Le Boulanger (1780)

Le Boulanger Melbourne Colonial Dancers held a Ball on 30th August 2025 The venue was the Prahran RSL in Melbourne, Australia. The musicians were “The Melbourne Colonial Dancers Band” The theme of ‘Pride & Prejudice” was chosen as 2025 is 250 years since the birth of Jane Austen in 1775. (1775-1817) The Regency Period was from (1811 - 1820). Le Boulanger is the only dance mentioned by name in a Jane Austen Novel. The Dance Instructions are: Le Boulanger French Country Dance Book XIII 11 Cotillions, 2 Country Dances and 2 Minuets for 1780, by Francis Wern Any number of couples may form a circle 16 bars All join hands and circle once around and back again 4 bars The first man right hand turn the lady on his left, then left hand turn his partner 4 bars The first man right hand turn the next lady around, then left hand turn his partner 4 bars The first man right hand turn the next lady around, then left hand turn his partner The first man continues taking four bars to turn each lady in sequence and then his partner until he has returned home Repeat the whole dance for the first lady, starting with the circles; she turns the man on her right with the right hand, then her partner with the left, etc. Repeat the whole dance for the 2nd man, 2nd lady, etc. until everyone has danced.