Love the grace of Austen and the beauty of Bridgerton? Learn the dances, etiquette, and history of Old Virginia country social life.

Colonial to Romantic Era – English Country Dance Class

Step back in time at The Stables of Mountain Run Winery and experience the elegance and charm of historical dances. Come as you are or dress in period attire while you twirl away to traditional tunes.

These classes will are perfect for beginner to seasoned dancer – all will be able to enjoy the evening at their pace. These lessons will prepare dancers for the 200th Anniversary of the Lafayette Ball in Culpeper August 23, 2025. (1 year away!)

Dance Mistress Elaine Sturgeon of the Rappahannock Colonial Heritage Society will be leading this class along with other experienced dancers.

Mountain Run Winery will have their bar open for guests to enjoy their small-batch, distinctive, high-quality wines, ciders, and meads. See their wine list here http://www.mountainrunwinery.com/wines/

There are various balls and social events through the area that you can enjoy with these new skills, many will be also commerating Lafayette’s 1824-1825 visit and celebrating America’s 250th. The nearest upcoming ball is scheduled for November 23, 2024 in Frederickburg.

Note – the Stables are not air-conditioned, however they are open air with fans and a beautiful cross breeze. In the event of unsuitable weather we will relocation and provide ample notice to all attendees.

There is no food service on site; please enjoy dinner out before coming, pack a meal or stop off at the Old County Store on the way. (No outside alcoholic is allowed)

*Culpeper Minute Men is hosting this event for fun, historical education AND to raise funds so that we are able to offer these classes to Culpeper area children and retirement communities without cost. Mountain Run Winery has been incredibility supportive of these events and our mission. All profits from ticket sales go to fund our initiatives!

These event and many others in the next year are made possible in part by a grant from VA250 Commission in partnership with Virginia Humanities

Agenda

7:00 PM – 7:30 PM – Socialize, get your drinks and settle in

This is time for all attendees to park, get drinks and enjoy socializing with fellow dancers. Dancing was the most common way to socialize within your community in county life. So getting to know your fellow dancer is a prefect way to celebrate history!

7:30 PM – 9:00 PM – *Etiquette* DANCING begins – all in their places and ready to go!

By 7:30 pm, dancers will have organized and are ready to begin dancing. After this time it will be difficult to include new dancers until there is a break so please arrive before 7:30 pm. Sometime around 8:15 pm we will break for dancers to refresh themselves. At the end of the evening there will be a little time for questions and announcements regarding upcoming classes and events.