Le Bon Ton
Regulations for the Grand Jane Austen Ball
As previously described, we dedicate ourselves entirely to the format "Le Bon Genre" during our festivities. Instead of counting steps, we collectively create an atmospheric and vivid illusion of the Regency era in the magnificent setting of Eichstätt. Above all, the Grand Jane Austen Ball in the Hall of Mirrors of the Residence offers you the perfect space to leave the everyday behind and to immerse yourself in the world around 1800 with joy and ease.
The true heart of this experience is the "Bon Ton" – the art of cultivated encounter and elegant movement. In our preparatory courses, you not only learn the festive sequences of steps and figures, but naturally internalize the refined posture and historical etiquette to which this distinguished style obliges us. Thus, you glide into our magnificent ball night perfectly prepared, relaxed, and full of anticipation.
Dress Code around 1800
For our gatherings, historical attire in the style of the Regency and Empire is requested.
Absolute perfection is not demanded; the joy of the appearance
and the respect for the epoch are paramount.
The following guidelines serve for fine distinction:
De Promenade for the Lady
The wardrobe for the promenade is characterized
by the typical Empire line.
A high-waisted chemise dress of fine cambric
or muslin forms the foundation.
A spencer (short jacket) or a pelisse (long coat) are
the correct choice for the promenade in Bavarian weather.
Accessories such as a bonnet, long gloves
and a small reticule complete the picture.
De Promenade for the Gentleman
Elegant simplicity is the order of the day.
A tailcoat or redingote over a waistcoat,
accompanied by either knee breeches with stockings or more modern pantaloons.
A top hat or bicorne, an artfully tied cravat
and a walking cane bestow upon the appearance
the necessary dignity for the city park.
The wardrobe for the promenade is characterized
by the typical Empire line.
A high-waisted chemise dress of fine cambric
or muslin forms the foundation.
A spencer (short jacket) or a pelisse (long coat) are
the correct choice for the promenade in Bavarian weather.
Accessories such as a bonnet, long gloves
and a small reticule complete the picture.
De Promenade for the Gentleman
Elegant simplicity is the order of the day.
A tailcoat or redingote over a waistcoat,
accompanied by either knee breeches with stockings or more modern pantaloons.
A top hat or bicorne, an artfully tied cravat
and a walking cane bestow upon the appearance
the necessary dignity for the city park.
For our ball evening, historical festive attire in the style of the Regency and early Empire is requested.
Absolute perfection is not demanded; the joy of the appearance
and the respect for the epoch are paramount.
The following recommendations serve as guidance:
De Bal for the Lady
Ladies: Elegant Empire or Regency ball gown
with high waist (Empire line),
floor-clearing skirts for perfect freedom of movement while dancing.
Swept-up, danceable coiffure according to historical models
(e.g., with pearls, ribbons or feathers).
Flat dancing slippers or light dancing shoes without heels.
De Bal for the Gentleman
Gentlemen: Dark tailcoat with stand-up collar,
light waistcoat and breeches
or close-fitting pantaloons with light silk stockings.
White shirt with artfully tied cravat
and flat dancing shoes (pumps).
Top hats or bicornes remain at the cloakroom while dancing.
Regulations & Etiquette
Bon Ton and Society
- The Art of Gallantry: Meet all guests of the festivities with that timeless courtesy and obligingness that make the social interaction of Jane Austen's world so incomparable.
- The Play of Society: Mingle freely among the guests. Whether promenading in the Hall of Mirrors, engaging in stimulating conversations at the gaming tables or at the buffet volant – forging new acquaintances and refined conversation are the heart of the Bon Ton.
- Equality on the Parquet: At our feast, there is no distinction of status or rank. Every guest contributes to the glamorous success of the evening and is cordially invited to share the joy of dancing.
- Appreciation through Punctuality: As admission, greeting, buffet opening, and dance sets are finely coordinated, a punctual arrival is a sign of respect towards the society and the hosts.
House Rules and Mementos
- Photographs and Court Painters: In order not to disturb the historical atmosphere in the hall, we ask that mobile telephones be silenced and used only exceedingly discreetly. As we dispense with an official "court painter", we are all the more delighted by every guest who captures the most beautiful impressions and shares them with everyone in our collective album.
Booking & Organization
- Ticket Sales and the Foundation of the Ball Days: To ensure the execution of the festivities, we politely request your timely booking from the start of advance sales on September 15. As the Grand Jane Austen Ball forms the center of our days together, the realization of all courses and divertissements is bound to its occurrence. The prerequisite for this is reaching the minimum number of 50 participants for Jane Austen by February 15, 2027.
- Workshops and Individual Courses: Please note that specific participant numbers are also required for the individual program items (for ball preparation, for example, 10 to a maximum of 20 registrations are needed). Should an individual course fail to reach this number, only that specific program item will be cancelled.
- Accommodation & Concierge Service: Utilize the new exclusive and complimentary concierge service. Until March 15, 2027, most hotel rooms are reserved for us!
- Culinary Delights and Own Tab: Apart from the provided refreshment water at the dance courses, we kindly ask you to note that all further or self-ordered food and beverages (e.g., during communal gathering hours) are to be settled directly by each guest.
- Historical Means of Payment: As modern card payments cannot always be guaranteed within the historical walls of the Residence, we most politely request that you carry a sufficiently filled purse of cash for personal consumption tabs and beverages.
- Please note our booking phases: Until the minimum number of participants is secured, we preferentially offer our comprehensive event packages. Once the hosting is secured, the remaining places are also available in individual ticket sales.
- Binding Nature of the Booking: Upon reaching the minimum number of participants, the hosting of the ball is deemed secured. We politely draw your attention to the fact that from this moment on, all acquired tickets attain their full binding nature.
Note on Refunds
Should the minimum number of participants unexpectedly not be reached
and the event have to be cancelled from our side,
the fee paid will naturally be fully refunded to you
without deductions.
Our Dance Compendium
For perfect preparation
Dance Selection
The dances of the ball
Steps around 1800
To the knowledge base overview
Figures around 1800
To the knowledge base overview
Our Compendium of Grace
For a consummate appearance around 1800
Consummate Grace & Freshness
Complexion, Coiffure & the secret of fragrances
The Carefree Attire
Empire line, muslin & the antique ideal
The Art of Polite Society
The unwritten laws of the English Assembly Rooms
Come & Be a part of it
Shared Photo Album
Share your most beautiful shots of the ball with the society
Accommodation & Hotels
Complimentary concierge service & room blocks until March 15, 2027
Registration & Ticket Sales
Advance sales start on September 15