Welcome to We Make History’s celebration of Old Arizona and The Old West …
The ARIZONA BARN DANCE
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. 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 ... but wherever it may have been, folks sure did enjoy a good dance!
Pioneers, soldiers, farmers, politicians, ministers and indeed people of all types wrote in diaries, letters and published articles regarding attending dances. Of course good dancing is a very joyful experience. As our forebears realized, dancing positively engages the mind, exercises the body and has a wonderful tonic effect on the soul. But there was much more than just the pleasure of dancing! With no radio or CDs available dances were an opportunity to hear and enjoy music. With no telephones or email available dances provided an opportunity to socialize, communicate and share news with others. With high cultural expectations of behavior, dances were especially an opportunity to polish one’s manners and develop the social skills expected of those in "decent company".
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. 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. Some wore their homespun “Sunday best” while others wore silken “store bought” goods. Some came from busy, growing towns while others traveled from distant frontier homesteads. A good time was to be had by all. :o)
Just please no spurs or other paraphernalia that could harm a dance floor ... or a dance partner. :o)
Expect lively tunes ranging from the early 19th to mid 20th centuries and simple, easy-to-learn, hand clappin’, foot stompin’ social dances which we will be glad to teach you.
Saddle up! Hitch the carriage! It's time for the Arizona Barn Dance!
Your servant in family-friendly history and the arts…
Colonel Scott
When: The evening of Saturday, April 21st, 2018 there will be a social time at 6:30 with the Dance to commence at 7 and end about 10:30.
Where: First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall - Southeast corner of Center St. & 1st Ave. - Mesa, AZ.
Fashion, Music & Dance: Our focus in music and dance will be Rural America of the 19th Century ... 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. 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. (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!
Passes
We would like to extend a hearty welcome to both old friends and first timers. So FOR A LIMITED TIME we ask for a contribution of only $8 each!
You may send a check with email address to We Make History, P.O. Box 1776, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142 or alternately make use the PayPal link below.
Your passes will be held for you under your name at the door.
Please note that use of the PayPal option may a small extra charge to cover related expenses.
PASSES at the DANCE
At the Dance we will request a contribution of $25 per person.
Questions?
Email us here.
VALUABLE LINKS
House Standards
We are grateful to our wonderful guests who make the effort with us to create a special ambience and atmosphere of respect. We uphold these standards out of regard for our much-appreciated friends and for the sake of the integrity of our events.
1. The use of either tobacco or alcohol is prohibited.
2. Videotaping is not welcome other than by our house videographer. We work hard to create a special and comfortable historic ambience that all will enjoy. Discreet photography is welcome but please leave video equipment at home.
3. No unauthorized distribution of literature is allowed. Nor is this event an opportunity to recruit persons for purposes either modern or historical. Please allow all of our guests to enjoy the evening in peace.
4. Our dress code is a bit different for this occasion than for the other balls we organize but this is still a themed ball and we ask that all conform to certain standards. Please make an honest attempt either to dress "modern" Western or to dress as per rural America of the 19th century. (For historic attire ... Civil War era day dresses, ball gowns, uniforms, "Prairie Dresses", and frontier, pioneer, homesteader or Old West attire are all good suggestions. For a "Vintage Western" look of the 1940s-1960s try making use of rhinestones, bolo ties and decorated western shirts or jackets. For modern western attire of the 21st century try ... cowboy boots, jeans, skirts or dresses, shirts, hats, belts, bolos, etc. Please no spurs or other paraphernalia that could harm a floor ... or a dance partner.
5. Appropriate footwear is required. (i.e. historic footwear, footwear as per the theme of the ball, dress shoes, dancing slippers, ballet flats, etc.) Please no sandals, flip-flops, tennis shoes or athletic shoes. For the sake of your safety as well as event ambience dancing barefoot is impermissible.
6. We do not offer refunds of contributions.
7. Ages 13 and up are welcome. Younger persons ages 8 to 12 are also welcome if accompanied by parent(s) or guardian and if well-mannered, responsible and able to exhibit the necessary social maturity.
8. Gracious and respectful conduct & conversation are expected of all, to all and at all times.
9. We desire to be good stewards of the facilities we use, to treat them with care and to leave them in at least as good of condition as when we arrived.
10. For the good of all, any who might consider themselves exempt from any of the above may be asked to leave.
Please also see our “Etiquette & Expectations” page.
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