Victory Ball FAQs - Regency Society of Virginia

HomeVictory Ball FAQs

We are delighted that you are interested in attending the Victory Ball! Below are several questions that we are often asked about the event. If you don't find an answer to your question, feel free to e-mail us at info@varegency.org.

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Who Can Attend?

Do I have to be a member of the Regency Society of Virginia in order to attend?
No. The ball is open to both members and non-members. However, members do get a discount on their ball tickets. Plus, your membership would be good for a year and allow you discounts at other RSV events--and preferred vendors--throughout the year! To find out more about becoming an RSV member, visit our Join Us page.

Is it okay to come by myself or do I need a partner?
You are very welcome to come without a partner in tow...mainly because you won't need one! By its very nature, English Country Dancing is social and we encourage our attendees to switch partners throughout the ball in keeping with the customs of the time. We promise that there will be more than enough people available and willing to "stand up" with you.

If you're new to the group, never fear! Not only will we have a Zoom meeting available so you can chat with other attendees prior to the event but we will have hostesses on hand at the ball itself. Simply look for one of the ladies wearing a white "Hostess" ribbon at the event and she will be happy to introduce you to someone willing to dance so that you need not ask someone you're not acquainted with to join you on the floor.

Are children welcome?
We have been delighted to have children of a wide range of ages attend this event in the past. All attendees, regardless of age, are required to purchase a ticket. The children who get the most out of the experience are those who know left from right, are able to follow instructions, and are able to behave appropriately in public. We simply ask that parents use discretion in determining whether or not their children are mature enough to participate.

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Ticketing and Lodging Information

Can I buy tickets at the door?
There are no ticket sales at the door. Online ticket sales generally close about a week prior to the event date.

What if I purchase a ticket and then discover I'm not able to attend?
If you realize that you won't be able to join us, contact us as soon as possible at info@varegency.org. We are usually able to offer a refund if we are notified before the close of online registration. Your tickets are transferable, so if you find out that you can't make it after registration closes, you are welcome to offer them to someone who can. Please let us know if you give your tickets to someone else to use so that your guest is not held responsible for an additional ticket. We are sorry, but we are unable to issue any refunds after registration closes unless another person is willing to purchase your spot.

Is there any way to purchase a ticket after registration closes?
We cannot guarantee ticket availability after the close of registration but e-mail us at info@varegency.org to see if you can be accommodated.

I'm a member of the Regency Society of Virginia and, when I try to buy my ticket, the discounted ticket price is not an option. How do I get my discount?
The membership discount will only become available if you are a current member and logged in to the website. First, make certain that you have logged in. (You should see your name in the upper right hand corner of the website if you are logged in. Otherwise, you will see a "Member Login" link in the upper right-hand corner. Simply click on that link and enter your username and password to log in.) Next, make sure that your membership dues are current. (If they are not, you will get a notification of a balance due when you log in.) If you are still having issues, e-mail us at info@varegency.org so that we can assist you.

I'm coming in from out of town. Do you have any lodging available?
We typically reserve a block of rooms at a hotel close to the venue at a discounted group rate for our guests. Room block information will be available closer to the date of the ball.

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Dancing Information

What dances will you be doing?
We develop a new program for each Victory Ball although there are generally some RSV favorites that remain consistent from year to year. Downloadable dance instructions will be posted on the Victory Ball when announced for the current year's ball.

I don't have any/much experience doing Regency dances. Will I be able to participate?
Yes! We understand that we will have people with a wide range of experience levels at our event and our object is to make certain that those who wish to dance will have many opportunities regardless of how long they've been dancing. If you have never done English Country Dancing before, we do recommend that you look for a local ECD group in your area prior to the event so that you can become more comfortable with the figures. (There are links to several Virginia groups on our Links page.) We also hold a "crash course" practice session on the day of the ball to allow you to familiarize yourself with some of the dances that will be done that evening. This practice session is included in the cost of your ball ticket, so there is not additional charge to attend. Check the main Victory Ball page for more information on this year's time and location for the practice session. And don't worry about memorizing the dances! Our excellent dancing master will be on hand to call each of the figures out so that you will know what step comes next.

Will I miss anything crucial if I don't come to the "crash course" session the afternoon of the ball?
We encourage everyone who is attending the ball to attend the "crash course" practice session to be familiar with the specific dances that will be done that evening, but attendance is not required. The session is particularly helpful for those who have never done or are new to doing English Country Dance. If you are comfortable and familiar with ECD figures, you will probably have no difficulty following along during the ball itself.

What is the dress code for the "crash course" session?
While period attire is welcome, most people typically attend in modern casual clothing. We strongly recommend that you wear comfortable shoes with flexible soles. High heels are not recommended.

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What to Expect at the Event

Is period clothing required?
No. While we certainly encourage folks to get into the spirit and wear early 19th century attire, we do not require it. If you prefer to wear modern clothing, we simply ask that you respect the formality of the occasion and wear appropriate evening wear. (Dresses for the ladies; suits and ties for the gentlemen.)

Will dinner be served at the ball?
While a formal dinner will not be served, we will offer heavy hors d'oeuvres during the event. Water and coffee are also included in your ticket price. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to partake of adult beverages or other soft drinks. (If you plan on drinking, don't forget to bring a valid picture ID!)

I would like to attend but I'd rather not dance. Are there any discounts for non-dancers?
As we have no way to enforce who dances and who does not, we are unable to offer discounted tickets for "observers." We would still enjoy the pleasure of your company, of course, and offer a gaming room with period games for the amusement of those who don't care to be on the dance floor.

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Miscellaneous

Where can I get the clothes if I choose to wear period attire?
Be sure to look at our Links page for sources for appropriate patterns, fabrics, or ready- and custom-made garments. Members can post requests to borrow garments in our Classified Ads page. Non-members can do the same in the Victory Ball event listing on our Facebook page.

I'm a member and would love to help out with the ball. How can I let you know I'm available to assist?
First of all, thank you for your willingness to serve! The best way to let us know that you are interested in getting involved is to visit our "Volunteer Opportunities" page. (You must be logged in to access the page.) Simply find our Victory Ball listing and click on the green hand ("Volunteer Yourself"), then choose which way(s) you would like to help support the event. We'll contact you when we are ready for your assistance!

Is there any way that I can share information about the Ball with others?
The more, the merrier, so please do let those you believe would enjoy the evening know about the event! For those who attend organizations that meet on a regular basis (such as English Country Dance and JASNA groups), please download and print one of our informational flyers (available in the months prior to the ball). For those who just want to get the word out through social media or other digital means, please be sure to share the URL to the Victory Ball main page and our event listing on our Facebook page.