Pride and Prejudice: an LGBT+ inspired historical dance workshop

This Pride, join us at the Georgian House for a night of dancing and storytelling, celebrating diverse lives in the Georgian period (1714 - 1830).

On the eve of Edinburgh Pride, the Georgian House is hosting a historical dance workshop and specialist guided tour inspired by real people and events linked to LGBT+ history. So, put on your regency frock, don a curly wig and pull up those breeches, the Georgian House invites you to dance like it's 1796.

The evening will include an introduction to LGBTQ+ life in Georgian Edinburgh, a guided historical dance workshop and specialist tour of the house after hours.

Dress code: Wear your best historically inspired drag look or bring some glamorous accessories to pair with an outfit from our collection!

Time: 6:30pm to 9:00pm

Door opens at 6:00 pm

Ticket cost: £25

Refreshments provided.

We’ve selected four historical dances with a queer twist!

They include:

1. The Duchess of Devonshire reel - Written by Black British abolitionist, writer and composer Ignatius Sancho. The title refers to 18th century socialite Georgina, Duchess of Devonshire. Georgina, who often appeared in British newspapers in connection to her close friend Lady Elizabeth Foster. You can read more about their relationship here : https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/learn/histories/lgbtq-history/romantic-female-friendship

2. A Waltz - This country dance references the 1812 poem The Waltz by famous 19th century bisexual Lord Byron. When it first came to the UK, the dance was considered so risqué, due to one partner clasping the other around the middle, that two women would perform the dance. This can be seen depicted in the marble statue 'Campbell Sisters Dancing a Waltz' by Lorenzo Bartolini at the Scottish National Galleries. The Galleries note that 'the base is inscribed with a dedication to the English sculptor John Flaxman, whose engravings of Homeric subjects Bartolini greatly admired’.

3. A Scotch reel - Most popular during the 18th century amongst the aristocracy and military men, this dance was usually performed by men to show off their agility and strength. These days, the dance is considered gender neutral.

4. The Gay Gordons - This late Victorian/Edwardian dance title has been adopted by many modern LGBTQ+ Scottish Dancing clubs around the UK, including in London, Manchester and here in Edinburgh!

About the team

Frances Scott (piano) trained at the Royal Northern College of Music. She worked for Scottish Ballet, the Royal Ballet Company and as the Youth Music Initiative Coordinator for the City of Edinburgh Council. Frances has a deep interest in dance and music in 18th-century Scotland. The latter she performs as part of the Bruntsfield Baroque Trio.

Alena Shmakova (dance leader) is a dance historian based in Edinburgh. She teaches and performs historical dance as part of Les Danses Antiques (http://www.danseantique.com/) since 2013 focusing on social dances from the 17th – 19th centuries. She performed historical dances for the events at Scottish historic sites including the Stirling Castle, the Holyrood Palace, St Cecilia’s Hall, Abbotsford The Home Of Sir Walter Scott as well as at early dance festivals. Her main research interest is the Scottish dance scene during the Enlightenment period. The latter project she is doing as a research volunteer at the National Trust for Scotland.

Kamila Dzięgielewska (historical fashion,) is an Edinburgh-based fashion history enthusiast and historical content creator. She a self-taught seamstress enjoying making historical costumes from undergarments to outwear. Examples of her work can be found on her Instagram (@hedwig.macbutterfly). In her spare time, Kamilla can be found volunteering and sharing her passion for history with visitors at the Georgian House.

The Georgian House prides itself on reflecting the National Trust for Scotland’s Core Values and creating a safe space for all.

Host or Publisher The Georgian House