Historical Fancy Dress Ball

Lady Aberdeen, the wife of the Governor General, (pictured in the middle with her husband) hosted three fancy dress balls over three years in Ottawa, Toronto and Montreal. The theme of the Ottawa ball was the history of Canada, as interpreted at the time. Over 800 guests were divided into various historical time periods, with the expectation that they would historically research the person they chose to represent, and know something of their customs. Guests were expected to perform a dance appropriate to their time period and character. This edification of the guests along with their enjoyment is a great expression of a prominent Victorian ideal.