An AGM Preview

Charles Fox, leader of the Whig Party
By Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792) - worldroots.com/brigitte/royal/royal17a.htm, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3003882

“In a few days Mr. Bingley returned Mr. Bennet's visit, and sat about ten minutes with him in his library. He had entertained hopes of being admitted to a sight of the young ladies, of whose beauty he had heard much; but he saw only the father. The ladies were somewhat more fortunate, for they had the advantage of ascertaining, from an upper window, that he wore a blue coat and rode a black horse.” Pride and Prejudice chapter 3

Event:      JASNA CWNY September Meeting

When:     September 16, 2017 at 1 pm
Where:    Pittsford Barnes and Noble, Community Room 

In Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Bingley is first seen by the Bennett sisters wearing a “blue coat and riding a black horse." In Jane Austen’s time, members of the Whig party often wore blue coats to demonstrate their political allegiance. Was Mr. Bingley a Whig? Was Jane Austen a Whig, a Tory, or perhaps totally apolitical?

Of course, we will probably never know for sure, although the question has been endlessly debated. What we do know for sure is that politics happened during Jane Austen’s lifetime. England was at war, and control of the government was bitterly contested by the Whigs and Tories.

At our next meeting we will learn more about the political climate in which Jane Austen lived and wrote. Alice Villaseñor will give us a preview of the talk she will be presenting at the upcoming Annual General Meeting entitled “Evidence from the Archives: Relating Jane Austen’s Novels to Austen Family Politics." In her talk Alice will explore the 1806 and 1807 Hampshire elections and the connections between these elections and Jane Austen’s novels “by studying news items from the Hampshire Chronicle alongside images of political artifacts from the Hampshire archives.” (AGM abstract)

We know Jane Austen took an active interest in politics. In a letter to Cassandra in April 1811 she wrote:

“I congratulate Edward on the Weald of Kent Canal-Bill being put off till another session, as I have just had the pleasure of reading.-There is always something to be hoped from delay.-

“Between Session and Session”

“The first Prepossession”

“May rouse up the Nation”

“And the villainous Bill”

May be forced to lie Still”

Against Wicked Men’s will.””

So politics and poetry can mix, at least when Jane Austen is writing.

This promises to be a fascinating look at one aspect of what was going on in Jane Austen’s life by someone who has studied the details. “Dr. Alice Villaseñor, a specialist in Jane Austen’s reception history, is Assistant Professor of English at Medaille College in Buffalo, New York.  A life member of JASNA, she has been a JASNA International Visitor and a board member of JASNA and JASNA-SW.  She has spoken at several AGMs and Regional Meetings.” (AGM bio). Except that she is now an Associate Professor. Congratulations are in order.

Netherfield Ball: An Assembly for Novice Dancers

The Netherfield Ball from the BBC 1995 adaption of Pride and Prejudice

“The two young ladies were summoned from the shrubbery where this conversation passed, by the arrival of some of the very persons of whom they had been speaking; Mr. Bingley and his sisters came to give their personal invitation for the long expected ball at Netherfield, which was fixed for the following Tuesday.” Pride and Prejudice chapter 17

The Jane Austen Society of North America Central and Western NY region and the Country Dancers of Rochester wish to extend a personal invitation to our own Netherfield Ball. The date has been fixed for Saturday, August 26 at 2 pm. Here are the details:


Event:             The Netherfield Ball, An Assembly for Novice Dancers
When:             Saturday August 26, 2017 2-6 pm
Where:            First Baptist Church 175 Allens Creek Road, Rochester NY 14618
Admission:    $10
Attire:             Comfortable and a little dressy
                           Regency attire admired but not required
Website:         cdrochester.org
Refreshments: Experienced dancers are asked to bring a sweet treat to share

This is our premiere event for new dancers. We especially invite anyone who would like to learn to dance in the style of Jane Austen’s characters.

As we all know, the Netherfield Ball in Pride and Prejudice is a central moment in the story. Elizabeth, having “dressed with more than usual care,” is disappointed to find Mr. Wickham absent. There should be no disappointments at our Netherfield Ball. You do not need to bring a partner. We change partners after every dance, and there will be plenty of experienced dancers in attendance to help new dancers through the steps.

Elizabeth is then forced to endure two dances with Mr. Collins, “awkward and solemn, apologising instead of attending, and often moving wrong without being aware of it”. New dancers need not fear any Mr. Collins moments. The Netherfield Ball will begin with an introductory tutorial to English Country Dance. Our callers will clearly instruct all dancers in everything they need to know to successfully navigate the dances. After a brief break the ball proper will begin. The dances will be easy and our callers will guide dancers through each of the dances.

Finally, Elizabeth has a chance to dance with Mr. Darcy, although somewhat against her will. At least he is a good dance partner. As Sir William Lucas testifies, "I have been most highly gratified indeed, my dear Sir. Such very superior dancing is not often seen." There will be plenty of experienced dancers attending the ball. While Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth dance while verbally sparring with each other, the experienced dancers at our Netherfield Ball will happily assist new dancers through the dance figures as the callers articulate them.

Join us at the Netherfield Ball

Dancing was important in the lives of Jane Austen and her characters. Only Persuasion of the six major novels lacks a major dance scene. Jane Austen used music and dance to help draw her characters and move her plots. Learning English Country Dance is a beautiful way to more fully comprehend Jane Austen’s world and the world of her characters. Beside that, it is also fun. The music, movement, and merriment will all combine to create an unforgettable social event.