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Bonnie Blue Confederate Ball |
To complement this True Southern Cultural Event you will hear the Grand Duo of Bagpipers who will address the Color Guard presentation as well as being the lead element in the “Grand March” at our Bonnie Blue Ball. Mr. Bill Jones and his son James, members of The Clan Donnachaidh, team up to provide authentic Scottish tunes that warmed the hearts of many a Southern yeoman sitting around the evening fires in Southern Camps during the war.
While the conference provides a wonderful opportunity for
attendees to hear nationally recognized speakers, the ball itself will provide
some wonderful family fun. For the uninitiated, rest assured that your lack of
knowledge of dancing is no reason not to go. This historically traditional ball
has a ‘mistress of the ball’ who acts as the director of events and actually
instructs everyone on the dances to take place so that everyone can
participate. The idea is to get a taste of the kinds of entertainment our
ancestors enjoyed. It is a living history ‘re-enactment’ of sorts where the
average person can participate without all the expense usually
associated with re-enactments.
While dressing up in period dress for the ball is welcomed, it is not mandatory. Nice casual dress is perfectly appropriate, as again this event is designed to be a family friendly affair and the hosts want everyone to be comfortable and feel welcomed. The atmosphere is festive, with an opportunity for everyone to learn a little about how our ancestors liked to spend their leisure time.
The Bonnie Blue Ball is a period costume gala. All ages are encouraged to attend. Presided over by the “Mistress of the Ball” attendees will enjoy a classic Southern musical band. The Louisiana Tiger String Band from Louisiana plays songs from the 1860’s era and only uses instruments that were used during the same time period. Unlike a dance, The Mistress of the Ball guides even the first time dancer through all the necessary steps of such dances as The Grand March, Spanish Minuet, Virginia Reel, and the Robert E. Lee Waltz to mention a few.
Some costume
ideas: clothing that represents elected officials of the day as well
as Southern Plantation owners. Children may also come dressed in period
style clothing which it is an education in itself: to see the change in style.
Of course there is no required dress code, but in keeping with our desire to
educate those around us, dressing in costume has a dramatic affect and
appeal. All of the guests are encouraged to dress in period
style
clothing which ranges
from ball gowns and hooped skirts, varied military uniforms worn during the
period to current military dress, worn by those in service to this country today
or worn by students of such venerable Southern institutions as the Military
College of the South – The Citadel and the Virginia Military Institute.
Feel free to research the time period and be creative, dress the part of our Honored Southern Ancestors, you will be glad you did.
The evening will end with all joining in for a hymn or two and a resounding chorus of Dixie
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