The Flair of the Era
A Journey Along the Paths of the Regency
I. A Longing for the Era
From Jane Austen to Bridgerton
II. The Fascination of the Age
Romance & Etiquette of the Empire
III. The Tradition of the Ball
On Princely Paths Since 2012
IV. Musical Masterpieces
The Virtuosos of Our Society
V. Of Tanzengeln & Support
A Profoundly Personal Thank You
VI. Fürth: Our Stage
Architecture & English Landscape Gardening
I. A Longing for the Era
It is a truth universally acknowledged that the witty and exquisitely refined world of Jane Austen has captivated the hearts of countless admirers for decades. Especially since the vibrant rise of the Bridgerton chronicles, this fascination has arrived fully in our modern society. Ever since, festive events have sprung up everywhere, attempting to exude the incomparable flair of places like Bath, Lucca, or Eichstätt, allowing us all to immerse ourselves and lose track of time in the Regency era.
II. The Fascination of the Gallant Era
But what defines the Regency and the Empire? Why is this era so irresistibly fascinating, particularly in our days? Perhaps we recognize ourselves in the fateful figures depicted against the dramatic backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
Or perhaps it is an unspoken yearning for the steadying rigour of the etiquette of the time? In a fast-paced world, we may find ourselves missing the stylish, understated wooing, the fine and unspoken play of glances, and that early Romantic indulgence which grants this gallant era its immortal soul.
III. On Princely Paths: The Tradition
Our own Jane Austen Ball looks back with pride on a long and exceptionally glorious tradition, which held its festive opening in the year 2012. Begun in Nuremberg, the path led through the cultivated halls of Erlangen and Ansbach, and finally to Eichstätt. There, before a truly dazzling backdrop, we walked in the footsteps of the Dukes of Leuchtenberg. It was this very residence that served as a magnificent refuge and new home for a Bavarian princess and Napoleon’s stepson—the deposed Viceroys of Italy. One could hardly conceive of a more dignified setting for a historical ball.
IV. Musical Masterpieces of the Society
That this undertaking could grow to such grandeur and grace, we owe not least to the early, formative collaboration with the Pemberley Players from Liverpool. It is my great honour and pleasure that we may still dance to the wonderful reconstructions and notation by their leader, David Williams.
And how utterly enchanting it is that this legacy is now continued through the collaboration with the charming Pemberley Ensemble under the direction of the talented Vroni Schnattinger, who has been setting us in motion with spirited virtuosity in Eichstätt for three years.
V. Of Tanzengeln and an Invaluable Support
There were days when I almost feared the end of this great ball. Yet, how charmingly and warmly we were welcomed in Eichstätt! This tireless continuation I owe from the beginning to the active support of my student helpers, my true "Tanzengel" (dance angels).
My deepest and most far-reaching gratitude, however, belongs to my dear wife Tanja. Since our marriage—solemnized during the privations of the Corona era—she has supported me most energetically and endures the storms and tribulations of my creative fervour with admirable composure. Without her, this magnificent work would be unthinkable.
VI. Fürth: The Stage of Our Present
Now, we turn our gaze to our hometown of Fürth, which offers us such excellent premises for our workshops with the traditional Alte Eichamt and the venerable Helmhalle of the Schliemann Gymnasium. Fürth emerged from the shadows of history in 1806 with the fall of the Imperial City of Nuremberg, and revealed its modern economic power with the first railway line between Nuremberg and Fürth in 1835.
Anyone strolling through the city centre today and promenading through the extensive Stadtpark feels immediately that this is the perfect architectural and natural setting to let the elegance of times past come to life once more.