Civil War Dance Foundation

For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those in Central Pennsylvania with a love for history and unique cultural experiences, the Civil War Dance Foundation in Camp Hill offers a truly captivating journey back in time. More than just a dance group, this dedicated non-profit organization brings the elegance and social customs of the mid-19th century to life through authentic dance, living history presentations, and educational programs. If you're a local seeking a distinctive way to connect with our nation's past, learn period dances, or simply enjoy a fascinating historical immersion, the Civil War Dance Foundation is an invaluable resource right here in our community.

The Civil War Dance Foundation is a passionate group of living historians whose primary mission is to promote and advance preservation, educational, cultural, commemorative, and performing arts programs related to the Civil War and mid-Victorian era. At its heart is the Victorian Dance Ensemble, their renowned performing troupe. This ensemble is dedicated to sharing the grace and beauty of 1860s dancing, not just through demonstrations, but by actively involving audiences. They've performed at prestigious venues like the Smithsonian Institution's American Art Museum – National Portrait Gallery, even at the site of President Abraham Lincoln's 1865 Inaugural Ball.

Beyond their impressive dance performances, the Foundation offers a rich tapestry of historical experiences. They are not merely about dance; they delve into various facets of Civil War and Victorian life through their Ordnance Detachment and Ladies Union Relief Association impressions. This includes detailed living history programs, authentic fashion shows, "clothing try-on" sessions for adults and children, and engaging displays of period jewelry, photographs, newspapers, and militaria. Individual members also present lectures on a diverse range of historical topics. Their highly successful "Teaching Ball" program is a unique highlight, designed to guide even inexperienced dancers through an evening reminiscent of an 1860s ball, ensuring everyone, regardless of skill level, can participate and enjoy the period dances. The Foundation's commitment to education and preservation is evident in their activities, including substantial donations to historical preservation groups from the proceeds of their performances and sales, demonstrating a deep dedication to safeguarding our heritage.

The Civil War Dance Foundation is headquartered at 2 Westminster Blvd, Camp Hill, PA 17011, USA. This address places the organization within the borough of Camp Hill, located in Cumberland County, just west of Harrisburg. The location on Westminster Boulevard likely indicates an administrative or primary meeting point, while their actual events and classes are often held at various historical sites, museums, and community venues across Pennsylvania and beyond. For those traveling by car within the Central Pennsylvania area, Camp Hill is easily accessible via local roads and its proximity to major highways, making it convenient for participants coming from Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg, and other surrounding towns. While specific parking information for this exact address may vary, given it's a foundation office, event locations typically provide adequate parking. Their collaborative spirit often sees them holding free dance classes at public institutions like The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, further enhancing their accessibility to the wider Pennsylvanian public interested in engaging with history through dance.

The Civil War Dance Foundation offers a variety of services centered around historical preservation and education, with a strong emphasis on mid-19th century dance:

• Dance Instruction: Conducts dance classes in various formats, including formal multi-week classes, one-day seminars, pre-ball instruction sessions, and instruction during their unique "Teaching Ball" program.
• "Teaching Ball" Program: A highly successful program that guides inexperienced dancers through an evening reminiscent of an 1860s Ball, with step-by-step demonstrations, explanations of moves by a dance master, and assistance from "floor managers."
• Dance Demonstrations: Provides experienced dancers to demonstrate various period dances for living history presentations, historic commemorations, and other Civil War or Victorian-themed events. These can range from 30 minutes to over an hour and often conclude with audience participation.
• Victorian Dance Ensemble Performances: Their performing troupe showcases the grace and beauty of mid-19th century dancing at various venues and events, including national museums and historic sites.
• Living History Programs: Offers a wide range of Civil War and mid-Victorian related presentations through their Ordnance Detachment (military equipment displays) and Ladies Union Relief Association impressions.
• Civilian Artifact Displays: Provides tabletop displays of period civilian artifacts, including jewelry, fans, photographs, dance cards, and newspapers, often as part of dance demonstrations.
• Military Artifact Displays: The Ordnance Detachment presents displays of original military equipment (firearms, swords, insignia, documents) and reproductions, allowing visitors to handle some items.
• Fashion Shows: Presents authentic mid-19th century fashion shows, detailing the clothing and styles of the era.
• Clothing Try-On Programs: Offers adult and children's civilian clothing and military uniforms for try-on experiences, providing a hands-on connection to the past.
• Lectures and Presentations: Individual members provide lectures on various Civil War and Victorian-era topics.
• Christmas Programs: Dancers in Dickens or Civil War era characters add a festive, old-time aura to holiday events, often focusing on 19th-century Christmas traditions.
• Cemetery Programs: Members interpret Victorian funeral practices and display mourning jewelry/accessories, sometimes recreating customs like grave picnics.
• Donations to Preservation Groups: Utilizes proceeds from performances and sales to financially support various historic preservation and education programs.

