‘Fezziwig Ball’ Saturday at Old Town Hall, Salem

SALEM – It will be one Dickens of a dance this Saturday at Old Town Hall at the first Fezziwig Ball.In “A Christmas Carol” Charles Dickens wrote: “Old Fezziwig laid down his pen . . . He rubbed his hands; adjusted his capacious waistcoat; laughed all over himself. . . . ‘Yo ho, my boys!’ said Fezziwig. “No more work to-night. Christmas Eve?”Experience Dickens like never before in a unique evening of dance and merriment at the first Fezziwig Ball.The dance, which is open to the public, is a joint venture between The Gordon College Institute for Public History History Alive program and The Commonwealth Vintage Dancers, which is based in Nahant.History Alive Artistic Director Kristina Stevick said caroling and a lantern procession from East India Square to Old Town Hall would kick off the festivities at 7 p.m.”Throughout the evening, we’ll be greeted by The Spirit of Christmas Past, an old fashioned Father Christmas, and entertained by Old Fezziwig himself,” Stevick said. “I can’t think of any more enjoyable way to celebrate the season.”Stevick said the ball would capture the essence of Christmas in the 1840’s when “A Christmas Carol” was written and local actors would portray characters from Dickens novel.Dancing gets underway at 8 p.m. in Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square. Dances that will be performed include ” Sir Roger de Coverly”- a number Fezziwig himself danced to on Christmas Eve along with other Victorian favorite including waltzes and polkas. For those unfamiliar with Victorian dances, many dances will be taught as the evening unfolds. Modern evening dress or costumes from the Dickens era are requested and English refreshments will be served.If You Go?Tickets are $30 for adults, $15 for youth between 13 and 17. Tickets available online at vintagedancers.org and at the door.