Amherst Victorian Dance Society

------ Temporary Meeting Schedule ------
WHEN: 3rd Wednesdays of the month
TIME: 7:00 - 9:00 pm
WHERE: Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village (Shaw Museum Bldg. /Main Bldg.)
3755 Tonawanda Creek Road, Amherst, N.Y. 14228
COVID NOTE: Please wear masks and some kind of gloves.

NEW MEMBERS WELCOMED: Feel free to attend our meetings at anytime
to discover the fun, grace and the social
experience of Victorian Era dancing. Please
explore our website for taste of what Victorian
dance is all about ! Remember masks and gloves.

--------------- BALL NEWS---------------
The 22nd Annual Victorian Ball on November 14, 2020 sponsored by the Amherst Victorian Dance Society has been cancelled due to Covid-19 concerns but rescheduled for
Saturday, November 13th, 2021
We are excited to announce that our 11/13/2021 22nd Annual Victorian Ball will be modeled after the UNION BALL, Abraham Lincoln's 1st Inaugural Ball on March 4th, 1861. This 1860's Era Victorian Ball is open to all local and out of town vintage dancers, Civil War Reenactors and "civilians". Ball will include a same day Pre-Ball workshop to learn or review the dances on the Ball dance card, a wonderful dinner, vintage live music and an evening of 1860's Era social dance similar to what appeared on the Union Ball dance card. The Union Ball theme will be woven into the evening throughout ! See Union Ball memorabilia below:

One item on the Union Ball dance card was the Martha Quadrille to music of the same name by Johann Strauss II. Click on YoutTube above to enjoy the music.

Step Back in Time

The Amherst Victorian Dance Society learns and practices dances popular during the reign of Queen Victoria. The focus is on 1837 to 1901 and includes dances such as the Grand March, Waltzes, Quadrilles, the Schottische, Reels, Two Step, Polkas, Gallops and many more couple and group 19th century social dances. Members also learn about the customs and manners, dress, music and history of the Victorian Era.

In addition to our twice a month instructional meetings lead by our dance master, the Society is available to give Victorian Dance demonstrations. We would be honored to put on a dance demonstration at your next event. Use the Contact page to get in touch with us and book a demonstration.

The Society also sponsors an annual Victorian Ball with live period music, pre-Ball workshop to learn the dances on the dance card for the Ball and the leadership of a skilled dance master throughout the workshop and the Ball itself. Use the Contact page to get in touch with us if you wish to attend the Ball. The Ball is usually held the Saturday of Veterans Day weekend.

New members are welcomed at all times ! Couples, singles and families are invited to join. Come and try us out for up to three meetings before joining and see what fun we have dancing and socializing with a Victorian flare !

See SPARE PARTS link under "Resources"

2018 Twentieth Annual Victorian Ball: Reel of Eight

Sponsored by the Amherst Victorian Dance Society, a Guild of the Buffalo Niagara Heritage Village, at Lucarelli's Banquet Center.

Guest Dance Mistress, Cathy Stephens of London , Ontario leads Ball guests in the Eightsome Reel.

Music by Phil Banaszak, Gretchen Banaszak and Laurie Penpraze of "City Fiddle" of Buffalo, N.Y.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert