Common Questions About Pennsic Dance

Where is it?

During the daytime and evenings, we yet again have the use of a dance pavillionwith a feet-friendly wooden floor. There is either open dancing or themed dance parties in the evenings. All are welcome to the parties, so bring a friend! Sometimes there are games and refreshments at the parties, for those that just want to do the period practice of schmoozing with friends and watching the revels.

For evening dance at other times and for post-midnight open dancing, we are in the barn. The full schedule will appear in the onsite booklet (and on this webpage in the near future).

The dance tent is at the southeast end of the A&S area. Floor assembly is on the first Wednesday (Aug 1) at noon (since evening dancing starts that night!), and disassembly is after classes on the final Friday (Aug 10). All help and especially power drills and screwdrivers are very much appreciated!

Will the dances be taught?

During evening dancing, a variety of dances will be done. Some will have a walk-through for the dancers, some will just have a quick talk-through (to remind dancers who might need a refresher), and the more elaborate dances won't be taught at all. During the balls, including the Pennsic Ball, almost no dances will be taught. But the dances that are likely to be on the schedules are taught either in the beginner's classes or in other classes during the day.

When is it?

Classes are 10 am - 6 pm, starting Land Grab Thursday, and ending War Week Friday. Absolute beginner's classes and Ball-prep classes are at 4pm, and focused beginner classes, which are themed to a specific historical period and region, take place at 3pm.

Evening dance starts at 9pm sharp, and runs until about midnight. Any dancers who wish are welcome to dance in the barn past midnight.

The date for the Grand Pennsic Ball is as of yet unsettled. As further information becomes available, it will be posted.

What is the Pennsic Ball? Is it a masked ball, do I need to have a mask?

It is a large dance gathering that draws over 200 people. If you wish to wear a mask, please do so - many dancers show up in masks. But you don't need one.

Do I need to bring a partner?

No, there are plenty of dancers each evening who would enjoy sharing a dance with someone new, so don't be shy. In period, both men and women were expected to ask people to dance. So this year try and ask someone you've never danced with!

I'm a musician interested in playing for dance - can I get the music sent to me?

For musicians interested in playing for evening dance or the Pennsic Ball, please contact the Musican Coordinator, Master Octavio de Flores, for advance copies of the music. Though we encourage period instruments, there is a place for everyone that plays. We will host an orientation session for new musicians; check the class schedule. For information, contact Master Octavio, mka: Jay Ter louw, 2020 Ox Bottom Road, Tallahassee, FL 32312, or via e-mail, octaviodeflores@earthlink.net.

Webbed by Gregory Blount of Isenfir (Greg Lindahl) (lindahl@pbm.com)