Historic Dance
Dances from Colonial American thru Civil War Era
Throughout history dancing has been a favorite pastime. From elaborate balls to small gatherings of friends, it has been a common means of socializing and entertainment.
John and Laura Penn are re-enactors of the Revolutionary War thru the Civil War period whose combined experience spans over 30 years. They are active as caller and floor manager for Civil War period balls, and have performed at festivals and historic sites in Kentucky and Ohio. Their dance specialties include English, Colonial, Early American, Regency, and Appalachian. They also teach historic dances and have directed dance sequences in live performances.
They try to keep the dances that our ancestors enjoyed as well as the tradition of community dancing alive so that they may be passed on to future generations.
2013 Events
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning February 8 running thru April 26 2013. At Thorn Hill Education Center Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Cynthiana - June 15, 2013. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Big Hill - August 17, 2013. Civil War period dance.
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning September 6 running thru November 22 2013. At Thorn Hill Education Center Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Salem Indiana - September 21, 2013. Civil War period dance.
- Kentucky Heartwood Fundraiser – October 12, 2013. Millville, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Camp Wildcat – October 19, 2013. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Leatherwood - October 26, 2013. Civil War period dance.
2012 Events
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning February 10 running thru April 27 2012 (No dance scheduled April 6). At Thorn Hill Education Center Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Cynthiana - June 16, 2012. Civil War period dance.
- Bath County Drama Camp presentation of The Civil War - July 20, 2012. Civil War period dance choreography.
- Battle of Big Hill - August 17, 2012. Civil War period dance.
- Waveland State Historic Site 1860's Living History - September 8, 2012. Civil War period dance.
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning September 14 running thru November 16 2012. At Thorn Hill Education Center Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- 150th Anniversary Ball – October 5, 2012. Civil War period dance. Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Kentucky Heartwood Fundraiser – October 6, 2012. Millville, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Camp Wildcat – October 20, 2012. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Leatherwood - October 27, 2012. Civil War period dance.
2011 Events
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning February thru April 2011. At Thorn Hill Education Center
Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Faubush Fancy – Memorial day weekend 20110. At the Kentucky Leadership Center near Lake Cumberland, Faubush KY. A Time Travel Music and Dance Event.
- Battle of Big Hill - June 2011. Civil War period dance.
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning September thru November 18 2011. At Thorn Hill Education Center
Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Camp Wildcat – October 15 2011. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Leatherwood - October 22 2011. Civil War period dance.
- Ae Prideful Ball (Without Prejudice) - December 17 2011. Dances of the English Court and Countryside. Masonic Temple, Second Floor, 308 Ann Street, downtown Frankfort, Kentucky along with other dance leaders. A Time Travel Music and Dance Event.
2010 Events
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning February 12 thru April 30 2010 (no dance Apr. 2). At Thorn Hill Education Center
Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Spring Fling Barn Dance – April 24 2010. Barn dance.
- Faubush Fancy – May 29-31 2010. At the Kentucky Leadership Center near Lake Cumberland, Faubush KY. A Time Travel Music and Dance Event.
- Battle of Big Hill - June 12 2010. Civil War period dance.
- Mountain Springs Barn Dance - June 26 2010. Barn dance.
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning September 10 thru November 19 2010 (no dance Oct. 1). At Thorn Hill Education Center
Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of West Liberty – September 25 2010. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Camp Wildcat – October 16 2010. Civil War period dance.
- Battle of Leatherwood - October 23 2010. Civil War period dance.
2009 Events
- Dance Classes – Friday nights beginning February 6 thru April 24 2009. At South Frankfort Presbyterian Church Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Rising Sun IN - May 2 2009.
- Cynthiana KY - June 20 2009.
- Dancing Together - 4th of July weekend 2009. At the Kentucky Leadership Center near Lake Cumberland, Faubush KY. A Time Travel Music and Dance Event.
- Cumberland Dance Week - July 19-25 2009
- Frankfort KY - Sept. 12 2009. Community Dance at Thorn Hill Learning Center
- Fall Dance Classes - Frankfort, KY along with other dance leaders.
- Battle of Perryville – October 3 2009. Civil War period dance
- Battle of Camp Wildcat – October 17 2009. Civil War period dance
- Leatherwood - October 24 2009.
More Info
Historic Site Performances
Past Re-enactments
What We Do
Email: Request Info
