It was a journey into the enchanting world of renowned author Jane Austen with a holiday ball hosted by the Mission Viejo Library.
Held at the Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, guests enjoyed regency-themed dancing, crafts and refreshments on Friday, Dec. 15, at the Austen Ball. Participants engaged in Austen’s literary works with a holiday flare — and in honor of her Dec. 16, 1775, birthday.
The evening featured a live performance by the Capistrano Valley High School flute choir and an accompanying cellist. English country dancing lessons were taught, provided by a live dance caller.
The Austen ball marked the culmination of a month-long series of Jane Austen-inspired programs hosted at the Mission Viejo Library. Throughout four events, participants delved into Austen-themed trivia, enjoyed storytime sessions, experienced the lost art of letter writing and participated in a workshop that offered tips and tricks for crafting ball gowns.
The programs were developed by Mission Viejo librarian Grace Sheehy who was influenced by similar balls that she attended in Pasadena and Riverside.
Sheehy wanted to capitalize on the increasing popularity of “Regency romance,” a subgenre that highlights early 1800s British life, made popular by shows like “Bridgerton” on Netflix.
For those who couldn’t attend these events, Genesis Hansen, the director of Library and Cultural Services at the Mission Viejo Library, said future similar programming is in the works.
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