Guide to The Jane Austen Evening
To enhance your enjoyment of The Jane Austen Evening, please read the following information.
LOCATION: The Jane Austen Evening is held at the Pasadena Masonic Temple, 200 S. Euclid Ave., Pasadena, CA.
PARKING: The most reliable parking is the Sheraton/Convention Center lot on the west side of Euclid St., a half block north. It is open all night. If there happens to be a convention at this venue, parking will be a problem.
There are other lots, and some street parking available, but read signs carefully. If you park in a structure, be sure to confirm that it will be open late enough (midnight). Do not park in the condominium parking structure directly west of the entrance to the Lodge.
Evening Schedule
4:00 PM - Doors Open. Admission open to TEA & DANCE ticket holders only.
DANCE ONLY ticket holders may enter after 6:30 p.m.
4:30 PM - High Tea and Entertainments.
5:30 PM - Tea Service concludes. Dining continues until 6:00.
6:00 PM - Intermission. Tableware cleared and tables & chairs removed.
6:30 PM - Admission open to ALL ticket holders.
7:00 PM - Dancing Begins Promptly.
11:30 PM - Evening Concludes; Venue Closes.
General Information
• No alcohol please. Our agreement with the venue does not permit alcohol on the premises.
• The venue does NOT allow food or beverages in the foyer or mezzanine (entrance level).
• There are spacious LADIES’ & GENTS’ LOUNGES on the SECOND FLOOR for changing. It is accessible by elevator or stairs.
• Use the mezzanine area to store your table settings and personal items when not in use.
• Do NOT leave items on the chairs that surround the dance floor. The chairs are for sitting only.
• The Jane Austen Evening is NOT responsible for unattended items.
Essence of the Jane Austen Evening:
ELEGANT • COURTLY • GENTEEL
FORMAL ATTIRE IS REQUIRED!
• This sets the ambience for the evening. Gloves are recommended for all.
LADIES: Regency Era Costumes or Formal Evening Wear (ankle-length long dress).
• Trains may be stepped on, as the ball is very crowded. Women with trains should pin or hold them off the floor.
• Shoes – Nice, but comfortable. No athletic-type footwear.
• NO: Spiked heels, mini-skirts, cocktail dresses!
GENTLEMEN: Regency Era Costumes, Tuxedo, Suit & Tie, and Dress Shoes.
• We ask that the gentlemen keep their dress coats on throughout the evening.
• No spurs, swords or ankle knives, etc.
• Proper etiquette: Do NOT wear your hat in the ballroom at any time.
NO: Jeans, Shorts, Casual Shirts & Shoes, etc.
Tea & Dining Information
• The tables seat ten guests. We provide fabric tablecloths.
• You are welcome to bring small table arrangements, such as flowers and candelabras, but no open flames are allowed.
• You are encouraged to bring your own table settings for the tea (including tea pots) but there is NO onsite cleaning or rinsing. Bring plastic bags to transport your soiled dishes home.
• Nice plastic/paper plates, utensils, cups and napkins are available if you don't bring your own.
Dance Etiquette
• PLEASE PAY ATTENTION. You are always in the dance, even if you’re not moving at the moment.
• Make eye contact and smile at your partner.
• Regency etiquette requires that you not dance with the same partner all evening.
• It is a general rule of thumb that one doesn’t ungraciously reject someone’s offer to dance. If you are asked to dance, and turn that person down, it is impolite to then accept an invitation from another dancer.
• Genteel conversation is encouraged throughout the evening, but NOT during the dance instructions.
• If an emergency occurs and you need to leave a set mid-dance, take everyone in your immediate set out of the line, then leave. The remaining couple may re-enter the dance at the bottom of the line.
• Please escort your dance partner off the dance floor when the dance is over.
INTERMEDIATE & ADVANCED DANCES:
• If you are not confident that you can do these dances, please sit them out.
Some dancers have waited all year to do these dances. You don’t want to be the person who crashes the set and ruins it for them.
• Alternatively, form your own set off to the side, with your friends.
For All Dancers
• Smile and be gracious!
• Please, don’t book all your dances in advance.
• Ladies may ask gentlemen to dance.
• If you wish to dance, stand near bottom of the lines and look for a potential partner. If you are seated, dancers may assume that you are sitting out this dance on purpose.
• Look for a person who did not get to dance the previous dance. Some people are shy but would love to dance!
• Good manners are the epitome of Regency style.