Valentine's Ragtime Trot

continued

to warm the hearts and loins of a winter-weary populace during the grayest, grimmest, and — mercifully — shortest month of the year. So it was that I and an unsuspecting accomplice made our way to the Pittsfield Grange one dark and slushy February evening last year to attend the Valentine's Ragtime Trot, hosted by Grand Traditions Vintage Dance Academy.

The Grange Hall was transformed, lit only by yards and yards of Christmas lights wrapped in white tulle. We stowed our coats and entered a sweet and bygone world of swirling dresses, flapping coattails, shiny shoes, and elegant bearings. On the small stage at the far end of the room, the Huron Valley Serenaders played Scott Joplin rags and other Titanic-era popular music. I was sidelined with a bum hip, but my compatriot was immediately whisked away by some dapper lad and never seen again.

The dances were fascinating to behold: waltzes, circle dances with grand-right-and-lefts resulting in new partners, and schottisches with steps and skips. At one point the room was cleared for a presentation by the Pleasant Moments Vintage Dancers. It was indeed surreal to discover that my income tax preparer was a member of this group. Clad in white tie and tails, stepping lightly on his toes with stiff knees and a saucy demeanor, he propelled his smiling partner about the room.