes, the best and most authentic gowns tend be very expensive, but you may find something that works perfectly for you. There is a great variety of authentic, and not authentic. It really depends on particular you want to be. For this ball, we are not picky. One bit of advice, though, for Ebay shopping. Be extra sure it will fit before you bid. If the gown was laid flat, and measured, the measurements given will larger than the actual size. Be sure and double check the size with the seller before bidding. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, as we are experienced Ebayers.

Second thought... Making your gown, or, if you know someone, having someone else make it. There are a multitude of patterns online for Civil War ballgowns. The skirts are not difficult to make, and often do not need a pattern. If you are looking for someone to sew your costumes for you, leave a comment and we'll get you a list of contacts.

Sewing is a whole other world. If you are familiar with it, go for it! Below are some pattern websites and historical sewing forums we reccomend.

Sense and Sensibilty

Past Patterns

Truly Victorian

The Sewing Academy

Simplicity

Costume

Accessories.

Hoops...

Here is a link to the hoop skirt we have found to work best for us. It is not truly athentic, material wise, but creates an authentic looking shape, and is very comfortable. You may choose a hoop with more, or less, hoops, depending on how large you want your skirts.

Shoes...

Slippers work best. The cheapest route? Buy some at Walmart and ornament them yourself to match your gown.

Jewelry and Hair.

The link given at first explains this well.

Wrist length white gloves, in cloth or kid leather, were considered a ballroom necessity, to be removed only when taking refreshments. Shoes should be fairly flat, with at most a low heel, such as ballet flats or "character ballets," in white or a color to compliment the gown. The shoe can be ornamented with a small ribbon bow in the color of the shoe.

Hair should be worn parted in the center and pulled away from the face, rolled on the sides and pulled into a bun fairly low in the neck. Evening head dresses can be circlets, wreaths, or decorative combs with ribbons, flowers and feathers. Earrings should be dangles, brooches are often worn and short bead necklaces are appropriate, as well as gold bracelets; a matched pair of bracelets is especially fashionable. A small fan or small bouquet also make good accessories. Here is a page with detailed information on hair from the 1860's. Also, a page with photos of hairstyles and hair pieces coming soon!

So, off you go! And have fun!

What is in a Costume

The basics for a woman's 1860's ball gown include the following.

A separate bodice and skirt. The skirt is full enough to cover a hoop, and the bodice is fitted. Remember, they wore corsets then!

A hoop skirt, or crinoline.

A petticoat or two, so that the line of your hoop won't show beneath your skirt.

Bloomers, for modesty's sake.

A Corset? Yes! If you can find or make one. They are very comfortable for dancing in, preferable to our 21st century undergarments. If you do find one, you will want a chemise, or, for simplicity's sake, a modern camisole will work.

Slippers. Not ballet flats, but fitted slippers, that won't fall off your feet. Long stockings are period correct with them, but are not necessary if you must do without.

Accessories, jewelry, handbags, fans, hair styles, etc. I will be doing a post on these soon.

For the men, there are two options, civilian clothes, or a uniform.

Civilian clothes include the following.

A shirt, or blouse, usually, with a high collar.

Trousers, preferably a higher waisted, rather then today's low cut pants.

A jacket, with or without tails.

A cravat, a necktie.

A uniform has similar pieces, cut differently... pants, shirt, jacket, no cravat. Confederate or Union. Our ball is Confederate, but you are welcome to do either.

Shoes. Black dress shoes will work with either one. Tall boots are nice for the look of a uniform, but not always comfortable for dancing.

Hats. A soldier's cap or broad brimmed hat.

Suspenders, or a belt.

"Where do I get all this?", you ask. I will be posting soon with more details.

Emma

A Closer Look, For the Men

Contriving a gentlemen's costume, historically, can nearly be called more difficult than putting together a ladies. On Ebay, and other internet sources, historically accurate menswear is rare. Thankfully, there are ways, if you know, or are, a seamstress, to recreate the look of long ago rather well.

Makeovers...

#1. Take a trip to Goodwill, or your local thrift store, and choose your items.

You will need...

A shirt, a lightweight white button up, the finer the fabric the better.

A suitcoat and pants, in dark colors, preferably natural fabrics. Wool usually works best.

A vest. It can be done without, but if you can find, or make one, do!

During all this shopping, keep sizing in mind. The better fit, the better the overall look. Especially with the trousers... If you can find extra length, it will enable you to raise the waistline, and still hit the shoes nicely.

For the shirt, "Vera's Quick and Easy Manly Shirt" . If you'd like to play with the collar a little, and re-create other historic styles, by all means, do!

For the trousers, "Manly Makeover for Modern Pants" .

For the vest, "Easy Vest Modification"...

For the coat, carefully remove all pockets, alter to fit, and go with it!

Accessories...

The cravat... The cravat is one of the simpler sewing projects, requiring only a little knowledge. It is basically a long piece of fabric, about 58' long, 6' wide. Tying instructions are here.

Gloves... They are not a necessity, but highly recommended.

Uniforms...If your gentleman wishes to come as an enlisted man, and not a civilian, then many of the same rules apply. If you buy, it will be pricey. If you sew, you need to know what you're doing. I haven't much experience personally in acquiring uniforms, having found civilian wear to be simpler. If you are interested in a uniform for your gentlemen, leave a comment, and I will get you the best websites for purchasing, the best patterns for sewing, and the best way to get advice.

Simpler, less accurate Costumes

A simple suit and bow tie will also work for this event. If you aren't able to put together the made over outfit, just wear your dress clothes. If you have money, and would like to simply purchase the needed items, check out the Gentlemen's Emporium.

Until next time!

Emma