Our Founders and Hosts: John and Nancy Newbold
"My wife, Nancy, and I have been attending the Remembrance Day festivities since 1992. We began sponsoring this dinner/ball in 2003 so to have everything for the evening at one location instead of having to travel around and make multiple reservations. We invite you to join us in 2025 for fine food, dancing, and good company in our twenty-first year of The President's Remembrance Day Ball." --- John Newbold
In addition to being our charming hostess, Nancy makes our unique chocolate frame favors for dinner attendees!
(Photo: Victorian Photography Studio)
Our Dance Mistress: Susan de Guardiola (Facebook page)
Susan is an internationally-renowned dance historian, teacher, and caller returning in 2025 for seventeenth time. She will be assisted by Jeff Poretsky as Floor Manager and Miss Megan Poretsky as Ball Assistant. Susan is also now co-organizer of the ball. Learn more about Susan's work and read her dance history articles at her website & blog, Capering & Kickery!
Our Band: Metamorpheus (2024; 2025 TBA)
Metamorpheus is a blend of professional musicians with rich backgrounds in Symphonic, Baroque, Contemporary, Improv, English, and Contra Dance music. We have played for nineteenth century balls, Contra Dances, and English Country Dances in various band configurations in and around the Boston area over the past decade. Our members include Marnen Laibow-Koser (violin, piano, flute, recorder), Cecile Leroy (cello), Catherine Miller (violin), Jean Monroe (piano), Ray Salvo (clarinet, tin whistle), and Yaron Shragai (flute, recorder, cajon and snare drum). Our name originates from Orpheus, the child of Calliope, and we see ourselves as an evolving group of excited and talented musicians looking forward to playing for the President’s Remembrance Day Balls in 2024.
Our Organizers: Jeff Poretsky and Miss Megan Poretsky
Jeff is a former member of Centuries Historical Dance Ensemble who has been dancing since he started with his parents' square dance club when he was six years old. Our long-time Floor Manager, he is now also the co-organizer of the event.
Jeff's daughter Megan is our invaluable ball assistant and photographer as well as an enthusiastic dancer.
(Photo: Victorian Photography Studio)
The Victorian Photography Studio (website) (Instagram)
The Victorian Photography Studio will be offering beautiful period-style photography with different backdrops each evening. They also offer clothing rentals if you need help with your outfit!
