The Bridgerton Ball is taking place at the North Market venue later this month, but when it comes to dancing, some attendees are more prepared than others.
The Netflix drama “Bridgerton,” which finished its third season this summer, has captivated the world with its gorgeous worldview and costumes. Netflix also announced that fan-favorite Bridgerton brother Benedict will play the lead role in the fourth season. His girlfriend Sophie Beckett will be played by Korean-Australian actress Yerin Ha.
About 100 people can make their Bridgerton dreams come true by purchasing tickets to “The Queen’s Ball,” which will be held at the event space at 403 North Market St. on Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31. According to the website, there are still a few tickets left.
Nicole McGowan, owner of North Market Venue since 2020, has organized balls focused on the Shreveport and Bossier City communities, as well as waltz lessons for anyone interested in becoming more immersed in that world.
About 32 people signed up for waltz lessons taught by Martin and Doris Fillio of the Red River Rounders Dance Club every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. Most of them return every week to learn from the couple.
Participants in a waltz lesson taught by Martin and Doris Fillio at the North Market venue.
The Philyaws work together as a team to instruct anyone who pays to attend choreographed ballroom dancing lessons at North Market Venue.
On Tuesday, Aug. 21, they reviewed steps from the previous lesson while adding new moves, with Martin giving instructions on the microphone and Doris observing from the side, with the couple demonstrating as needed.
Martin said the Fillios started dancing about 27 years ago when Doris’ sister invited them to square dance. They enjoyed square dancing so much that they decided to try round dancing and stick with it. Round dancing is choreographed ballroom dancing, and it soon became the couple’s favorite activity.
The two began coaching because their coaches were getting older and could no longer keep up with the demands of the sport, and according to Martin, they began learning how to coach around 2012.
Martin told the Shreveport-Bossier Advocate that while he has no vested interest in “Bridgerton,” he thinks it’s good that McGowan is hosting an event promoting ballroom dancing.
“I want ballroom dancing to not only survive, but thrive,” Martin said. Dancing keeps the mind sharp, gets the body moving and is one of the least expensive activities couples can do together, Martin said.
Martin said ballroom dancing doesn’t have to be competitive and is something people can do together in a safe environment to have fun.