‘At five minutes to eight, Mr and Mrs William Butter arrived...Young David had christened them the Emperor and Empress of Cadge. Sophia was big and fussy and chattered without ceasing.’
- Antimacassar City, Guy McCrone
She loves all the little joys in life. Just don’t expect her to foot the bill.
Inspired by the youngest sibling of the original Moorhouse quartet, Sophia, this lively introductory workshop invites you to experience Victorian Glasgow’s ballroom scene circa 1870.
Learn the spirited Galop and the refined Quadrilles as taught by local dancing masters of the time. With guidance on period etiquette, you’ll be well-prepared for an evening in polite society in Glasgow c.1870s!
Drawing on original instruction manuals, some of which will be on display thanks to the RSCDS Archive, the session invites reflection on dance as both a cultural practice and a marker of social refinement. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned enthusiast, this workshop promises a rich blend of dance, history, and fun.
You'll also have the opportunity to explore Holmwood, learn more about her history, and see the costumes and production stills from the Wax Fruit TV series teaser trailer.
Our Wax Fruit weekend is celebrating the re-publication of Guy McCrone's trilogy of books. First published in the 1940s, it tells the tale of the ambitious Moorhouse family, as they navigate the world of 1870s Glasgow.