When it comes to dancing, Niles couple Charles and Kristin Lawrence like to kick it old school.

Really old school. Early 1800s old school. Regency Period old school.

“We have pretty unique hobby,” Kristin said.

For the sixth straight year, the Lawrences will be putting on their finest 18^th Century outfits and hitting the ballroom floor for the annual Regency Exhibition Ball, March 24 at the Palais Royale in South Bend, Ind.

Kristin said it is the only event in the Midwest where Regency Period (1800-1825) enthusiasts can get their Jane Austen on.

“People say they feel like they’ve stepped into a movie because everyone is dressed up and the atmosphere is gorgeous. It is what you’d expect to see on Pride & Prejudice during the grand ball,” Kristin said.

The Lawrences love history and have participated in several Civil War re-enactments. They always wanted to attend a Regency Period ball, but couldn’t find one nearby.

“There were some in Australia, England, New England and California, but none in the Midwest,” Kristin said. “I thought, lets start our own and see if anyone comes. We had about 100 people at the first one so we kept it going.”

The Lawrences held the Regency Exhibition Ball at a church in Lansing before moving it to the Palais Royale in South Bend, Ind., two years ago. She anticipates around 300 people from all over the country to come to this year’s ball — the last one being produced by the Lawrences.

“We fell in love with the beauty of the (Palais Royale) and the design of the ballroom,” Kristin said. “They allow us to dress their staff as maids and butlers, and their chef prepares all of our historic recipes. It is perfect.”

Guests can expect four hours of dancing to period dances led by historic dance instructor Glen Morningstar. The dances will take place in a re-created French baroque two-story ballroom.

“(Morningstar) is one of the best dance educators in the Midwest,” Kristin said. “If you’ve never danced before you can definitely follow along.”

Ladies are required to wear a high-waist dress that extends to the floor and gentlemen a jacket with their attire.

“We would like people to dress as close to the period as they can,” Kristin Lawrence said.

Tips on how to dress in Regency Period style can be found at the Regency Exhibition Ball’s website, regencyexhibitionball.com.

A five-star chef will be creating refreshments and The Olde Michigan Ruffwater Stringband will be providing live music.

The ball runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 24 at the Palais Royale, located at 105 W. Colfax Ave., South Bend.

Tickets are $35 until March 18 and $45 at the door. Tickets can be reserved through the ball’s website or by email at regencyexhibitionball@gmail.com.