Victorian Dancing at Hampton Park

Submitted by Amy Whitten

We had a 'ball' at our Victorian Dance program! First, we welcomed everyone to our elegant Victorian ballroom/meeting room. Guests could take photos in our elegant drawing room, color a Victorian bookmark, or learn about the language of flowers and make a card with a particular message for a special someone. 

To get started, Kat from the Atlanta Historic Dance group introduced the dancers and talked a little bit about the customs and costumes of a ball in Victorian times. The dancers wore very elegant period ball gowns or tuxedos which they modeled for the group. To begin the ball, Kat first told us the name of the dance and called out the steps while we watched the professional dancers perform. Then she had everyone join in and learn the dance together. It was great to have several professional dancers because they could demonstrate and lead while dancing with everyone. The dancers all interacted with the patrons to encourage them and help with the steps. 

We started with a group introductory dance and then danced the Carolina Promenade. Next was a waltz, and everyone joined in for that as well. The dances involved a lot of moving around and switching different partners, which created a fun sense of community among everyone there. We saw smiles on the faces of everyone attending. Families came together, learned new dances, and really enjoyed themselves. It was definitely a multi-generational event. 

One couple who had previously only come to the library to use the computers joined in, danced, and really enjoyed it. A grandmother who brings her grandson to Storytime came and brought her older elementary granddaughter. She called the program, “Fantastic!” and said that we have the “absolute best library system!” An aunt videotaped some of it so they could continue to dance at home. Quite a few people also looked at the books we displayed about the Victorian Era. Everyone took a water/rest break in the middle of the ball, and the dancers walked around and showed some Victorian clothing pieces. Then the dance group demonstrated the Quadrille, and everyone danced the Carolina Promenade once again. We heard many compliments, and people asked if we could have them back again.