Waltzing back in time: Spirits were high at an old-fashioned Kansas Day celebration

For those who wondered what it would be like to dance the Rustic Reel or the Spanish Waltz while managing a hoop skirt or top hat, the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm was the place to be the evening of Jan. 27. For the seventh year, an 1860s dance party was held at the historical site in honor of Kansas Day.

The event — complete with a dance caller and live music by the Gum Springs Serenaders — drew enthusiasts from around the metro and beyond. Advance tickets sold out so quickly that Alexis Radil, events coordinator for Mahaffie, said the historical site’s team is considering having two events next year.

Most people came dressed for the 1860s, though that wasn’t a requirement. And while some rented or purchased appropriate outfits, several attendees went the DIY route.

“I made my dress just for the event,” said Leilani Chun of Lawrence. “My family and I are obsessed with the 1860s, so when I heard there was an 1860s dance, I had to participate.”

Jordan Drake of Independence also made her own dress.

“I love any excuse to dress up in costumes,” she said.

Wearing a costume is a major draw for a lot of people.

“I think it’s something to lift their spirits during the winter — to get to come out in their finest clothing. It’s an opportunity to put Kansas Day on the map when all people are thinking about is cold,” Radil said.

To add to the dance’s authenticity, caller Deborah Hyland did significant research on all the dances to properly walk through the dance with everyone.

“I try and look at dance manuals that were published between 1850 and 1865, and they’re not always easy to decipher,” Hyland said. “But if you’ve been dancing a long time, you can figure it out. It’s a little bit like period recipes where they say, ‘Bake in the usual style.’”

Hyland works as a caller at lots of historical dance parties and balls. She said people don’t realize that the dances aren’t that hard to perform.

“You don’t need lessons to do it. And some of these dances are still being danced today, like the Virginia Reel,” she said. “I love seeing people who didn’t think they could do it just lit up with happiness as they’re dancing with everybody in the room.”

For attendees, it’s an immersive experience.

“Seeing the different costumes and the band — that’s original right there. Someone’s playing the jawbone,” said Jol Klein of Wamego, a city about 100 miles northwest of Olathe.

Band member Ed Richardson said it’s hard to find a good mule jawbone to play these days. He uses the rattling sound the teeth make as a percussion element.

In addition to authentic costumes and period-correct dances, guests enjoyed a buffet of food — like caraway cakes and temperance punch — typical of fare at fancy events of the 1860s.

“When we do cooking demonstrations for our living history, we don’t necessarily get to do the fancier part of those kinds of foods,” Radil said.