First-Person History
with John Notgrass
First-Person History
with John Notgrass
If you would like traditional dancing at your birthday party, wedding, or other event, please reach out!
Dive into the history of English country dancing from the time of Elizabeth I to the work of Jane Austen to modern television dramas. Learn about the movements, the music, and the magic of this social art form. You’ll even have a chance to dance yourself! The St. Louis Chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America is hosting this free event at the University City Public Library. Program begins at 2:00 p.m.
Step back in time and experience pioneer life with fun activities and demonstrations for all ages. Among many other available activities, John Notgrass will be teaching traditional dances. Join us at the Scenic Regional Library in Warrenton, Missouri.
Come enjoy a fun session of traditional social dances, a mix of English Country and Contra dances. Get more information and sign up for email updates.
Dance Discovery, a performance dance troupe based in St. Louis, Missouri, brings festivity and merriment to celebrations by researching and performing historically faithful social dances from the 1600's to the present, including those of American, English, French and Spanish origins. For more information, visit the Dance Discovery website.
Laura Ingalls Wilder (1867-1957) left a lasting impact on American literature with her Little House series of books. In this presentation, John Notgrass takes you on a virtual tour of the places Laura lived, shares stories that didn't make it into her books, and performs songs that the Ingalls family enjoyed.
Wesley Notgrass was born in 1915 and grew up in Columbia, Tennessee. He joined the United States Army in 1941 and served for four years in the United States and Europe during World War II.
Based on his grandfather's recollections and wearing his grandfather's uniform, John Notgrass steps into character to share Wesley's life story in a first-person narrative, from growing up in the 1920s and 30s through his experiences during the war. This presentation is illustrated with photographs from Wesley's collection.