The Flirtatious Regency Balls Of Pride & Prejudice | Having A Ball | Real Royalty 

At the beginning of the ball, when they were talking about the guests changing into their slippers and carrying them in a bag, I couldn’t help but wonder if this offers a little context to the iconic moment in Cinderella, where she leaves her slipper on the stair. The notion of losing your shoe on the way out of a party suddenly sounds less ridiculous and a lot more plausible. I’m willing to bet slippers were dropped all the time by guests leaving balls. I love how revealing the unexpected layers in experiments of this type sheds light onto other things.

I wish there were more "experimental archeology" shows like this!

This was made for the BBC and shown back in 2013 for the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice.

That frozen alcohol punch sure makes a drunk Mrs. Bennet make a lot more sense now.

This is one of the best programs I've ever seen. All of the different elements coming together don't begin to include the number of ordinary people who worked to make this happen. Huntsmen, coachmen, candlemakers maids, dairymen, maybe even smugglers of the liquors. And people making, selling, transporting the champagne,even the people who worked in the fields to harvest to hay to feed the horses. Nothing in society was disconnected from others. And women especially had to make no mistakes that could ruin their or their families social standing. That's why Mr Darcy's rescue of Lydia,by making Wickham marry her, was so outstanding to Lizzie. I'm thinking we should all reread the book

I'm American. Only the British could do such a superb documentary of this Jane Austin world. The actors and actresses and commentators are wonderful. It is so much more interesting than a history book. It's the knowing the actual living of it. From the food to the carriages to the shoes. It's really wonderful.

My prom dress in 1967. Had an empire waist and puffed sleeves. In a pale mint green. Made by my mom. It was my favorite.

Wonderful documentary. For me the only missing element was the etiquette of introductions, accepting an offer to dance and the obligation for the gentlemen to ensure no woman was left without a dance partner. This was a key part of Pride and Prejudice and one which wasn't covered here. But then, with such an embarrassment of riches, I can't complain!

This is one of the most romantic, fascinating, and compelling reenactments I've ever watched. Everyone, from the Chef to the Choreographer, know their Austen by heart. Also, Sally Pointer's book, The Artifice of Beauty: A History and Practical Guide to Perfume and Cosmetics, is one of my scriptures for traditional tech and y'all need to buy it.

What we've gained in technology, we've lost in style. Yes, I can't imagine my life without electricity, cars, TV, phones, internet, etc. But houses were nicer back then. Clothes were nicer. Food looked nicer. I wish I could go back for a while.

That boy who plays Bingley is so cute. I ship Alister and the green dress girl they got some chemistry alright

Way better show than any so called 'reality' ones. Wow, all these iced dishes with no fridge, they sure were bold. lol

I was impressed by the presentation of the food and especially the molded creations. Imagine not being able to show your teeth of a smile and laughter an absolute sign of an undesirable woman. The clothing is wonderful as is the dancing. I was surprised at the energy the dancing required considering the clothing the women wore. Thank you for the Pride and Prejudice era brought to life. Now I will read the book again, with the insight depicted of the documentary.

Watching the film is both happy and sad for me. Happy because I danced at a Regency Ball in the house with lots of friends, very much in the style you see. And sad because Stuart Marston (the dancing master) was a friend and gentleman who died recently. He was a fabulous dancer and generous in his kindness and guidance. I can confirm Regency dancing is very exciting and lots of fun. Andrew

This is such a wonderful documentary of the Regency era, so well done. As a Regency author myself, I enjoyed every detail. Thank you.

What a fascinating experience. I loved this video and it brought me new insights from my favourite Austen. I'm old but back in the late 1950s and early 1960s when I was a teenager we had weekly dances at our local church halls, and at birthday parties too, and what did they end with? The Bradford barn dance, where the girls stood in an outer circle and the boys were the inside circle, and moved round from girl to girl and we all danced with each other for a few moments. So much like the Boulanger. We hadn't changed much in 150ish years. 😊

In one of her shows, Dr Lucy Worsley points out that the men's breeches were skin tight and that men were as happy to show off their bulges as women were to show off their ample bosoms. I wonder if this were true! Great history video.

