History of the Excerpt from Wikipedia
A tea dance, or thé dansant (French: literally dancing tea) is a summer or autumn afternoon or early-evening dance from four to seven, sometimes preceded in the English countryside by a garden party. The function evolved from the concept of the afternoon tea, and J. Pettigrew traces its origin to the French colonization of Morocco….By 1880 it was noted “Afternoon dances are seldom given in London, but are a popular form of entertainment in the suburbs, in garrison-towns, watering-places, etc.” Tea dances were given by Royal Navy officers aboard ships at various naval stations, the expenses shared by the captain and
Tea Dance
officers, as they were shared by colonels and officers at barrack dances in mess rooms ashore. The usual refreshments in 1880 were tea and coffee, ices, champagne-cup and claret-cup, fruit, sandwiches, cake and biscuits. Even after the introduction of the phonograph, the expected feature was a live orchestra – often referred to as a palm court orchestra – or a small band playing light classical music. The types of dances performed during tea dances included Waltzes, Tangos and, by the late 1920s, The Charleston.
The expenses of a seated supper, wine and candles associated with a ball were obviated by the tea dance, when a stiff waxed canvas dancing cloth strained over the drawing-room carpet was considered sufficient, rather than taking up the carpet and waxing the floor in preparation for dancing. The dining-room served as the tearoom, with the dining-tables arranged at one end as a buffet. For the older generation a tea dance was a reception akin to an “at home”. The term [tea dance], sometimes spelled
T-dance or T dance, is also used within gay culture to designate similar dances: particularly those held on weekends (especially Sunday evenings) in nightclubs, or at the end of the day at gay resorts. Gay tea dances are also a prevalent featured event at circuit party festivals, where they are usually held outdoors and typically precede the indoor Sunday night ‘closing party’ of the festival. Gay tea dances have also become a major featured entertainment component on-board many gay-oriented cruises.
Tea Dance Time
in Minnesota By Bonnie Burton, Minnesota Board Member
Every spring, USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 hosts a Tea Dance…and has been for 22 years! This delightful event is held on a Sunday in May at the exclusive Lafayette Club on the shores of beautiful Lake Minnetonka. ‘Tea Dance’ may be a misnomer, as the only tea served is iced tea during the afternoon! This year, after a dreary week of rain, we enjoyed warm sun and spring flowers on Tea Dance day! The event started at 11 am with a delicious buffet brunch on the veranda, overlooking the lake. At 1 pm, the dancing began for over 100 guests in the gorgeous historic ballroom with its beautiful chandeliers, French doors, and a 3,000 square foot dance floor. Bu mid-afternoon, the guests were treated to talented performances by DanceSport members – Sue and Greg Prasch, who performed International Standard waltz and foxtrot. The Twin Cities Performance Dance Team, comprised of four couples, also danced a WWII-themed Viennese Waltz formation to the music “1000 Years.” This year, 16 local college and university students were also able to attend the Tea Dance because of sponsor generosity.
Photos By Marjorie S. Debelak
July-August 2014
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