A pair of neighboring nonprofit organizations teamed up for an intergenerational experience when 12 members of the University of Delaware’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Lewes’ English Country Dance class made the short trek to the Burton-Ingram House to spend an afternoon with kids from the Lewes Historical Society’s Maritime Adventurers Camp.

Outfitted in Colonial attire, the OLLI representatives presented a program of 18th century dance, history, etiquette, style, fashion and culture for 17 campers ranging in age from 7 to 13 in the parlor of the historic home.

“Fortunately for us seniors, we have two members with extensive experience working with children,” said Katherine Henn.”

Following Sallie Ridgway’s introduction to the importance of dance in Colonial society and the place of it in education, she read aloud a letter that a Colonial mother had written about the daily summer dance education she had planned for her young son and daughter. The OLLI members then demonstrated a dance and triggered some apprehension when they invited the campers to join them.

“The girls, who had dressed themselves in lace tablecloths over their clothes, informed us they were not dancing with the boys, and the boys, from their opposite corner of the room, indicated they were not inclined to dance with girls,” said Henn. “But they began to get comfortable and experience the fun by first dancing with us seniors as partners. By the end of the session, Jackie McCabe had them dancing together to a child-friendly version of the Virginia reel.”

For further information, please visit: http://www.pcs.udel.edu/olli-lewes-english-country-dance/