in the chorus from very different walks of life. We come together for the single purpose of making great music. People of differing backgrounds and schools of thought can do more than coexist. It’s confirmed for me that we can learn to celebrate our differences when we have a common goal.” Even those that don’t feel inherently artistic can find venturing into an art form unexpectedly rewarding. Channeling an inner Elizabeth Bennett or Mr. Darcy is commonplace in Bay Area English Regency Society waltzes and “longways” dances, in Palo Alto, California (baers.org). Alan Winston, a computer systems administrator and veteran dance caller, observes that these patterned dances appeal to math-sciencelogic-computer types. “It’s a great place for people that live in their heads to get out and be social,” he says. Appropriately, the dances all feature choreography from Jane Austen’s era. Depending on the theme of the dance—like the sophisticated Cyprians Ball or spirited Return of the Regiments Ball—the ambience may be elegant or rowdy, explains Winston. Dances are taught beforehand to music such as George Washington’s Favourite Cotillion, an 1808 tune performed by musicians playing a clarinet, piano and recorder. Many wear period costumes, while others come in jeans. Winston is usually bedecked in a wine-colored waistcoat with tails that he found on eBay. Plein air painters forsake the indoors to take their paints, easels and canvases outside. Plein-Air Painters of America regularly paint in groups in the fresh air and then hold an exhibition; annual workshops help teach techniques (p-a-p-a.com). At the recent seventh annual Florida’s Forgotten Coast event, in the state’s Panhandle, billed as America’s Great Plein Air Paint-Out, featured artists set up alongside amateurs eager to learn more (PleinAirfl.com). Whatever one’s newly discovered or longtime treasure, individuals engaging in a group arts activity forge strong social bonds, keep ethnic arts traditions alive, learn new things in new ways and experience joyous personal growth. … All while creating something wonderful. Judith Fertig regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings. She’s an award-winning cookbook author at AlfrescoFoodAndLifestyle.blogspot.com. 24
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