As for the shoe changing, well I live in Canada, in winter months, we still do it lol

This is a standing ovation presentation which had me enthralled from beginning to end. Thank you so much for all the work that went into producing this. I would love to hear more from those who took part in it which impact the experience had on them. The food also looked amazing and no doubt tasted so. I concur with all the favourable comments that precede mine.

I'd love to see a recreation of the world of Vanity Fair. I've probably read it 20 times,and I always find something I understand a little bit better.

This popped up in my 'to watch' list, just as I am reading Jane Austen's P&P for the umpteenth time. I watched show months ago and learned even more this time. Thank you to the folks who did this show and put in the work to make this happen. I've seen other shows with Ivan Day, whose astounding knowledge of food and its history never ceases to teach me something. Great program.

I remember hearing about my great-grandparents & grandparents going to dances & they had special shoes for dancing! Circa 1900. I love this book & the movie with Kiera Knightly & Mathew McFayden. Gorgeous & I watch it at least once a year. Loved this video, so interesting. I realize I missed a lot in the book! Thx for sharing.

Where is the HEART button when I need it? lol My most favorite documentary yet! Loved these books! This was a joy to watch.

I'm left in amazement at this reenactment, so glad I found this! Well done all of you who made this happen! Now where can I find a regency ball? ;)

Love watching this......quite nostalgic of beautiful customs and traditions of eras gone by

Excellent! Pride and Prejudice is one of my favorite books and favorite movies. The superb attention to detail, the history, what it meant to those who participated, the food preparation, and social mores adds so much to the rereading of this superb novel. Thank you all for such a wonderful documentary.

"savage on the dancefloor" I think I never laughed harder ^^

I absolutely love this! Soo informative and interesting. As for flirtatious, yes, but also this is a form of exercise, which releases endorphins, bringing feelings of happiness, a bit giddy and lots of smiles! Such work went into everything being authentic, food , clothes, music, dance. Well done to all the teachers and coaches! 👍💖🤗👍❤️😁. I read the book in highschool and loved it, now I plan on heading to the library to read it again!

When I look at this documentary, I realise I would not want to be in the ballroom dancing. I would like to be in the kitchen and try out those recipes for myself. The dishes look amazing and seem to taste great too!

What an astonishing endeavor, & so enjoyable to watch! Everything was so well & authentically done! I do believe, however, that not all dances were as energetic as the ones chosen here---there would have been more sedate dances in between to let the young people catch their breath & cool off. A most delightful hour-&-a-half, would love to see more of these.

Gosh these modern dancers must be quite unfit compared with society in 1810. But then again people walked a great deal in those days, went to balls regularly, rode horseback and were slimmer. They were quite used to dancing like this for half an hour at a time. Well produced documentary that transported me 200 years into the past.

I loved the content of this video. I have watched Pride & Prejudice, with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, five times I think, and I'm ready to watch again. For me that's the most beautiful version. ❤

There is a german fairytale, "Die zertanzten Schuhe" (The shoes that were danced to pieces). I didn't know shoes would actually be in shreds after one night of dancing.

The kitchen preparations are absolutely fantastic

Beautiful representation of the intricacies of Regency shown here. As an absolute devotee of Regency times, as a young woman, not only did I read Jane Austen, but was a huge fan of Georgette Heyer. If you look at her history (early 20th century) I believe she must have taken a lot of her tales from her own fascination with Jane Austen. Her books are also very much a picture of Regency society.....albeit from a higher society level. Her books need to be brought back.

The dancer commenting how he could feel it in his calves and wondered how people used to do this. I remember how much walking there is in the novel. Of course, rich people had carriages, but still, I wonder if, all in all, people did a lot more "walking" than today. And by walking I don't only mean going to and fro places, going on walks, but also being busy at home, standing.🤔

This is my second time watching this 3-part series. I enjoyed it so much. What a wonderful opportunity to explore the subtle social nuances of Austen's Regency period!

