If you wandered into the Hendricks County Courthouse Rotunda on Saturday evening, you may have thought you’d landed back in the 19th century. Men in Union and Confederate attire walked proudly through the room, and ladies dressed to the nines in floor-length gowns glided beside them.
To open the evening, dancers formally entered the ballroom in a Grand March, with solidiers at the front.
For this year’s second-annual Civil War Heritage Days in Danville, organizers added a Grand Ball to Saturday evening’s schedule. Many of last year’s participating re-enactors requested it, and they showed up in style!
The Grand Ball was open to anyone who wanted to participate. A free dance workshop was held the prior evening to allow beginners to get a taste of the dances before the actual event. Waltzes, reels, and progressive dances blended for a magical evening unlike any we have in 2012.
Dance Mistress Sue Pfeiffer from Fort Wayne called the dances, and a live band, Hogeye Navvy, stepped outside their normal Celtic style to play classic period music.
Though many balls during the Civil War lasted until dawn and concluded with a group breakfast, these modern dancers were home before the clock struck twelve. Read more about how participants prepared for the ball in last week’s preview post.
Before the dances started, gentlemen filled out the evening's dance cards. Pairs danced the first and last dances with their original partners.
One of the crowd's favorites, the band warmed everyone up with a Virginia Reel.
Spectators watched from above as the participants danced a Quadrille - Cumberland 8 - in groups of four pairs.
Everyone had a great time doing this Quadrille—you can see the joy on their faces!
Dancers definitely had to be light on their feet for the Patty Cake Polka—the tempo was not for the faint of heart!
Ladies and gentlemen alike wore gloves to balls during this time period, partly to avoid sweaty or dirty handprints staining the elaborate silk dresses.
Unlike the progressive dances, in a reel—like this Bridge of Athelone—dancers remained with the same partner for the duration of the song.
I atteneded the civil war ball and I hope you do it again. I was the girl in the light blue ruffled southern belle dress. I spent hours making that dress and it was all worth it. I had a wonderful time. I wondered if there was any way you could send the above pictures to my email address. I felt like a princess that evening. It was one of the most enchanted evenings of my life and I do hope they do it again next year. Thank you so much for a lovely, wonderful evening back in time.
Sincerely,
Beverly Westphal
We are so glad Beverly that you had a great time at the Ball! As for your request for the photos, it is our policy at All Access Hendricks County to let the photographer handle each photo request. Amanda Miller, who is one of our bloggers, shot those photos. I have passed along your request to her. She has your e-mail address and should be getting in touch with you soon. Thanks so much for your interest and for reading.