The Hunley Lesson Plan Book - College of Arts and Sciences ...

Group 5
A New Dance Becomes the Rage
Emma Holmes of Columbia was very disturbed about the merriment that was
occurring in Charleston during the 1860’s. She wrote, “I cannot understand such
heartlessness and frivolity, but the storm of the war, which has swept away hundreds of
our brave soldiers from our homes, seems to have made many of those left callous.”
Emma’s thoughts are reflected in the newspapers of the time. Very little was published
by Charleston newspapers about the merrymaking that was occurring.
In addition to the merrymaking, a new dance craze was evolving. It was referred to
as circle dancing because the partners danced closely. It was a waltz or polka rather than
the traditional square dancing that was danced before the war. It was considered
scandalous by many people in Charleston because the dance required a closeness that had
not been seen in public in Charleston society.
The following are passages from diaries describing the “indiscretions of Charleston
girls.”
Susan Middleton wrote, “It is not delightful to think of their giving in, as I hear they are
doing, and waltzing with all those underbred foreigners. Mrs. Wites tells me Miss
Hannah Harleston was the only unmarried woman she observed who declined rounddancing.”
Harriott Middleton wrote, “We all looked very wise, and agreed that round-dancing was
the opening wedge of every enormity! and Cousin Caroline deplored your father’s having
allowed his daughters to dance them…(Anna Parker believes) it is very fortunate for a
great many young women that they are obliged to stay in the country until the end of the
war.
Assignment:
The above is information that you collected in your travel back in time to Charleston in
the 1860's. Working with your fellow time travelers, develop a news report that follows a
script format to share with your present day public. Make sure you use the following
questions as guidance for your historically accurate presentation. Feel free to include
information you have learned about the Civil War and Charleston.
• Describe the round dancing.
• Why was it considered scandalous?
Remember that each member of the group must have a role in your news report.
Prepared with help from the book, Southern Homefront (1861-1865) written by John
Hammond Moore.
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