I love that it starts by saying Austen wrote P&P when she was 20, but the reenactor looks mid 50s.

OMG! To jump so much after eating so much! No, I don't think Le Boulanger was danced after dinner, at least not right away ... :D lol Beautiful show, very interesting! The formalities of dinners we watch on the movies versus the spontaneous and informal exchange of dishes passed around, the tight quarters, the proximity of people, the low lighting ... it was exciting to watch!

Please, please, give us more videos like this! It was fantastic!!

I am an American who loves Jane Austen.This was absolutely wonderful.

So wonderful! It is important to point out that P&P was first written in 1797. So there would be some minor differences, but just wonderful to see this detail for readers in 1813. I'm in awe!

Very interesting and well-made. I'm going to have to watch Pride and Prejudice again.

Absolutely delightful recreation of Jane Austen’s time. I do appreciate everyone’s efforts of even the smallest details. Than you all!

Exquisite detail, fascinating facts. A typically excellent, well done British documentary.

Oh, this was superb. The way the idea of Mr Bingley's ball came to live! It made me feel giddy and I do so love the candlelight.

This was thoroughly enjoyable from all the preparations right up to the ball thank you very much for sharing XX

I’ve read Amanda Vickery’s books so it’s wonderful to see her here. I’d love to have her as a prof. She’s wonderful to learn from!

How marvelous! A well-rounded documentary that keeps you spellbound in the past.

Such a delightful and informative video. I truly found a deeper appreciation of The Regency period of English history.

I think this would make an amazing dating shoe. Experimental Archeology dating. I would be curious how the social rules would effect modern people. If we suddenly weren't allowed to touch, a hand hold would mean so much more. I could see this being relatable with the modern day contexts of the disease who must not be named limiting our social contact.

This whole presentation was utterly sublime. I think it would also be the perfect thing to watch during the Christmas season! 🎀So festive and wintry.

What a wonderful documentary this was! Books, movies, and documentaries have always been a favorite of mine, but this is, by far, the best I have seen! I’m going to download the book again, and read it from a completely different vantage point. Thank you so much for this wonderful piece of experimental archeology. I was held captive from the start🤩!

*Just WoW* This really brought the book to life! I could see each character in each dancer and even those that didn't dance were perfectly suited to their roles. The lovely blond greeting guests at the door was obviously one of Mr. Bingley's sisters but I thought she was more suited to be Jane Bennet. A sweet face and a lovely countenance. Definitely Jane. Pride and Prejudice is one of my all time favorite books and the A&E production one of the best tellings. Colin Firth is forever my Mr. Darcy.

This program was absolutely fantastic! 🎉❤ My congratulations to the producers and all collaborators! I was fascinated by it and will definitely be rereading my Austen collection with this new injection of information.

I really enjoyed this. Thoroughly researched and beautifully presented. ☮️

Thank you for the opportunity to have an insight into Jane Austin's world so many years ago! 🌹

A slight disagreement, if I may: the Bennets were not rural nobodies; Mr. Bennet made 2000 a year, which, while not immensely wealthy, was comfortable. They were landowners, a demographic to which very few people of the time actually belonged; even Lady Catherine admits grudgingly that Elizabeth and Darcy in that respect, at least, are of the same class. Thus, ironically, Elizabeth was more eligible socially that Miss Bingley, who, along with her brother, were the children of a wealthy merchant--a connection they distanced themselves from. The OTHER irony in the foursome is that Darcy's best friend was Miss Bingley's brother, also from the merchant North, and not, technically, from the gentry, though he is trying to get there by buying a large estate. So Austen's readers would have known that Elizabeth was actually an acceptable wifely candidate, despite her lack of dowry, and Darcy was not as snobbish as he seemed, since his intimate friend was from outside his own class. (Which also illustrates the blending of long established social distinctions during the Regency.)

