This isn’t your grandma’s dance class. It’s not even your great-grandma’s dance class. Old Glory Historical Dance promises to solve the dilemma of being born in the wrong century by teaching country dances, cotillions, reels and waltzes popular in the 1700s. 

Brooke Shaw and her partner Hollie Lundell operate Old Glory Historical Dance, holding free classes at the South Jordan Community Center (10778 S. Redwood Road) on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month from 8 to 9:30 p.m., teaching dances from another time and place.

“We specialize in 18th-century English country dances,” Shaw said. “If you’ve ever seen Jane Austen movies on TV, like on BBC, a lot of those do variations on the choreography of these dances that have been around since the 17th and 18th century.”

During that period, dancing was an important part of the community. It reflected a person’s status, social standing, breeding and cultural expression while allowing dancers to display elegance, grace and good manners. Keeping up with current dance trends was an indication of wealth and education.

Every town, village or wealthy family had a dance master who would teach the young people the necessary skills to prove themselves adept at any ball or country reel. Dances were also an approved courtship opportunity, allowing people to interact in a socially approved setting.

“The whole development of dance is fascinating,” Shaw said. “Dancing was a really big thing, but it was more for the upper class to do it in a formal setting. Yet, the lower class, the regular people, they just would roll up the rugs and they all did their own thing.”

No partner is needed to participate in Old Glory Historical Dance and no special costumes are required. Participants show up in casual clothes and comfy shoes. All ages are welcome and a background in dance is not necessary. “If you can hold hands, walk and count to four, you’re good.”

Lydia Atkinson started taking classes with the group and fell in love with the choreography and history of the dances. She said the people were welcoming and the experience was a lot of fun, combining a bit of exercise with social connection. 

One of Atkinson’s favorite dances is the Lucky Seven because it’s simple and repeats often, like country line dancing. Her husband, Jeremy, also enjoys the dances, especially the Lady Mary. 

“He likes that one because we end up chasing each other around,” Atkinson said. “I would tell people they should at least give it a try because it’s a lot of fun. You can just go and they will teach you everything that you need to know.”

Old Glory Historical Dance holds several dress-up balls throughout the year. Its Regency Romance Ball will be held on Saturday, Feb. 15 at Little America Hotel (500 S. Main Street) in Salt Lake City, from 5 to 11 p.m. 

Dancers at the ball are encouraged to don their best 18th-century attire to participate in the costume contest. The ball also includes period card games, a buffet dinner, photos, prizes and lots of dancing. Tickets start at $140 per person and are available at oldgloryhistoricaldance.com. The site also has a schedule of upcoming events.

For those interested in learning the dances, free classes will be held at 8 p.m. at the South Jordan Community Center on January 8 and 22, and February 12 and 26. 

“It’s a fun way to meet great friends,” Shaw said. “It’s a free date night and I’m surprised how many men say they hate dancing, but they come and they love it.” λ