Dancing into Jane Austen's literary world in Canberra

CANBERRA, Australia - Donning beautiful gowns and bonnets and contra dancing at a ball might give spectators an illusion that they are in one of the scenes of Pride and Prejudice, the 181 romantic novel by Jane Austen.

The Jane Austen Festival, held from Friday to Sunday in Albert Hall of Australia's capital Canberra, offers people a chance to visit the world of Jane Austen in the early 19th-century England.

"We have got 250 participants this year," said 46-year-old Aylwen Gardiner-Garden, founder of the festival, who offers limited space for visitors. "When you have got 250 people all dressed up in beautiful gowns in the dance ball, it is a really nice feeling."