Fantastic documentary! You did a great job. I fantasised it exactly like that when reading the book. Beautyful

I remember the idea of changing shoes, we carried our shoes in a bag and changed in the cloakroom this was 1962 ish 😊

This was an educational, entertaining, and beautiful video!! Thanks to all who contributed to its creation--BRAVO!! No wonder we love Jane Austen so much, she was brilliant!!

Wonderful documentary. The quality and effort to make this happen is amazing. Loved it

History come alive . Wonderfully presented , thank you ❤️😊👍

This gives me the itch to take dancing lessons and search for balls !!! 😅😂😂

Really loved this! Great experts and presenters. Lovely bunch of folks who are highly engaging and informed while not upstaging the excellent content.

Thank you so much for posting this movie. I'm a big fan of Jane Austen, I love her writing. I love the language she uses. Thank you. Love the details.

This was SO MUCH FUN to watch. Thank you all!! (and can we get an update on the matchmaking that occurd that night?)

This is an absolutely wonderful program!!! I want more like this, please!

This is beyond brilliant! I learned so much that I'm certain will enhance my experience whenever I read books or watch shows from this period. :)

Incredibly well done. Wish I could have been apart of the reinactment.

An absolute delight to watch! Thank you🙏🏻💕

Beautiful- I absolutely loved this episode! As a devoted Jane Austen reader, the experiment provided important context to the text.

If one wishes to see a dance like the ones in Jane Austen's day, it's still possible. Look up contra dancing in your state and then go. Contra dancing was popular from before the American Revolution until after the Civil War. Just like in Jane's day, the music will be live, and the only electronic instrument may be a keyboard. You can come alone and leave alone. It's the precuirsor of square dancing. The moves, like swing your partner, always stay the same, and the caller walks every dance through once or twice. If you have three left feet like me, don't panic. Ask more experienced partners for a dance---they won't bite your head off and will usually be quite helpful. Also, during the dance, watch the other dancers as they'll often provide you with clues for the next move such as a left alemand. Try it!

This is so wonderfully indepth, thank you.

Thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse of Regency life. Thank you

watching isn't enough, I need to LIVE IT

Excellent insight into a period of time which has held an endless fascination for me.

The way how all of them became more beautiful and handsome when they changed into the elegant clothing. This is why we should go back to dressing more elegantly

1:14:43 Lol, actual footage of me dressed up in any social setting.

Well worth watching adding another dimension to Jane Austens Pride ant the Prejudice 😊👍❤️

This is VERY interesting because once you do a deep dive like this into the period, things really start to make sense. 😮

This is a fascinating bit of history of the time of Jane Austen and style and costume.

I had to come back and watch this brilliant production for the third time! I really have enjoyed learning about every aspect of this slice of Regency society!

This was incredibly well done, highly informative on many levels, and delightfully entertaining! Thank you!

Great video. Thanks so much for putting this together.

I love this so much!!! please have more videos such as this in relation to Austin's books :)

Excellent!! Loved this as I have the book!! Thank you!

Wonderful! It really brings into scope how crazy the London season was! I don’t think I could take the excess!

Ngl I wasn't expecting much at first but this program was actually truly enlightening and fascinating! Didn't expect to feel differently watching the whole process and see them bring it to life but it felt so much more realistic than what is typically portrayed in films and shows. Thoroughly enjoyed watching this~ And a very fitting way to celebrate 200 years of Pride and Prejudice.

Really fascinating. Great research. Bravo

I LOVED watching this. Thank you so much!!!!!

Absolutely fascinating. Thank you!

Thoroughly enjoyed this video and how much research and preparation went into it.!

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Thank you so much,

Imagine dancing in a full corset and layers of petticoats

One of my favorite documentaries.

I absolutely loved the recreation of the bal down to the smallest detail. I wonder if someone forgot to research the part of the women removing their gloves and placing them on their lap in order to eat. I don't think anyone ever ate with their gloves on. Just a thought! I love all your hard work though with the recreation of the ball and the banquet. Thanks so much!

Most wonderful in information and authenticity. Thank you!

That is what I admire about the Brits, they love their history and preserve it.

Wow! Thanks for all your effort for this video