Maria Edgeworth Festival
of Literature, Arts and Movement

Event Details

Regency Dance Workshop

Sunday 11th May 2025

Date & Time

11May2025

Ballroom Dance & Etiquette

Step into the world of Regency elegance and dance like a true Austen or Bridgerton hero.

From 12.30 am until 1.15 pm

€5

There are 15 places available.

Venue

The Maria Edgeworth Centre, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, N39E3C8

About the Event

45 minutes – 1h

Step into the Elegance of the Regency Era

Join us for a captivating Dance Workshop led by the esteemed Melissa Shiels, where you’ll master the refined art of Ballroom Etiquette. Whether you dream of gliding across the floor like a Jane Austen heroine or dancing with the grace of a Bridgerton debutante, this immersive experience will transport you to a world of elegance, charm, and social finesse.

Learn the steps, poise, and etiquette that once graced grand Regency ballrooms. Perfect for period enthusiasts, dancers, and romantics alike—no prior experience needed!

🎩 Dress Code: Regency-inspired attire encouraged

Experience the magic of historical dance and bring your favourite period dramas to life!

What do I need to bring?

We recommend bringing:

Comfortable Shoes – Ideally, flat, soft-soled shoes or ballroom-style footwear to allow for smooth movement.
Smart, Comfortable Attire – Regency-inspired clothing is encouraged, but anything comfortable for dancing will work.
A Positive Attitude – No prior dance experience necessary! Just come ready to learn and have fun.
Water Bottle – Stay hydrated during the workshop.
Your Enthusiasm! – Be prepared to embrace the elegance and charm of the Regency era.

We’ll provide everything else you need to step back in time and dance with grace!

Tickets

Paid Event (€5)
Spaces are limited
Pre booking necessary

Facilitator

Melissa Shiels

Melissa Shiels is a recent doctoral candidate, awarded her PhD from UCC in 16th-century Irish history, focusing on gift exchange and material culture. She has been making historical clothing since 2002, recreating clothing from the Viking, Medieval, Tudor/Elizabethan, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods. Melissa gives costumed talks for a wide range of audiences, both academic and non-academic, speaking in museums, libraries, schools, literary festivals, as well as university lectures.

Notice: Photography and Videography in Progress

Please be aware that photographs and videos are being taken during this event. These may be used for advertising, promotional, or marketing purposes by the facilitators.

By entering the festival grounds, you consent to your image being captured and used in such materials.

If you have concerns or prefer not to appear in any materials, please speak to a member of staff.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!

Grateful appreciation to our sponsors

This project was assisted by Longford Local Community Development Committee, Longford Community Resources Clg. and Longford County Council through the LEADER Programme 2023 -2027 which is part-financed by the EU, “The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas” and the Department of Rural & Community Development