Jane Austen’s Time Comes Alive at Birthday Ball and Tea

On Saturday, December 9, 2023, the Wisconsin region celebrated Jane Austen’s birthday with a Regency-era ball and tea straight out of Jane Austen’s life (or Bridgerton, if you are of that bent). Tom and Toni Tumbusch called and taught attendees five Regency dances. Splitting the dances into two sets was the tea (necessary because such dances were quite vigorous exercise. Jane Austen must have been in very good shape to be able to dance all night, even driving some partners to exhaustion!)

The delectable tea included scones, vegan quiche, and crab cakes. It was a meal fit for a king (or at least a Prince Regent) and helped fuel the twirls and steps of the dancing. Many guests dazzled in Regency attire, transforming the historic Women’s Club of Milwaukee into a birthday dance for Jane herself, who might as well have attended despite the time difference. Victoria Hinshaw presented an eloquent love letter to Jane Austen. Other entertainments included whist tables for those did not care to dance (or needed a breather), prize drawings, and sales of Jane Austen wares and calendars.

Submitted by Zachary Mason