19th Century Ball Etiquette

19th Century Ball Etiquette

There are several webpages reqarding etiquette at a 19th century ball. There are also several manuals from the time available online. Following are some links to information about 19th century ball etiquette. Some sites may duplicate information and some of the information may be very general to the 19th century rather than specifically to the Civil War era.

A Mid-19th Century Victorian Ball
This article is on the Victoriana website. It not only included information about etiquette but dress and a link to dance instruction information as well.

An Invitation to Dance
This site is an online exhibit from the American Antiquarian Society. The exhibit includes much information about the development of social dance in America, including a section on etiquette.

Victorian Dance Ensemble
This group is from Pennsylvania and performs dancing from the Civil War era. They include several articles on Civil War dancing including one on etiquette.

The Northstar Chapter of The Victorian Society in America
This group celebrates the 19th Century with a variety of events involving and promoting historic locations, including balls. A page includes information on etiquette.

Frost's Laws and By-Laws of American Society
This book is available free through Google Books. It was published in 1869. Etiquette for balls begins on page 72 of the online version.

Our Deportment
Published in 1881 it is a bit later than the period for this website, but provides entertaining reading. It is also available free on Google Books; ball information begins on page 136 of the online version.

The Newport Dancers Gazette
Newletter of the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers. Ettiquette information begins on page 4.