Dancing in Regency times

Dancing in the eighteenth century was more than an entertainment for the gentry and those of great wealth. It was an art form. The England's love for France's style and dress lasted even through the war years.

However the French minuet dominated English ballrooms in the mid to late 1700’s. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines the minuet as  “a slow graceful dance in ¾ time characterized by forward balancing, bowing and toe pointing."   

In the minuet, each couple danced one at a time while all the guests watched. It was greatly praised if it was masterly performed with elegance. Each couple would take their turn to dance it from the highest-ranking persons to the lowest. 

However during the time of the Regency, dances held in the country or in the assembly rooms were slightly different. Couples would make their way down the set and would interact with all types of people—tradesmen, soldiers, the gentry and perhaps even a servant if they needed people to make up the set.

In Pride and Prejudice when Mr. Darcy does not make a point to dance at the assembly, everyone at the assembly is highly offended. 

In not dancing, he was announcing to everyone that he was unwilling to associate with people of low position, which because of his social status, was everyone at the assembly. Who wouldn't be insulted?