Music was everywhere in colonial-era Virginia. In taverns and private homes, at formal performances, and casually around the campfire, music and dance filled daily life. Join the Virginia Museum of History & Culture for a hands-on exploration of colonial-era music and dancing.
Guests will enjoy a lecture from author Joshua LeHuray on his book Virginians Will Dance or Die!: The Importance of Music in Pre-Revolutionary Williamsburg. Following the talk, members of the Colonial Dance Club of Richmond, accompanied by musicians of RVA Baroque playing period instruments, will demonstrate and teach a beginner lesson in English country dancing. Bring your dancing shoes!
Program Info:
Tickets include after-hours access to the Virginia Museum of History & Culture's signature VA250th exhibition, Give Me Liberty: Virginia & The Forging of a Nation. Light snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase. Copies of the book will be available in store and at ShopVirginiaHistory.org closer to the event date.
Program Schedule:
4:30 – 5:30 – Participants are welcome to arrive early to explore the exhibition prior to the event. 5:30 – 6:30 – Lecture from author Joshua LeHuray on his book Virginians Will Dance or Die!: The Importance of Music in Pre-Revolutionary Williamsburg. 6:30 – 7:30 – English country dance demonstration and lesson led by the Colonial Dance Club of Richmond, accompanied by musicians of RVA Baroque.
