Regency Exhibition Ball

Kristen Lawerence and her friends loved the BBC’s production of “Pride and Prejudice” and dreamed of their own Netherfield Ball. So in 2006, Kristen and her husband Charles created the Regency Exhibition Ball. Kimberly Lynch, the owner of the Dressmaker’s Shop and the mother of Kristen Lynch, now works as the manager of Regency Exhibition Balls since she moved away from the Lansing area.

The ball is usually held in spring, Lynch said. Last year, around 75 people came to the Ball. This year’s number is close to a hundred.

Everyone is welcome to the ball, “We have younger people like about 13, 14,15 years old and then we have people in their seventies,” Lynch said.

Lynch said some of the members are interested in historic dance and love to have a reason to dress up and make clothes from that era. Some members are simply big fans of Jane Austen.

The dance also attracts people from several areas around the Midwest. Attendees are not limited to Michiganders. Lynch said there are dancers coming from Illinois, Indiana and even Canada.

How did people from Canada hear about the dance? “They find us on Facebook,” Lynch said. “They have a dance in Ontario that they made dresses for, so they decided to find as many dances close to them as possible so they can keep reusing the dress.”

Don’t worry if you’re not familiar with dance from the Regency Era, Instructor Glen Morningstar will teach attendees all the right moves before the ball starts. Live music will be provided by The Olde Michigan Ruffwater String Band.

Regency Era refreshments will also be available at the Ball. “We’ve done some research to know what kinds of things they served,” said Lynch.

In order to fit in with the environment, the advises participants wear period attire from 1790-1828.

Regency Exhibition Ball Central United Methodist Church, 215 N Capitol Ave., Lansing April 14, 6 p.m.- 10 p.m. Ticket: $28, must purchased before the dance, more info https://www.facebook.com/events/310905806059026/