Bay Area English Regency Society -- a
 glimpse into the world of the early 1800s

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) celebrates the spirit of the early nineteenth century. The English Regency, familiar to us from the works not only of Jane Austen and Georgette Heyer but C. S. Forester, Patrick O'Brian, and Tim Powers, was a spirited time bubbling over with creative energy in the arts and sciences, and yet a time when wit and grace were highly valued.

Our dances come from English Country tradition, from Regency-era dance manuals such as Thomas Wilson, and from occasional modern Choreography done in the manner of the time. They are set to music by classical composers such as Mozart, Schubert, and Beethoven, or to traditional country dance tunes. Dances and music are varied for each ball, according to its theme, which may range from the elegant to the rowdy. We offer second-Friday dance parties in Palo Alto, and three or four fancy-dress balls throughout the year.

Newcomers are always welcome at our balls, picnics, and readings -- period costume is admired but by no means mandatory. We explore all aspects of life among the different social classes in Regency England, and occasionally venture into the American Federalist era. The Regency is a lens through which one can examine the history of the world, and we invite you to gaze along with us.

See the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our second Friday dance parties!
Download the flyer for the second Friday dance parties (and general BAERS information).


BAERS Events for 2024
Subscribe to the low volume BAERS mailing list here and find out about all our upcoming events!
Never miss a BAERS ball! Just add baers.calendar@gmail.com to your mobile device calendar!
Fri., January 12th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party (guest leader Lise Dyckman) St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., February 9th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party
Playful and romantic dances and waltzes celebrate the Cyprian spirit!
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Sat., Feb 10th 7:30-11:00 pm A Regency Ball

Celebrate Jane Austen-era dance in a coproduction with the Odd Fellows Lodge.
$25 at the door.
Odd Fellows True Fellowship Lodge #52, 1035 Emory Street, San Jose details
Fri., March 8th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., April 12th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Sat., May 4th 8:00-11:30 pm The Astronomy Ball
Celebrating the astronomical discoveries of Caroline Herschel in dance!
Tickets at the door $25!
Alameda Masonic Lodge, 2312 Alameda Ave, Alameda flyer
Fri., May 10th 8:00-10:30pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., June 14th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., July 12 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party (guest caller Lise Dyckman) St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Sat., Aug 10th 7:30-10:30 pm (doors 7:00) An August Regency Ball

Celebrate Jane Austen-era dance in a coproduction with the Odd Fellows Lodge.
Tickets are $25 in advance (Paypal only); $30 at the door if not sold out. Registration link (via Odd Fellows)
Odd Fellows True Fellowship Lodge #52, 1035 Emory Street, San Jose details
Fri., September 13th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., October 11th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details
Fri., November 8th 7:45 - 10:00pm BAERS Second Friday Dance Party (taken over as a preview of Alan Winston's Birthday Ball November 9; modern compositions) St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto details