A Jane Austen Tea Party
On the cloudy afternoon of May 28th, Brentwood’s AP Literature 12 students set off to travel back in time to the Georgian Era - a time when young women attended tea parties with the ultimate goal of catching the eye of a rich suitor.
With weeks of prior preparation, the students attending the long-awaited Jane Austen Tea Party had not only mastered their 18th-century speech and dance skills, but were also adorned with the appropriate attire handmade by Ms Sally Smith, Brentwood’s costume queen. Ms Smith, announced that “It is always exciting to do this for you kids. I love doing it.”
The bus was buzzing with anticipation and chatter as the students eagerly counted down the minutes before reaching the final destination. Upon arrival, the gowned women and suited men strolled down the gravel driveway shadowed by matured trees and lush greenery. From macaroons, chocolate-covered strawberries, egg salad and cucumber cream cheese sandwiches, the students were greeted with a feast of delicacies.
The belles and the beau frolicked in the fields, pranced around the trees and skipped along the beach. Despite the overcast weather, the dim skies were brightened with joy and laughter, while the chilly weather was subdued with the heat of dance. This year, in particular, the party was lively with movement as the class was made up of many current members of Brentwood’s Dance Program, including our Dance Captain Phoebe K, Mack ‘24. Dance Instructor Ms Amy Staples led us through our steps - both a risky and a much-appreciated contribution. ;-)
By phone or camera, all the guests took measures to ensure that many photos were taken to commemorate this special day. As time irrevocably marched on, the door of escape to an 18th-century tea party also closed off. Everyone was reluctant to leave, “I wish we could stay here all day” said Edith W, Allard ‘24 as she retraced her steps back up the driveway that led to the bus. Brooke R, Mack ‘24 recounts the afternoon and reflects that “this was so much fun”.
Similar to the sentiment of those in attendance, Ms Edna Widenmaier, AP Literature teacher and Director of Arts, also exclaims that the Jane Austen Tea Party is “one of my favourite events of the year”. As a member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and the owner of five Jane Austen dresses, Ms Widenmaier relates that “Nobody gets out of my Lit class without reading Pride and Prejudice.”
A big thank you goes out to Mr Widenmaier for organizing this wonderful event, to Ms Smith for making and tailoring the costumes, and to Ms Amy Staples for teaching the students appropriate 18th-century dance moves - both before and during the big event.
And thank you to Dr. Lisa Wilson, her mother and her friends for hosting this party at their beautiful oceanfront home. This fantastic experience has definitely been etched into the memories of our Gr 12s as one that will be cherished for many years to come.
By a Lady, AL