Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1884-03-13
A MORMON DANCE
The LAttsrD-sy Saints Tripping the
Light Fantastic One Phase Of
Utah Life.

Hone wishes TO see Mormon life in
all It's primitiyeness and simplicity. he
must not look for il in Salt Lake City,
for there Il Is overshadowed by much
10 the outside world. No, IL you wish
to see the pure inner life of Mormon
dom you must strike out into the coun-
try districts.
A few evenings ago had the pleas
ure Of attending genuine dancing
party OF the Latter-Dav Saints (they
don't like 10 be called Mormons). This
was at small town nestled away in
the Wasatch mountains, about l50
miles south of the metropolis of Utah.
The dance was held in what is called
the ward meeting-house, plain stone
building used for general public Pur-
poses
The hour for opening was z 7. NJ
Iwas there on time. What first attract
ed nv attention on entering was that
the ladies and gentlemen sat separate
ly-the men on the right and the ladies
on the left. At the end Of the hall was
raised platform, upon which sat the
orchestra, which consisted of first and
second violin and organ. The nation
ality Of those present was very distinct
and easily detected. The Scandinavian
element predominated. but there was a
sprinkling of English, Scotch. Irish,
Welsh. and Swiss, while the Ohio
twang. and the Missourian's tdee could
also be heard. All had a happy and
contented look. there being no attempt
at Formally. but each appeared to feel
as If he or she was at home with MEM
bers of their own family.
When arrived the dancing had not
commenced. and there was quite buzz
Of conversation. Presently the floor
manager called out: please come to
order! Brother Brown, will you openp"
Immediately all were silent and every
head bowed in reverence. Brother
Brown responded by walking to the
platform and offering brief but earn
est extemporaneous prayer, in which
he asked the Lord to be with them dur
ING the time Of their amusement, and
30 keep all harm and wrong-doing from
those present. e..
The floor manager then gave num-
ber to each man who wished to dance,
and when all had numbers given them.
be called out, ''Numbers one to eight
take your partners for q cotillion!"
There was only space for two sets. Up
started the ei rht numbers, and rushed
across the room, and secured partners.
There was no waiting for introductions.
and now they stood in readiness on the
floor, falling into conversation with
their ladies. The music struck up. the
rn1Ias 81 tal ho nj tho donn-
ers started of as If their very life was
at stake.
The Danes were remarkably graceful
in their movements, and, of course,
there was the usual quantum of verdant
youths who did not know what to do
With their legs. There were many
pretty, yes, handsome, faces among
the fair sex. All was neat and clean,
hnt no attempt was made to show in
dress, plain cotton and w0olen fabrics
being the rule. Some few of the girls
made faint attempt with simple rib
hons and laces. Many OF the men did
not appear to have made any special
evening toilet, with the exception of
the liberal use Of soap and water.
Others, again, were dressed in we'll
made, serviceable broadcloth of home
manufacture.
I could not help.but notice many of
the young men born and raised in this
mountain region. They are perfect
giants--hale, hearty, and vigorous.
Don't ever impute to polygamy the
cause of muscular decline in man. for
here had ocular proof to the contrary.
When the first dance was concluded
the gentlemen escorted their partners
to their seats, and then retired TO their
own. Then another batch of eight was
ipInediately called for, and the fun was
Eapeated. The polka or waltz, round
dancing as 1t is called, is not, by strict
rules, allowed, although few on this
occasion were permitted during tho
evening.
After several dances had been gono
through, some young Scandinavian SIS
ters sung charming song. This was
followed by an Englishman singing o
comic song and an American reciting
from Shakespeare Then more dancing
with occasional singing, till u o'clock.
when "come 10 order" was called, and
the assembly WAS dismissed with prayer.
all seemed happy and contented with
the evenings entertainment, and hied
at once home, every lady having an
escort OF father, brother, husband, or
beau.
During the whole of the evening the
only refreshments that saw or heard
Of was pure water, although was told
that on special occasions n light beer
with cake is handed around. lntoxica-
ting drinks are strictly prohibited.
There is no saloon within thirty miles
OF the town, and even if a man smells
of liquor he is reprimandcd.
These dances are not open for any
Who may choose to attend, but all who
Tish to partake give their names in to
the bishop Of the ward. He has power
to blackball and he uses that power,
especially with outsiders and apostates.
BY o'clock all lights were out in the
town, and the only sounds to be heard
s7as the occasional baying OF tho
Match-dogs and the lullaby Of the can
ypn breeze. SAT- Lake city Cor. Neao
HorEASan.