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Virginians Will Dance or Die! – 18th Century Music and Dancing Demonstration

  • Virginia Museum of History & Culture 428 North Arthur Ashe Boulevard Richmond, VA, 23221 United States (map)

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 VMHC 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 VMHC'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.

Pricing:

VMHC Members - $25
Non-Members - $30
 

VMHC Members, please log in above to reserve your tickets. Your member pricing will be visible once your tickets are added to the cart. If you are not currently a member and would like to join, please click here.

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