The program will also include the teaching of the very simple grand march, in which members of the audience will be able to participate.
Spend the afternoon of Aug. 25 at the Capt. Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St., and return to the Civil War era. AGAWAM - Spend the afternoon of Aug. 25 at the Capt. Charles Leonard House, 663 Main St., and return to the Civil War era.
On that day, the Trustees of the Capt. Leonard House will present the "The Civil War Ballroom" and the Peter Brace Brigade.
The Small Planet Dancers, a performance group based in Western Massachusetts, will perform a 75-minute program of dances from the Civil War period in historical costumes, including hoop dresses and tails on the north lawn of the Leonard house beginning at 3 p.m.
The program will also include the teaching of the very simple grand march, in which members of the audience will be able to participate.
"The program includes some history surrounding the dances of the period," explains Josephine Sarnelli, artistic director and choreographer for the troupe. "We trace the dances from their origins in Europe and reflect the influences of American music on them. For example, the Sir Roger de Coverley English country dance is better known to us as the Virginia reel."
Several of the routines are quadrilles, memorized dances with five complicated patterns that were taught by dance masters. These include the Disputation Quadrille, the Congenial Hearts Mazurka and Spanish Waltz. Each of these dances requires eight to 12 dancers.
On Aug. 25 beginning at 2 p.m., the lawn of the Capt. Charles Leonard House in Agawam will be the site of an encampment of the Peter Brace Brigade, representing the Massachusetts 54th Colored Troops Co. E. Sarnelli and her dance partner, Jeff Lander, will also perform two duets. One, a waltz danced to the famous letter written by Sullivan Ballou, an officer in the Union Army, to his wife Sarah. This eloquent document was written a week before Major Ballou died at the first Battle of Bull Run.
Also at the Capt. Leonard House that afternoon will be members of the Peter Brace Brigade, representing the Massachusetts 54th Colored Troops Co. E.
An encampment of the Civil War era, inclusive of soldiers and camp followers, will take place on the grounds of the Captain Leonard House. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to visit with the troops before the dance presentation, beginning at 2 p.m., and again after the performance.
Reservations are required for this event, and a donation of $10 is suggested. Children under 13 will be admitted free of charge. Ticket price includes light refreshments.