The Footwork & Frolick Society
The Footwork and Frolick Society is a Massachusetts-based 501(c)3 non-profit that recreates 18th and 19th-century dance and social activities. We make local history accessible in a fun, hands-on way. Historical clothes are admired but not required.
Types of Events Hosted & Attended:
Balls, Picnics, Historical Dancing, Gaming, Teas
Accuracy Level:
Casual Accuracy: Accuracy is admired but all are welcomed here
The Footwork & Frolick Society is a 501(c)(3) public charity located in The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Our mission is to promote historical education through the research, recreation, performance, and instruction of eighteenth and nineteenth century dance and other active pursuits rooted in the social traditions of the American Northeast.
We believe that everyone benefits from learning about the past in a hands-on format, and we are proud to contribute to the rich historical landscape in the area by running historical social events and sharing our research! Everyone should be welcome in modern historical spaces regardless of race, religion, gender identity or presentation. Our work is intended to make learning about dancing and movement in the past engaging and fun - not to mythologize the “old days”. F&F classes and events are open to all, and we do not tolerate bigotry in our spaces.
We find that trying out historical activities with some context (e.g. wearing the clothes, eating the food) helps us better understand social life from centuries ago. But we want our spaces to be accessible, so costumes are never required.