I believe reflection is a powerful tool, and as an organization with a mission rooted in connection (with the past, with our region, with each other) this feels like an important opportunity to share some bigger-picture thoughts. Let’s talk about 2025 and what we’re planning for 2026.

Did you know that in between the events we run for the public, members of Footwork & Frolick partner with other organizations to bring historical activities to their spaces? As we wrap up 2025, we’re taking a look back at some of the more unexpected places F&F has gone this year.

This year the theme for our 19th century fancy dress ball is “fairy tales”, inspired by the diverse stories published throughout the period. With such a rich landscape of fantastical tales to peruse for costume inspiration, we thought a few examples might help!

Let’s take a look at 5 stories that echoed across the centuries: first published in the 19th century, and made into movies in the 20th where they appeared in our memories. Do you recognize any of these works or adaptations?

We spent summer in the stacks: from new scholarship to studying up for fall dancing, there’s a lot to report! Hear about our recent deep dives and get ready for a whimsical fancy dress fall.

It is good practice for non-profit organizations to report back on what they accomplished each year, primarily to demonstrate to donors that their money was well spent. And while your donations are critical for us to do what we do, my hope is that you have already seen your money at work because you have been right there with us. That engagement is what we set out to build, and it will continue to be our biggest performance indicator.

Here are our top 5 favorite dance scenes from famous novels - which ones have you read, and which ones would you like to bring to life?

What does it take to put together an event like the May Day Ball? Here’s a little peek behind the scenes.