Try the Country Dance and Song Society, they include groups that do
performances of 18th century ball dances who would be knowledgeable about
costumes, popular dances and music, etc.  The CDSS bookstore also sells
some books of historical dances and on the history of dance which could be
useful.  Their web site at http://www.cdss.org has contact information.

Karen Wetmore

>Hello,
>
>I am trying to locate information on 18th- and 19th-century formal balls
>and their cultural importance in the colonies/U.S.  Does anyone know of
>any sources for information on balls or cotillions as a primary form of
>entertainment and gathering opportunity?  Anything on  costumes, popular
>dances, famous ball patrons, entertaining stories related to historical
>balls, etc.?  Any information on organizations, collections, websites,
>essays, etc. which relate would be most helpful.
>
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