Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear?
If you are coming along to one of our regular practices, then any clothing that doesn't restrict your movement too much should be fine. Just make sure you can take along stride (not even a lunge) in your skirt or trousers, and you can lift your arms over your head. You will want to be a little more careful in your selection of footwear. Any dance-specific shoes should be fine, likewise any light shoe that is not too 'grippy'. For example, any inexpensive ballet flat that fits well enough to be comfortable and stay on your foot will do very nicely for ladies (and regency era gentlemen). Shoes to avoid include: stiletto heels, work boots, platforms, hobnails, riding boots, soles that mark the floor, steel caps, or any footwear that is particularly heavy or inflexible. We like to look after the floors of the venues we hire, and the toes of our dancers. |
For all of our our costumed practices and events "period attire is admired, but not required. Evening wear is appreciated". What that means is that if you have an outfit that fits the event theme, you are encouraged to wear it but we do not expect you to go out and buy or make one to match. Our preference for evening wear is coloured by our historical focus; but all that is needed is a shirt and trousers or a long skirt and blouse. We will often augment our dress code by stating that steampunk is welcome.
EDITED TO ADD: If you would like to see what people wear to our events, please visit the "Past Events" page to view some photographs of previous CHD balls and dances.
EDITED TO ADD: If you would like to see what people wear to our events, please visit the "Past Events" page to view some photographs of previous CHD balls and dances.
I have two left feet, can I come anyway?
Yes!
Many of our dances are "organised walking", so if you can walk forwards, backwards, and in a small circle without self-induced disaster, you have all the requisite skills to join in. We'd love to see you!
Yes!
Many of our dances are "organised walking", so if you can walk forwards, backwards, and in a small circle without self-induced disaster, you have all the requisite skills to join in. We'd love to see you!
Do I need to bring a partner? No. While the dances we do invariably require a partner, many of our dancers are adept at swapping places to suit both the dancers present and the choreography. Similarly, for most dances, the closest you will get to your partner is holding one or both hands. |