Free lessons to learn Victorian Era American Frontier dancing will be offered at the Admiral Coontz Recreation Center.
The first two informational meetings and classes will be 5:30-7:30 p.m. April 18 and 25 at the Rec Center. Jane Davenport wants to form a group that will exhibit dances at Hannibal festivals. “This will be group dancing, no partner necessary.”
Dance in Mark Twain’s time was for socializing with others and as a convenient form of recreation. “Mark Twain said, ‘On with dance, let joy be unconfined, is my motto; whether there’s any dance to dance or any joy to be unconfined.’”
She said the lessons are offered to adults ages 18 and over.
After the first two informational sessions, there will classes 1-3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays beginning May 21 at HomeBank, 3817 McMasters Ave.
Davenport said comfortable clothing is recommended for the lessons. Costumes for dance exhibits will be provided if participants don’t have their own. “Eventually we will be able to show tourists and Hannibal residents what it was like in the Victorian era. Hannibal is the perfect place for this kind of showcase.”
The website, www.jlavender2000.wix.com/frontier-dancing gives examples of the types of dances that will be taught. More information is available from Davenport at 520-239-6675, or jlavender2000@yahoo.com