George Washington
"First in War, First in Peace, First in the Hearts of His Countrymen."
Some History...
Serving unselfishly without pay and at great personal risk throughout the American Revolution, George Washington triumphed against all odds overcoming the most powerful nation on earth. After victory was won there were those who wanted to make him king but Washington refused what would have been a betrayal of the great vision which so many had sacrificed for and opted instead to return home to Mt. Vernon. The only president to be elected unanimously, Washington served two terms and then voluntarily stepped down. His continued refusal to betray his convictions and grasp absolute power inspired even his former enemy King George III to be filled with admiration and refer to Washington as "the greatest man of the age."
In his private life he was known as a gentleman of lofty character who thoroughly enjoyed social occasions. Washington loved to dance! He was regarded as one of the best dancers in Virginia and would not miss a Ball if he could help it. There were balls held in his honor while he was a general, a ball for his inauguration as president and annual balls were held in honor of his birthday. Balls in honour of Washington's birthday were held in various parts of the United States during his lifetime. They were a tradition which continued far beyond Washington's time, even by both North and South during the War Between the States and indeed throughout the 19th century.
After the successful conclusion of the American Revolution a season of Balls were held each year in the City of Richmond, Virginia known as the Richmond Assemblies. Tickets were sold in advance and guests were expected to abide by a certain set of rules. For instance ladies needed to be at least 13 years of age to attend and gentlemen at least 18. No apprentices were admitted. The only alcohol allowed was for the punch and that in a "small quantity." Any lady who abandoned her place in a dance set committed a great social faux pas and was not allowed to dance again for the rest of the evening.
One of these "Richmond Assemblies" was held each year in honor of George Washington's Birthday. John Marshall, a future Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court, attended the one held in 1783 and wrote to a friend the next day that he had "been setting up all night at an Assembly [Ball]. We have them in Richmond regularly once a fortnight [every two weeks]. The last was a brilliant one; 'twas on the General's birth night. Never did I see such a collection of handsome ladies. I do not believe that Versailles [the Royal French Court] or Saint James's [the British Court] ever displayed so much beauty. I wish you had been present. The Virginians would have retained their high place in your opinion."
George Washington was regarded as one of the finest dancers in Virginia. That is saying something as journals, letters and other first-person accounts inform us that 18th century Virginians had a reputation throughout America and England for their great love of dancing. Ladies were known to wait for hours in order to have a dance with George and he was glad to oblige even if it meant dancing all night. (One must be willing to make sacrifices for the ladies!)
About Our Ball...
When: The evening of Saturday, February 20th, 2021 there will be a social time at 6:30 with the Dance to commence at 7 and end about 10:30.
Where: The Youth Hall of Crossroads Nazarene Church at Ray Rd. & The 101 in Chandler.
Who: 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!
Music & Dance: Expect lively tunes ranging from Colonial times onward through American History. Likewise, as George Washington's Birthday has been celebrated by Americans throughout our nation's history, we will teach you fun, simple and enjoyable social dances not only from Washington's lifetime but far beyond.
Fashion: In Celebration of George Washington's Birthday we welcome and encourage apparel of the Colonial era and early America as per the late 1700s as well as any historic American time period of the 1800s or 1900s and even modern "dressy casual."
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!
Families: 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 of any age who are not of adequate social maturity or self discipline. We do ask that all children be attended by adults.
Reservations: Since admission is limited, please do act quickly to secure your place! In advance we ask only $15 each through Feb. 17th or $25 each at the door. For advance registrations you may use the link below or may send a check with your name, email address and the number attending to We Make History, P.O. Box 1776, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142. 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, February 17th.)
Large Family Admissions: If you are a family (related persons all living at the same address) of five or more who is attending together then there is an advance family discount, a $60 maximum cap for this event. This option is not available through PayPal. You may send a check with your name, email address and the number attending to We Make History, P.O. Box 1776, Queen Creek, Arizona 85142. (Advance reservations must be received by Wednesday, February 17th.) Please do not bring children who do not match our age and maturity limits as described under "Families" above. We do not offer childcare or babysitting.
Special Notes: Sadly, the pandemic has continued into early 2021. We ask that safety and respect be coupled with personal liberty and responsibility as per the governor's pronouncements and state recommendations. 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. At this time we have the following special notes for this event though further updates are possible. 1) We are highly recommending that all wear gloves, both for good hygiene and because they are historically correct for a Ball! We also ask that each person/family attending please bring your own hand sanitizer. 2) We will not be offering refreshments. Please bring a water bottle or hydroflask. There is a drinking fountain with a water bottle filler. 3) As per the governor's pronouncement, face masks are recommended - but not actually mandated. (But please at least have a face mask with you out of grace and respect toward any you may encounter who may be more sensitive to this concern than yourself.) 4) If it became necessary to postpone or cancel this event we would offer a credit to be carried forward to a rescheduled date or to a future We Make History event. 5) 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. If you have advance admissions you may gift them to a friend or we can credit you toward a future event. (We have several fine events coming this Spring which you may choose from!) 6) Please note that by attending George Washington's Birthday Ball, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to Covid-19. Persons attending do so at their own risk.
