In America, at the end of the 19th century, a radical change in dance style occurred with the arrival of the dance called the Two Step. It was mostly performed to the marches of John Philip Sousa, especially the Washington Post March. It later came to England, in 1894, and spread to rest of Europe.
I will show written descriptions of the dance and give short demonstrations of basic steps and holds. I am teaching one of many versions of the Boston Two Step to the Washington Post March.
If time permits, I shall teach a really short version (62 bars) of a Country Line Dance which goes back to the Two Step.
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Nira Pullin, Professor Emeritus, Choreographer, and Period Movement and Dance Specialist has worked at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival of Canada, Utah Shakespeare Festival, Actor’s Movement Studio in NYC, Roundabout Theatre on Broadway, and numerous colleges throughout the USA. In England at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London Dance Week, Nonsuch International Summer School in England and Spain, Ballroom Schools in Germany, Prince Street Players National and International tours, Detroit and Dayton Opera Theatres, and the Henry Ford Museum.
She has trained in New York City, Chicago, London, Buenos Aires, the British-American Dramatic Academy in Oxford and the Moscow Art Theatre.
She is the recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching at Wayne State University and the Standing Ovation Award from Michigan Thespians Association. She is a member of Stage Directors and Choreographers and a certified Pilates Instructor.
She wrote the chapter on period dance and deportment in the book MOVEMENT FOR ACTORS by Allworth Press and articles for Southern Theatre Magazine.
Besides working with actors and dancers she also coaches ice skaters, models, and opera singers.