The Civil War Dance Foundation boasts several unique features and highlights that make it a distinguished organization:

• Authentic Historical Immersion: The foundation goes beyond simply teaching dance; it provides a deep dive into the social customs, fashion, music, and daily life of the mid-19th century, offering a truly immersive historical experience.
• Highly Skilled Victorian Dance Ensemble: Their performing troupe consists of experienced dancers and living historians dedicated to faithfully recreating and demonstrating the dances of the 1860s, recognized for their performances at prestigious national institutions.
• Engaging "Teaching Ball" Format: This unique program is a significant highlight, making historical dance accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of prior experience, through clear instruction and supportive "floor managers."
• Educational Outreach: Through various programs like artifact displays (military and civilian), fashion shows, and lectures, they serve as an educational resource for historical societies, museums, schools, and the general public.
• Commitment to Preservation: The foundation actively contributes to the preservation of Civil War heritage by donating a significant portion of its proceeds and volunteer time to historical preservation groups like the Civil War Trust and Gettysburg National Military Park.
• Interactive Learning Opportunities: Features like "clothing try-on" and audience participation dances make history tangible and engaging, particularly for younger audiences and those who learn best by doing.
• Diverse Thematic Presentations: Their ability to offer specialized programs, from "Christmas in the 1860s" to interpretations of Victorian funeral practices, demonstrates their versatility in historical interpretation.
• Community-Oriented Collaboration: They frequently partner with local and national historical sites and museums, such as The National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg, to offer free dance classes and events to the public.
• Dedication to Accuracy: As living historians, members are committed to historical accuracy in their clothing, dance styles, and presentations, providing a genuine glimpse into the past.

To connect with the Civil War Dance Foundation, inquire about their events, or learn more about their programs, please use the following contact information:

Address: 2 Westminster Blvd, Camp Hill, PA 17011, USA

Phone: (717) 732-5330

Mobile Phone: +1 717-732-5330

For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those in Camp Hill and the greater Central Pennsylvania region, the Civil War Dance Foundation offers an incredibly unique and enriching opportunity to engage with history. While their administrative address is in Camp Hill, their vibrant events and educational programs frequently take place at historical sites and community venues throughout the area, making them highly accessible for locals interested in immersing themselves in the past.

What truly makes the Civil War Dance Foundation suitable for locals is its innovative approach to historical education. Beyond traditional lectures, they bring the Civil War era to life through the elegant movements of period dance, engaging living history demonstrations, and hands-on experiences like trying on historical clothing. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a dancer looking for a unique niche, or a family seeking an educational and fun outing, their "Teaching Balls" and public demonstrations provide an inclusive and enjoyable way to learn about the social customs of the 1860s. For Pennsylvanians who appreciate our nation's heritage and seek interactive ways to explore it, the Civil War Dance Foundation is a remarkable local treasure that transforms historical facts into unforgettable experiences.

Civil War Dance Foundation

2 Westminster Blvd, Camp Hill, PA 17011, USA