Dance like it was 1811

WARWICK — Have you ever dreamed of learning to dance the way it was done in Jane Austen's day?
You can, in a friendly, fun and forgiving environment at the Warwick Historical Society's AW Buckbee Center.
Just in time for Valentine's Day the Society will be hosting an introduction to English Country Dance on Sunday, Feb. 11, from 4 to 6 p.m. Instructor Niel DeMarino will share his talents and expertise with the class.
The elegance and exuberance of English Country Dance is a wonderful vehicle for forging lifelong friendships and making memories. Similar to its descendent, square dancing, ECD is easy to learn and fun to do while being more elegant and playful.
All are welcome and no experience is necessary, just the desire to have fun and dance.
Don't have date? Perhaps your Mr. Darcy is waiting for you!
The workshop will be held at the AW Buckbee Center, 2 Colonial Ave., Warwick.
Single admission is $15, couples are $30. Reservations are requested. Light refreshments will be served. Call 845-986-3236 ext. 106 to make your reservations. Non-slip, smooth soled shoes are preferred.
DeMarino has danced from an early age. The classic core of dance study led to Irish dance, which DeMarino taught in New York City for many years.
A love of history bloomed into being a Revolutionary War re-enactor as well as a living historian devoted to researching, preserving and demonstrating all aspects of 18th century life; open hearth cooking, period correct tailoring and social graces and deportment to name a few.
DeMarino appeared in the PBS series The American Experience films titled “John & Abigail Adams” and “Alexander Hamilton”.
In 2003, DeMarino co-founded “In Good Company” a period correct dance troupe, which brought together 18th century dance styles and authentic reproduction clothing to bring performances to a variety of historic sites and venues.
DeMarino formerly taught a class in Baroque and 18th Century Country Dance at Art of Motion, in Ridgewood, N.J.
DeMarino studies Baroque and 18th century dance with Dorrie Olsson & Kaspar Mainz of New York Historical Dance, Amherst Early Music Festival and most recently has been taking classes with The New York Baroque Dance Company.
For more information, or to become a member of the Warwick Historical Society, please call 845 986-3236 ext. 106 or visit www.whsny.org.