Gaiety in the Assembly Rooms at Bath
An "assembly" was defined in 1751 as "a stated and general meeting of the polite persons of both sexes, for the sake of conversation, gallantry, news and play". Guests amused themselves at cards, drank tea or just walked around talking and flirting. These pursuits were not new in themselves, but hitherto they had taken place in a sequence which everyone had to follow. The guests did one thing at a time and they did it all together. At an assembly, dancing, tea-drinking and cards went on at the same time spread through different rooms, if possible. The Assembly rooms at Bath had been constructed for this purpose. Each principal room had a specific function, but they could all adapt for other functions.
Dress Balls and Country Dances
Dress Balls were held once a week in Bath and began at six, when the eleven musicians in the first-floor gallery struck up. Between six and eight there were minuets, a stately dance performed by couples alone; "It is often remarked by Foreigners that the English Nation of both sexes look as grave when they are dancing, as if they were attending the Solemnity of a Funeral." The more energetic country dances followed between eight and nine and required rather freer dress, at the Roomsà rules noted: "No Lady dance country-dances in a hoop of any kind and those who choose to pull their hoops off, will be assisted by proper servants in an apartment for that purpose." At nine the dancers moved to the Tea Room for refreshment. The entertainment continued with further country dances till 11, when the evening ended (Classes of Regency Balls by Sandra Causey).
