Chalk on the Dance Floor: A Regency Tradition

The Regency era. The words inspire thoughts of elegant gowns modeled after Grecian goddesses, elegant balls, and of course the historical romances we can't get enough of.

But one thing I didn't hear about until I started researching balls and soirees for The Earl's Scandalous Lady was the use of chalk on dance floors.

Side note: did anyone else try eating chalk as a kid?

Okay, so it didn't quite look like this. But according to Historical Hussies (http://historicalhussies.blogspot.com/2013/08/regency-ballrooms.html), the wealthiest ton hostesses would have elaborate chalk drawings done on their dance floors.  Not only did this provide traction for dancing slippers, but it spoke to the wealth and prestige of the house. Historical Hussies' article also provides an excellent summary of the types of dance floors and how ballrooms were laid out for big events.

The Queluz National Palace Ballroom, located in Queluz, Portugal

Thanks to Cheri Champagne for the photo!

Fast Facts for Writers

Unfortunately images of this practice were hard to come by.  But for those historical writers out there, a couple fast facts in case you want to use this for future projects:

• This was a practice done most commonly between 1808 and 1821.
• Not a standard practice for just any ball. Events had to be special, and usually only the wealthiest families did this.
• Artists were hired to do the drawings.
• Designs could be anything: nymphs, symbols, flowers, or even people.
• Dancers would rub chalk on the bottom of their slippers to prevent slipping, especially during the more vigorous dances.
• Hostesses with more worn floors could use the chalk to their advantage: wow their guests with their beautiful designs, ensure the safety of dancers and cover up their home's flaws.

Did I Step On His Nose?

The best, and perhaps unique, drawing example I found was courtesy of Donna Hatch and Allison Thompson, who shared that at the annual hunt ball in Warwick in 1813 "...the floor of the ballroom sported a colored-chalk full-length figure of Guy, Earl of Warwick, 'in complete armor,' as well as another gentleman 'in the uniform of a Member of the hunt,' taking a flying leap over a barred fence."

I personally would find it a little odd to look down and be happily dancing across someone's face. 

But maybe that's just me...

Thank You

The articles below, especially the one by Kathryn Kane, were very helpful in researching this practice. While I only make a brief reference to it during a scene where my hero and heroine end up out in the garden together at a ball (scandalous!), I love slipping in those unique details that make the past come alive.

Resources

• Historical Hussies: http://historicalhussies.blogspot.com/2013/08/regency-ballrooms.html
• Cheri Champagne: http://cherichampagneauthor.blogspot.com/2012/10/something-british-monday-in-drawing-room.html
• Donna Hatch: http://donnahatch.com/regency-ballrooms/
• Kathryn Kane: https://regencyredingote.wordpress.com/2011/07/22/the-now-vanished-ephemeral-art-chalking-the-regency-ballroom-floor/
• Allison Thompson: http://www.jasna.org/persuasions/on-line/vol31no1/thompson.html