Happy Birthday, Jane Austen: Here’s How Janeites Celebrate the Author’s 250th Birth Anniversary

English novelist Jane Austen was 16 December 1775. Today, it marks her 250th birth anniversary. She is remembered for her extensive contribution to the literature, even today. The 18th-century author touched upon topics of love, female friendship, power struggles, and survival in a patriarchal society, and so much more. Her fans and avid readers, called Janeites, call her a pop culture phenomenon. To celebrate the author’s 250th birthday, they have been gathering for a Regency-themed ball to re-enact dancing scenes from her beloved books. 

Jane Austen 250th Birthday 

Around 50 people gathered in the French capital last weekend for a fancy-dress ball in honour of the late English author Jane Austen. Dance teacher Cécile Laye, who specializes in English country dances with her company Chestnut, organized the event. Ladies and a few gentlemen were spotted in Regency-era formalwear. 

Over the centuries, the novelist has gained a community of dedicated fans in the United Kingdom and beyond. The majority of women are highly influenced by her work and have found a way to express their love for the famous author through historical dancing.

The fancy-dress balls in Regency costumes are well-established in Austen’s native England, but the phenomenon has gained particular resonance in France during this year. Some fans even use the thread and needle themselves, others rocked a high-waisted dress, a tailcoat, a hand-sewn purple Empire-style garment, a long blue dress, and more at the Chestnut Ball.