PSSP parties like it’s 1799

Pemberley Ball draws large crowd

By BRANDON SULLIVAN, Features Writer

Published: April 16, 2008

If you had walked into Upper Gwinn last Friday and thought you might have accidentally wandered into the pages of a Jane Austen novel, you wouldn't be far from the truth. The conference room was host to dozens of people dressed in period costumes and semi-formal wear, engaged in English country dancing and accompanied by live music.

The night began with a "caller" giving instructions, as columns of couples paraded around the room in a "grand march." After about an hour and a half of calling, the crowd dispersed to partake in some refreshments that had been specially provided by campus dining services.

All of the food was similar to that which would have been served at such a party in Austen's time, except for the water, which more likely would have been used for bathing rather than drinking.

The event was sponsored by the Pemberley Society of Seattle Pacific (PSSP), a club on campus named after the country estate owned by Mr. Darcy in "Pride and Prejudice." The club works to engage the classic works of Austen through both her written works and film adaptations.

A variety of people were present at the ball, from undergrads and graduates to non-SPU youth and even the above-40 crowd. PSSP advisor Bobbie Childers, a social dance instructor here at SPU, even had several students come up to her and express how much they appreciated the mix of young and old.

"The students themselves loved it," she said.

After PSSP became an official club in the fall, club president Alex Binz, a sophomore, met with Childers and discussed the potential for hosting an English country ball, and it was decided that the event could happen in the spring of 2008.

PSSP members have regularly been attending English country dancing on Friday nights in the U District.

So began a whirlwind of planning and coordinating that all culminated in a night of proper English fun. Binz said he was met with an overwhelming amount of support from all around.

"There have been so many instances where God has worked, it's incredible," he said.

For example, Binz said that Childers had been one of the top three dance champions in the world for ballroom dancing when she was younger, and as such, was able to set up the dance with nationally recognized dance caller, Laura Me Smith, who has been calling dances since 1980.

Smith teaches English country and contra dancing in the Seattle/Tacoma area, and as the caller she instructed those unfamiliar with the styles and choreographed routines.

"There's been such an outpouring of support," Binz said.

People from the music departments of SPU helped out as well with the live music, and Eric Hanson, a music professor, and senior Bethany Walrad, a music student, helped put together display boards at the event that described aspects of life around Austen's time. Childers helped as well. Sophomore Cassandra Vlahos provided other decorations, including the columns draped with violet silk-like material that adorned corners of Upper Gwinn.

With attendance exceeding the club's expectations, the event was considered a success. PSSP is planning to donate excess ticket sales to Rock for DMD research. Binz is currently planning to make the ball an annual event, as many of the ideas that he and Childers came up with for this one weren't able to be implemented in time.

Until then, Binz encouraged those still interested in English country dancing to join the PSSP at their Friday night sessions.

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