Come spend an “Evening in Ann’s Era.” Put on your dancing shoes and travel back in time to Ann Hasseltine Judson’s youth.
The Judson College English Club will host its third annual Jane Austen English Country Dance on Saturday, November 2nd in the Gladys Dunkin Parlors in Jewett Hall. This event is part of 175th Anniversary Celebration of Judson College.
English country dance is a form of folk dancing perhaps best known today from the ballroom scenes in film adaptations of Jane Austen’s novels, such as Pride and Prejudice (1995, 2005) and Emma (1996, 2007), according to English department head Dr. Chris Hokanson. Dancers line up and move in a number of specific figures, sometimes by themselves, often with a partner. The melodic dance tunes are often derived from old ballads and classical music. The dances are easy to learn.
A professional English country dance master will be calling the dance at 7 p.m.
Earlier in the day, at 3 p.m., she will lead a practice session in Archibald Hall for those interested in learning the steps ahead of time. Novices are welcome!
Admission to the dance will be $10 for Judson students and $15 for non-Judson students, alumnae, and community guests.
Tickets are available for purchase by contacting Dr. Chris Hokanson at 334.683.5124 or by e-mail at chokanson@judson.edu. Tickets will also be sold at the door. The event will be a fundraiser for the Judson College English Club to help subsidize student theater trips and other cultural events.
Formal attire is requested, and traditional period costumes are encouraged.
Before the dance, a traditional British dinner will be served in the Sara Hunt Christenberry Dining Hall from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. for $7.50. The dinner is free for Judson College students with meal tickets.