The Democratic press. [volume] (Ravenna, O. [Ohio]) 1868-1901, 1884-01-03
A MORMON DANCE.
The LatterD-ay Saints Tripping the
Light Fantastic One Phase of
Utah Life.

Utah Life.
fone wishes to see Mormon life in
all its primitiveness and simplicity, he
must not look for it in Salt Lake City,
for there it is overshadowed by much
to the outside world, No, if you wish
to see the pure inner life of Mormon
dom YOU must strike out into the coun-
try districts.
A few evenings ago I had the pleas
ure of attending a genuine dancing
party of the Latter-Day Saints (tlIey
don't like to he. 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 mceting-houSr, plain stone
building used for general public pur-
poses
The hour for opening was Z. M.
was there on time. What first attract
ed my attention or entering was that
the ladies and gentlcmen 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 4 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 idee could
also be heard. All had a happy and
contented look, there being no attempt
al formality, but each appeared to feel
as if he or she was at home with mem
bers of their own family.
When l arrived the dancing had not
commenced, and there was quite buzz
of conversation. Presently the floor
manager called out: s.Please come to
orderi Brother Brown, will you open?"
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, o and
to keep all harm and wrong-doing from
those present.
The floor manager then gave num-
ber to each man who wished to dance,
and when ali had numbers given them,
he called out, Numbers one to eight
take your partners for a cotillionr"
| There was only space for two sets. Up
started the eight 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
caller shouted the figure and the dane
ers started OFT 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 10 dc
with their legs. There were many
pretty, yes, handsome, faces among
| the fair sex. All was neat and clean,
| but no attempt was made to show in
dress, plain cotton and wOolen fabrics
| being the rule Some few of the girls
made faint attempt with simple rib
bons and laccs. Many or 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.
the young men born and raised in this
mountain region. They are perfect
| gianls-hale, hearty, and vigorous.
| Don't ever imputea to polygamy tho
cause of muscular decline in man, fol
here | had ocular PROOF to the contrary
When the first dance was concluded
the gentlemen escorted their partners
to their seats, and then retired 20 than
own. Then another batch of eight Was
Immediately called for, and the fun wa.
repeated. The polka or waltz, rounG
| dane NJ rs it is called. is not, by stric
rules, allowed, although few on this
OCCASION were permitted during the
evening.
After several dances had been gone
| through, some young Scandinavian SIS
ters sung a charming song. This was
followed by an Englishman singing q
comic song and an American reciling
from Shakespeare. Then more dancing
with occasional singing, till II o'clock,
when ''cOme to 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, OF
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 a light beel
| with cake is handed around. lntoXica.
ting drinks are strictly prohibited
There is no saloon within thirty miles
of the town. and even if Il man smells
OF liquor he is reprimanded.
These dances are not open for any
who may choose to attend, but all who
wish to partake give their names in tc
the bishop of the ward. He has power
to biackball 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 heart
was the occasional baying Of the
watch-dogs and the lullaby of the can
yon breeze.-SGH Lake City Cor. Neat
York San.