An escape from the cares of today
The rules set by the Assembly Rooms in Bath in the Regency period give us insight into the world of Dancing and Balls
"RULES RELATING TO THE BALLS.
- That the Balls at these Rooms do commence at eight o'clock in the evening; a quarter of an hour before which time the Rooms shall regularly and properly be lighted up; and that the dancing shall cease at half-past eleven o'clock precisely, except on the night of the King's Birth-day, and on the nights of the two balls given for the benefit of the Master of the Ceremonies, when the time of dancing shall be unlimited.
- That every person, on admission to these Rooms on ball-nights, shall pay sixpence for their tea.
- That the three front benches at the upper end of the room be reserved for ladies of precedence, of the rank of Peeresses of Great Britain or Ireland.
- That a reasonable time shall be allowed between the Minuets and Country-Dances for ladies of precedence to take their places in the dance; and that those ladies who shall stand up after the dance shall have commenced, must take their places successively at the bottom.
- That no lady, after she shall have taken her place in the set, do permit another to come above her in the dance.
- That ladies are to be considered perfectly free in regard to accepting or declining partners.
- That it is the positive order of the Committee, that no servant whatever shall be admitted into the vestibule or gallery, on any occasion, or on any pretence whatever, on ball-nights.
- That no gentleman in boots or half-boots be admitted into the Ball-Rooms on ball-nights, except Officers of the Navy, or of the Army on duty, in uniform; and then without their swords. Trowsers or coloured pantaloons not to be permitted on any account."
Pierce Egan - "Walks through Bath..." 1819