“Hai să ne-ntâlnim sâmbătă seară, iară!” (“Let's meet again on Saturday night!”) – under this title, Ghika Castle in Dofteana, Bacău county, hosts a series of interwar soirées every summer. On 27 July 2024, at the third edition, the refinement and elegance of the interwar period came to life once more, and tea had a place of honour.
What was a tea dance?
The thé dansant was an afternoon party, usually between four and seven o'clock, with an orchestra, dancing and, of course, tea and cakes. It was popular with young people, who could meet in a more relaxed setting than at the grand evening balls, and with ladies who liked to combine elegant conversation with the pleasure of dancing. In the decade before the First World War, tea dances in Paris and London became so popular that they had their own fashionable dances – from the waltz to the new and daring tango.
The tango, from Buenos Aires to the salons of Europe
The tango was born at the end of the 19th century in the port districts of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, where the music of European immigrants met local rhythms. At first it was viewed with suspicion as too daring a dance. But after reaching Paris around 1910, it conquered the whole of Europe within a few years: people spoke of a real “tangomania”, with tango teas, tango dresses and even a shade of orange called “tango”.
Its emblematic instrument, the bandoneón, is a relative of the accordion, invented in Germany and brought to Argentina by immigrants. Between the two world wars, the tango also became the music of elegant evenings in Romania, and the voices of the great tango singers of the day were heard on the radio, on records and in Bucharest's luxury restaurants.
An evening to the rhythm of tango
The soirée wasn't only about dancing and entertainment, but also about socialising, fashion and etiquette, just as things were done in times gone by. To the strains of interwar tangos, Liliana Nestor, co-founder of the Sakura tea house and TeaLove, led the “tea dance” and revealed some of the secrets of tea – how it was served, what was proper and how a conversation was conducted at the table.
The programme also included a concert of interwar tangos with bandoneón – the emblematic instrument of Argentine tango – a parade of period dresses, a milonga, that is, an Argentine tango party, a tour of the castle with the story of the Ghika family and the castle's flowers, and a dinner in interwar style. Guests could even make their own hat veil as an accessory to suit the dress code.
Fashion at an interwar tea dance
- Dresses of the 1920s were straight, with a dropped waist and a hem just below the knee, easy to dance in. In the 1930s, lines became longer and more feminine, with the waist back in its natural place.
- Small hats, sometimes with a lace or tulle veil, completed the afternoon outfit.
- Gloves, pearls and a fan were ladies' indispensable accessories.
- Gentlemen wore a dark suit, a white shirt and polished shoes, ready to dance.
Thanks
Our thanks to Lucia Pădurariu, organiser of the soirées and founder of the “Simfonia Florilor” Association, for the invitation and for the care with which she keeps alive the atmosphere of this place so full of history. You can also read the report published by the Bacău newspaper Deșteptarea (in Romanian).
A tea dance at home
You don't need a castle to recreate the atmosphere: a few old tangos, beautiful porcelain and the right tea. Choose an elegant black tea or a jasmine green tea, and for guests who avoid caffeine, a fruit tisane. Read also our tea etiquette rules.
- The time: late afternoon, as in the original – between five and eight.
- The music: a playlist of old tangos and waltzes and a corner cleared for dancing.
- The table: a teapot, porcelain cups, small cakes and sandwiches that are easy to eat between dances.
- The drinks: hot black tea and, in summer, an iced fruit tea served in carafes.
- The dress code: announce it on the invitation – “interwar” – and let each guest interpret it in their own way.
Frequently asked questions
What does “thé dansant” mean?
Translated from French, “tea dance”: an afternoon party with tea, cakes and dancing.
What is a milonga?
An evening devoted to Argentine tango, where anyone can dance. The term also names a livelier style of music and dance related to the tango.
What tea was served at a tea dance?
Usually black tea, with milk or lemon, alongside small cakes and sandwiches. In summer, cold drinks were served too.
Read also Queen Marie – 150 years of elegance, about the interwar ball at the same castle, and Journey to 1900. All our gatherings are on the Press & events page.