The Cincinnati Historic Dance Society is dedicated to the preservation of social dances with their music, costuming, and etiquette that were popular in American ballrooms from 1840 to 1950. Through the talents and expertise of our members, the Society keeps historic dance alive by teaching classes and workshops, presenting dance demonstrations, and organizing other events that re-create period settings.
Over the years our members have created and performed programs for audiences of all ages. These include: children (Taft Museum, Quebec Heights and A.D. Owens Elementary Schools, Cincinnati String Academy), college students (Wittenberg University), adults (Cincinnati Art Museum, Dayton Art Institute, Hillforest Estate, Courtyard at Seasons, Seasons Retirement Community, Maple Knoll Village Retirement Community, Mercy Franciscan at West Park ), families (Summit Academy of Indianapolis), and organizations (Napoleon [Indiana] Central House, Greater Milford Area Historical Society, Reading Historical Society, Delhi Historical Society, Society of Northwest Longhunters, Ladies Living History Society of Greater Cincinnati).
Our programs are designed to educate our audiences while entertaining them with American heritage dances accompanied by recorded or live music and performed in costuming appropriate for a time period. At performances we teach our audience members a simple dance or two so they can take a step back in time and experience the past with us. We can call and lead dances that are period appropriate.
The ballroom has always been a place to socialize and make new acquaintances. We hope you will join our passion for the past!