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HUNTINGTON – When an instructor asked who wanted to learn a medieval dance, six girls immediately raised their hands, while the lone boy vigorously shook his head.
Fortunately for the boy, Gary Snyder, 4, of Huntington, ladies during the Middle Ages who wanted a spin on the dance floor often lacked a gentleman partner, so adaptations were made.
Sunday’s dance lesson at Huntington City-Township Public Library was part of the Medieval Faire, which also included classes on chivalry, combat and archery.
The dance lesson started as a young girl outside the library entrance armed with a bow and suction-cupped arrows learned about archery from a man in period-style clothing. Throughout the library, crafts, games and a market with medieval wares were offered.
After Gary shook his head, the six girls, including his two sisters, stood and linked hands as the instructor – who said her “daily name” is Mandi Brindle, 27, of Fort Wayne – delivered instructions.
On Sunday, she wore a dusky blue full-length basic chemise, a cotton blue-plaid undershirt and a long black dress decorated with pearls. And she carried a different name – Gwerith Verch Albrecht.
“Step together, step together,” Brindle said as the girls moved in an open semicircle, their feet making a shuffling sound on the carpet.
After a practice run, Brindle added music and the dance started in earnest. The girls often wore smiles as they did the steps, completed a four-beat circle and took turns weaving in and out of the other dancers.
When the dance was done, Brindle said dancers in the Middle Ages could show off wealth and stature, have fun or engage in courting with little touching.
“At some levels, it (dancing) was a social obligation,” Brindle said. “It was basically a way to see and be seen.”
Because it was common for men to be away fighting wars or conducting business, Brindle said women often learned both the female and male dance steps.
As a combat demonstration was ongoing in the library’s annex, Brindle said some male re-enactors are reluctant dancers – despite the fact dancers suffer fewer injuries.
“As long as you watch what you’re doing,” she said.
bmanley@jg.net
