The Ragtime Dances
Vern & Irene Castle
Ragtime-era dance steps were simple, primarily as a reaction to the structured quadrilles and set dances of the Victorian era. These were "not your mother's dances" -- they were couples dances and were new, free, and easy to learn.
Some of the dances of the era: 1. The One-Step, so-called because it takes one step on each beat. 2. The Two-Step. 3. The sultry and "immoral" Tango. 4. The Fox-Trot. 5. The Half & Half, or Hesitation Waltz, created by Vernon Castle, in 5/4 time. 6. The Traditional Waltz, of course. If you would like some inspiration for creating a Ragtime-era ball gown or evening wear, please visit this website at Vintage Victorian: http://www.vintagevictorian.com/library.html#1910 |
Spare Parts -- Our Band
For almost 25 years Liz Stell and Bill Matthiesen have been researching, recording, and performing all types of dance music: contra and English country, 19th century and ragtime, waltzes and couples dances, tangos and milongas. Along with Eric Buddington on violin, they've played for concerts, contradances, Mostly Waltz events, milongas, and Victorian and other period events in over 20 states and provinces.
Martha Griffin--
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