(Yes, this is actually a We Make History Dance to which both ladies and gentlemen may wear jeans!) Whether coming as "Old Timey" or "New Country" just make sure you come - and do have a good time!Ĭome & Welcome: Admission is open to a limited number of well mannered persons of grace and respect. But modern western folks of the 21st century are very welcome too and we expect to see many in boots, cowboy hats, western shirts and jeans. and many of our folks will dress accordingly with a mix of fashions such as "Old West", "Prairie", "Homesteader" and "Pioneer." Others may opt for a "Vintage Western" look of the 1940s-1960s with rhinestones, spangles, ranch skirts or bolo ties. is halfway between Baseline & Guadalupe.)įashion, Music & Dance: Our focus in music and dance will be Rural America of the 19th Century. This is the southeast corner of Alma School Rd. Where: The Gym of Mesa Baptist Church at 2425 S. When: The evening of Saturday, September 16th, 2023 there will be a social time at 6:45 with the Dance to commence at 7 and end about 10:30. Saddle up! Hitch the carriage! It's time for the Arizona Barn Dance! We'll throw in a few freestyle and slow dances too! :o)Įxpect lively tunes ranging from the early 19th to mid 20th centuries and simple, easy-to-learn, hand clappin', foot stompin', group oriented, social dances which we will be glad to teach you. Just please no spurs or other paraphernalia that could harm a dance floor. You are welcome to dress "Old West" (Little House on the Prairie, Frontier, Pioneer, Victorian, Civil War era, Traditional Mexican) or "New West" (hats, boots, jeans, western shirts) or even "Vintage West" (fancy embroidered western shirts, bolo ties, sequins, rhinestones). Unlike most of our events, this dance doesn't have a specific historic or educational theme other than what has already been mentioned - and perhaps the need for folks to put the "hoe down," cease work and pressures and enjoy time together in a light and wholesome environment. Some came from busy, growing towns while others traveled from distant frontier homesteads. Some wore their homespun Sunday best while others wore silken store bought or tailor-made goods. Some came on foot or straddling the back of a mule while others pranced on racehorses, rolled up in carriages or arrived perched in fashionable buggies. Often no more than a single experienced fiddler was required but a good 3 or 4 piece string band could draw folks in from miles around. With high cultural expectations of behavior, dances were especially an opportunity to polish one's manners and further practice and develop the social skills expected of those in "decent company." With no telephones or email available dances provided an opportunity to socialize, communicate and share news with others. But there was much more than just the pleasure of dancing! With no radio, streamed music, mp3s or CDs available, dances were an opportunity to hear and enjoy music. As our forebears realized, dancing positively engages the mind, exercises the body and has a wonderful tonic effect on the soul. Of course good dancing is a very joyful experience. Pioneers, soldiers, farmers, politicians, ministers and indeed people of all types wrote in diaries, letters and published articles regarding attending dances. but wherever it may have been, folks sure did enjoy a good dance, an old-fashioned hoe-down! They may have taken place in a town square, a church hall, a ranch house or in the midst of circled wagons under the open sky and bright stars. Harvest Season is a time for Celebration!Īnd how did folks in the West like to celebrate? Truth be told, there were few things that folks in the West liked better than dancing! On plains and prairies, in deserts and mountains, western folks enjoyed hoe-downs, barn dances and country balls.
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