Thank you, for opening your hearts to our family, and your tremendous enthusiasm for engaging in new adventures. We think we are going to like living here!

Going Places!

Workshops and events are taking shape in different areas of Arizona: from the northern mountains to the southern desert. The Planterhouse website and the schedule are changing rapidly as you communicate your interests to us. Here are a few ideas to share with you, right now:

1. Swordsmanship One-day Workshops *NEW!*
   3-hours of sword practice & history
2. Weekly International Folk Dancing
   A great group is forming for both youth and adults!
3. New Year’s Eve Antebellum Ball
   Family Event (Watch videos on the website!)
4. Ball Preparation Workshops
   Learn the dances & customs; plan your costume!

1. Swordsmanship *NEW!*

Many great empires have been built with the sword; from Rome, with the Short sword of the legionaries, to the British Empire, with saber and cutlass.

While the sword was shaping nations, other forces were shaping the sword, changing both how it was made and how it was used.

In this three-hour workshop, students will practice basic footwork and sword-work of the high medieval long sword using traditional practice wasters (wooden practice swords). As they learn the relationships of the different styles, they will also be introduced to the techniques of the Roman short sword, Medieval arming sword, Highland broadsword, Renaissance rapier, and the English saber.

Students will also be taught the first steps of quarterstaff techniques, as parallels are drawn between the sword and various pole arms, including quarterstaff and halberd.

Read more & sign up for Swordsmanship Workshop »

2. Weekly International Folk Dancing

Beginning Tuesday, August 10

A wonderful group of young people and their parents will be enjoying International Folk Dancing together, every Tuesday 6-8PM. Cultural music, great exercise and family fun! About 15 or 16 are already planning to be at the first dance night. Come join us! You’ll be glad that you did!!!

Read more »

Sign up for International Folk Dancing »

3. New Year’s Eve Antebellum Ball

Dec. 31, 2010 — 2PM – 8PM

• Family event
• Period costumes encouraged, but not required (Modesty is required.)
• Phoenix metro area (Several beautiful venues are being considered.)
• Historic dances, both formal and lively
• Singing time of period songs and hymns
• Exquisite banquet (pot-luck format)
• (More details will be worked out when we know the number of people interested in attending.)
• Stay tuned for more details. Email our director if you’re interested.

4. Ball Preparation Workshops

Beginning Thursday, August 19

Attending a ball can be a sweet experience that we cherish all of our lives; the anticipation and preparation playing an enormous role in the excitement. Explore the ideas, the culture and dress, manners and customs; the tensions and the beauty of this period of American history: “Before-the-War,” as we prepare for this gala event.

While some of the dances and songs will be taught at the ball, more complicated ones will be practiced in these monthly workshops. The main focus each week will be on dancing – like “having a ball” every month!

• Once-a-Month workshops on historic dance,
  costuming and customs.
• Third Thursdays 6:00pm-8:00pm
• August 19 – December 16
• $15/session

Sign up for ball preparation workshops »

It is our great pleasure to teach alongside you……. laughing, playing, singing, and dancing with you,

Sincerely,

Tina Liedle