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Our Spring Gala Ball:
Hastening to Perfect Felicity
Brooklyn, NY | 19 April 2025 17:30 to 20:30 (ET)
Such news! The Holy Theatre's board and friends are throwing a gala ball on 19th April 2025 to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th birthday, and to raise funds for the world premiere of Sarah Rose Kearns' The Austens — which will open off-Broadway in December.
Please join us for an evening of glamour, frivolity, live music, and Regency-style dancing! Period fashions of the 1810s (from any global culture) are admired though by no means required.
This event will take place in The Great Room at The LuEsther T. Mertz South Oxford Space, an elegant wood-paneled ballroom in Fort Greene, Brooklyn.
The Pleasure of Your Company is Required
The evening begins with a reception at 17:30 (ET) featuring champagne, mocktails, light refreshments, and desserts. Dancing starts at 18:15 (ET). For those who prefer conversation, seating areas will be arranged throughout the room.
The venue is located near the Atlantic Avenue-Barclays Center terminal. It is equipped with an elevator and is otherwise ADA compliant. Elizabeth Freedman of Country Dance New York will call the ball and Lena Yasutake will serve as the evening's emcee.
If you are unable to join us in person on 19 April, please consider purchasing a ticket to sponsor the attendance of a Janeite of more modest means.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don't know this style of dancing?
Please do come anyway! English Country Dance is light-hearted and beginner-friendly, and the caller will teach and then lead each new dance throughout the evening. If you prefer not to dance, you are welcome to sit, sip, and chat.
Do I need to bring a partner?
No, but please feel free to bring as many as your carriage can hold! Ball guests will typically change partners in between the dances — getting to know new people is a big part of the fun. Naturally, people of any genders may dance together.
What's the dress code?
Period fashions (from any global culture) are admired though by no means required. If there happens to be a ballgown or tailcoat languishing in your closet, now's the perfect time to let it out! But formal or semiformal modern clothing is a lovely alternative. We strongly encourage flat shoes, rather than heels or boots: it's what Jane would have worn, and your feet will thank you!
If I want to want to buy a Regency ensemble, where can I find one?
There are numerous sewists on Etsy and elsewhere offering custom and readymade 1810s attire. Thanks to the popularity of Bridgerton in recent years, you can also find costumes and historically-inspired clothing in all price points at major retailers such as Amazon. And we’re always glad to see a thrifted 1970s prom dress! Please email info@theholytheatre.org if you’d like more specific advice. This list of vendor recommendations comes from members of The New York Historical Costumers Society.
Will there be photo opportunities?
Absolutely. We'll have an official photographer on site to document the evening; their photos will be available to everyone after the fact. Guests are welcome to take their own photos as well. Please tag us on social media!
Can my business sponsor this event?
We would love to discuss it! Email info@theholytheatre.org to start the conversation.
Register using the code EARLYBIRD before March 17th for $15 off.
This gala forms part of Perfect Felicity, a yearlong series of 25 global events commemorating #Austen250 and produced in collaboration with Global Mosaic Foundation and Duniath Comics.
