An Introduction

Hello everyone, my name is Hillary Burlock.

Ever since I was a kid, my parents took me to War of 1812 battle re-enactments throughout the Niagara region in Ontario, Canada. For a while I was not so keen, as the loud cannons always seemed to catch me off guard... but over time I came to enjoy the community atmosphere of the military encampments. During the battle re-enactments, the air would be filled with the air with the scent of gunpowder, creating a haze that one could get lost in. Each battle event featured a moment of silence and bowed to remember the lives lost on the battlefields throughout the Niagara region during the Soldiers' Lament. After every weekend, I would come home smelling like a campfire... 

This permanent fascination with history was also fueled by the novels of Jane Austen and Frances Burney who transported me to another world of refinement, wit and accomplishment.

After many years of ballet lessons, my first foray into the world of Regency dancing occurred in January 2009, when I attended an English Country Dance workshop at Historic Fort York in Toronto for their annual Queen Charlotte's Birthday Ball, and I saw the York Regency Dancers perform "Fandango"! After being exposed to this new form of historic sociability, I was determined to join the group. Over the years, I have become increasingly interested in researching late 18th and early 19th century dance manuals, teaching historic dances and technique, and performing with the York Regency Dancers at War of 1812 events across the GTA. These experiences have fueled my interest in the fields of the material culture from the long 18th century, living history and experimental archaeology.

This blog is to share my experiences in the world of living history, the adventures of a novice sewer, and some research on Regency dancing.