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The Blade (Toledo, OH)
05-17-99
"Promenade, circle left, find your partner, dosi-do, 'round and 'round you go. . ."
Contra dancing, a couples line-style dance popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, was brought to life Saturday evening during the Battlefield Ball, presented by the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Preservation Commission.
Guests twirled about the floor at Waterville Primary School as dance caller Karen Missavage, of Ann Arbor, Mich., guided them through the steps. Stomping, clapping, and a lot of "whew hoo!" cheers were heard as guests danced to the music by the Wes Linnenkugel Dulcimer Quartet.
One could be "fit as a fiddle" if they had a dose of contra-dancing on a regular basis, remarked several guests. Spirited beverages are almost impossible to imbibe while dancing because a clear mind is needed for moving to the calls.
The first to arrive was Frank Britt in black frock coat, vest, and tie, with an authentic beaver-skin top hat -- the perfect attire for a stately gentleman of the times. His daughter, Marianne Duvendack, president of the Fallen Timbers Battlefield Preservation Commission, made her long full-skirted print dress with layers of crinolines.
Also in costume were Karen Rybka and Joy Armstrong, both dressed as Woodland Indians from the Fallen Timbers area.
Bret Green and Sara Goldstein, and Barb and Don Rettig, cam via the Providence canal boat "The Volunteer" with Steve Dey, dressed in a bolo hat and plaid suit. Beth Hansen, the northwest regional coordinator of the Ohio Bicentennial Commission, was lovely in an off-the-shoulder full-skirted gown trimmed in lace.
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