The University of Alabama Museum Club and the Undergraduate Historical Society will host the second annual Regency Ball from 7-10 p.m. at the Alabama Museum of Natural History in Smith Hall on March 21.
“This event is designed to fill a niche here on campus,” said Jenny McClain, a senior majoring in history and president of the Museum Club, adding that she felt a lack of formal events outside of Greek life.
Dancing will take place under the museum’s replica of a Basilosaurus on the second floor. Hosting the dance in the museum is a tradition the organizations are continuing to uphold. This has allowed students to experience the museum in a unique way, and the organizations are taking special note to continue to give attendees that opportunity.
“People are really passionate about the Regency period,” McClain said. “Nationwide, we’ve seen lots of ‘Bridgerton’ balls happening. We thought, ‘Let’s bring that here. Let’s make that accessible to the UA audience.’”
This will be the second year that the Museum Club and the Undergraduate Historical Society partner to host the ball, and they are selling 200 tickets after the success of last year’s dance.
“It’s an opportunity to celebrate something of our own, especially in the humanities, which doesn’t really get as much credit as it should,” said Olivia Womack, a senior double majoring in English and history who serves as president of the Undergraduate Historical Society. “We did a lot of historical research on the Regency era.”
All aspects of the ball are inspired by the 19th-century British Empire, from the music to the food. During the ball, the Alabama Ballroom Dance Team will teach ballroom dance lessons, and the Gorgas House Museum will bring in historical crafts and activities. Sitar of India, Ameer’s Kitchen and Mr. Chen’s are catering.
“It is interesting, this dichotomy of where natural history comes in tune with traditional history in this Regency era theme,” said Bennett Ogle, a senior majoring in economics and treasurer for the Museum Club. “Museums serve as social institutions as a whole to be the space of communication and learning.”
Formal wear, such as suits and floor-length dresses, is preferred, but dressing in period attire is not required. Tickets are $7, and more information about the event can be found at the Eventbrite website.
“This event was a lot of work to get done,” Ogle said. “We’ve worked really hard, put in a lot of hours. We’re really excited about it.”
Editor’s note: This story was updated to correct a misquote.
