There were few things that folks in the West liked better than dancing. On plains and prairies, in deserts and mountains, western folks enjoyed hoe-downs, barn dances and country balls. They may have taken place in a town square, a church hall, a ranch house or in the midst of circled wagons under the open sky and bright stars... but wherever it may have been, folks sure did enjoy a good dance!
Pioneers, soldiers, farmers, politicians, ministers and indeed people of all types wrote in diaries, letters and published articles regarding attending dances. Of course good dancing is a very joyful experience. As our forebears realized, dancing positively engages the mind, exercises the body and has a wonderful tonic effect on the soul. But there was much more than just the pleasure of dancing! With no radio, streamed music, mp3s or CDs available, dances were an opportunity to hear and enjoy music. With no telephones or email available dances provided an opportunity to socialize, communicate and share news with others. With high cultural expectations of behavior, dances were especially an opportunity to polish one's manners and further practice and develop the social skills expected of those in "decent company."
Often no more than a single experienced fiddler was required but a good 3 or 4 piece string band could draw folks in from miles around. Some came on foot or straddling the back of a mule while others pranced on racehorses, rolled up in carriages or arrived perched in fashionable buggies. Some wore their homespun Sunday best while others wore silken store bought or tailor-made goods. Some came from busy, growing towns while others traveled from distant frontier homesteads. A good time was to be had by all. :o)
Unlike most of our events, this dance doesn't have a specific historic or educational theme other than what has already been mentioned - and perhaps the need for folks to put the "hoe down," cease work and pressures and enjoy time together in a light and wholesome environment.
You are welcome to dress "Old West" (Little House on the Prairie, Frontier, Pioneer, Victorian, Civil War era, Traditional Mexican) or "New West" (hats, boots, jeans, western shirts) or even "Vintage West" (fancy embroidered western shirts, bolo ties, sequins, rhinestones).
Just please no spurs or other paraphernalia that could harm a dance floor... or a dance partner. :o)
Expect lively tunes ranging from the early 19th to mid 20th centuries and simple, easy-to-learn, hand clappin', foot stompin' social dances which we will be glad to teach you.
Saddle up! Hitch the carriage! It's time for the Arizona Barn Dance!
When: The evening of Saturday, April 26th, 2025 there will be a social time at 6:30 with the Dance to commence at 7 and end about 10:30.
Where: The Gym of Mesa Baptist Church at 2425 S. Alma School Rd. in Mesa. This is the southeast corner of Alma School Rd. & Medina Ave. (Medina Ave. is halfway between Baseline & Guadalupe.)
Who: We Make History Dances are designed for the families of the homeschool community. Homeschool families & friends, parents, young adults, teens, and even middle schoolers all enjoy friendly, joyful, multigenerational We Make History dances! It is not at all necessary to be an experienced dancer or even a "good" dancer. We Make History dances aren't performance dances. They are friendly, engaging social dances for real, everyday people. Novices and first-timers are encouraged and very welcome to join in the fun.
Expect a room full of smiles!
Fashion, Music & Dance: Our focus in music and dance will be Western & Rural America of the 19th & early 20th Centuries. As per fashion, we do ask all to please make an effort to dress as per our theme. Our folks tend to dress accordingly with a mix of fashions such as "Old West", "Prairie", "Homesteader" or "Pioneer." Others may opt for a "Vintage Western" look of the 1940s-1960s with rhinestones, spangles, ranch skirts or bolo ties. But modern western folks of the 21st century are very welcome too and we expect to see many in boots, cowboy hats, western shirts and jeans. (Yes, this is actually a We Make History Dance to which both ladies and gentlemen may wear jeans!) Whether coming as "Old Timey" or "New Country" just make sure you come - and do have a good time!
Come & Welcome: Admission is open to a limited number of well mannered persons of grace and respect. We attract a very joyful and gracious group of people who know how to properly conduct themselves according to our House Standards. Since admission is limited, please do act quickly to secure your place! We are occasionally asked if persons can come without paying admission just to sit and watch. The answer is no. Everyone attending must have a paid admission and all attending are expected to actually participate as our dances are family oriented and it is a joyful experience to have parents and their young people smiling, laughing and enjoying an evening of social dancing together. :o)
Families: We Make History events are clean, family oriented and family friendly. Our Historic Balls and Themed Dances are fun, uplifting, educational and multigenerational, with parents, young adults, teens and all ages from middle schoolers to senior citizens enjoying their time together on the dance floor! We welcome families to bring all members of sufficient social and physical maturity to enjoy the occasion. (Be aware though that the dances do require being attentive, listening to and understanding instructions as well as physical coordination and "sticking with it" throughout the length of a dance. Well disciplined, attentive and respectful young people are typically ready (and tall enough) for the social dances at some point from ages 8 to 12. Please do not bring children under the age of eight or children or young people of any age who are not of adequate social maturity or self discipline, who have a bad attitude, who are disrespectful, who don't want to dance or who simply don't want to be there. Also, these are not events for middle-aged adult singles. They are special experiences for homeschool families. Every person attending does need a paid admission (no free bystanders) and we do require that all children be attended by adults. We do not offer childcare or babysitting.
Reservations: Since admission is limited, please do act quickly to secure your place! In advance we ask $19.00 admission per person via the link below. Admissions are paperless, so there are no printed tickets. All who make advance reservations will have their name and the number of reservations made on a list at the door. (Advance reservations must be received by Wednesday, April 23rd. Otherwise, admission will be available at the Ball for which we will request $30 each.) We do not offer refunds.
Filming & Photography: Nonprofessional photography of friends and family is welcome. We do not allow filming or videotaping (other than our house videographer) as some attending are not comfortable with being filmed and potentially placed on social media or elsewhere. Please respect everyone's privacy so that all may dance and enjoy the experience. :o)
Special Notes regarding Safety & Personal Responsibility: 1) Dancing is an inherently vigorous physical activity that carries the possibility of trips, strains, slips, falls and other hazards. Please note that by attending the Arizona Barn Dance (or any We Make History event), you voluntarily assume all risks, including personal risks, property risks and risks related to exposure to Covid-19. Persons attending do so at their own risk. 2) Covid, Colds, Flu? We ask that safety and respect be coupled with personal liberty and responsibility. It is our desire that all be safe and that all participating respect the safety and be gracious toward the comfort levels of all others attending. Therefore we ask (a) that each person/family attending please bring your own hand sanitizer and also that all consider wearing gloves, both for good hygiene and because they are historically correct for a Ball! (b) We will not be offering refreshments. Please bring a personal water bottle, Hydroflask or Stanley Cup type container. There is a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. (c) We ask any who have recently (within the past two weeks) had fever, cold or flu symptoms themselves or who have been near someone with such symptoms to please stay home and gift a friend with your admission.
Please also read our House Standards for all attending!
Western Movies?
Try...
1) Rio Grande
2) High Noon
3) Fort Apache
4) Stagecoach
5) Shane
