We are a friendly dance group whose aims are:

1. To practise and enjoy dances from the late Georgian (1700s), Regency (early 1800s) and Victorian periods (mid to late 1800s).
2. To share information relating to the late Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods, including information about costumes, events, displays and balls.
3. To perform at events, displays and balls when invited to do so.
4. To otherwise promote public interest in, and knowledge of, the late Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods as appropriate.

Some of us have been dancing for years; some of us are still very new to it.  However, we all share a passion for the Georgian, Regency and Victorian periods and we love to dress up in the beautiful bonnets and breeches of their times! 

We practise on Sunday evenings from 7pm to 9pm at the Parish Rooms of St. Mary and All Saints Parish Church in Bingham, Nottinghamshire.  The Rooms are a former Victorian school house, built in 1845, and the address is Church House, 2 East Street, Bingham, Nottingham, NG13 8DR.

Membership is open to anyone who is over the age of 18.  Those aged between 16 and 18 may attend the dance practices and perform at events and displays but they must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other responsible adult.

Our dance practices are very informal and we don’t wear costumes for them.  Instead, we wear flat shoes, or trainers, and comfortable clothing. 

If we perform at events, displays or balls, we will wear costumes supplied by ourselves.  Many of our members sew their own costumes and would be happy to offer tips and guidance about patterns, fabrics and accessories.  We can also suggest where to source bespoke costumes if you would prefer to have a costume made by someone else.

You don’t need to bring a partner and we will ensure that everyone gets the chance to dance. It is very common for us all to switch partners and dance with each other.

Of course! We welcome all new starters to our group no matter what dance experience you have. Most of our members had never danced before they joined us. Georgian, Regency and Victorian dances are ideal for all ages and abilities and you do not need any previous dance experience.

We are very lucky to have two wonderful dance teachers, Lynne and Vicky, who are very patient and talk us through all the dances before having a go so you pick them up quite quickly.

Historical dancing is also rather straight forward as it is composed of a small number of steps put together in different ways to different tunes. It is very similar to modern Scottish, barn and Ceilidh dancing.

There is no obligation for you to take part in public events, displays or balls.  If you would prefer to concentrate on the practice sessions, that’s fine.

However, if you would like to dance at private or public events that is great! We always invite members to take part so you will have the opportunity to join in.

The weekly dance practices cost £5 per person, payable on the night.  You do not need to pay for missed dance practices.

If you would like to come along to one of our dance practices, please contact us on bonnets.breeches@gmail.com.  You may attend three dance practices as a guest and all we ask is that you pay the weekly cost of £5 per person.  Thereafter, the Committee will decide whether to offer you membership of the Society.  If you are offered membership, we will ask you to pay a one-off membership fee of £10.