for immediate release

CONTACT: Jay Purdy (717) 787-7895
HARRISBURG, Sept. 25 - The Victorian Dance Ensemble again will be stepping lively to preserve the Pennsylvania monuments at Gettysburg. State Rep. Harry Readshaw, D-Allegheny, today announced that the acclaimed ensemble, made up of members from central Pennsylvania and Maryland, will offer a new round of period dance classes with all proceeds going to the Pennsylvania Gettysburg Monuments Project.

Earlier this year, the Victorian Dance Ensemble presented Readshaw with $1,200 the group raised though earlier classes and a ball in April to coincide with the highly successful Monument Challenge run/walk to benefit monument preservation.

The classes will be held from 7 p.m. 9 p.m. Tuesdays from Oct. 17 to Nov. 7 at the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, 53 E. Middle St. in Gettysburg.

Participants will learn and practice waltzes, schottisches, polkas, reels and quadrilles of the 1860s, along with the etiquette and fashions of the period. The registration of partners is encouraged but not required. Comfortable clothing and shoes should be worn. Recorded music will be used for the classes. The cost for all four classes is $25 per person, all of which will be donated to the Gettysburg Monuments Project.

Thus far, Readshaw's preservation campaign, which began in 1997, has raised enough money to repair all 146 small Pennsylvania monuments on the Gettysburg battlefield. The goal now is to establish perpetual trust funds to provide for future maintenance and repairs.

More information about the dance classes may be obtained by calling 717-732-5330 or by e-mailing civilwardancer@aol.com. The Victorian Dance Ensemble maintains a web site at www.civilwardance.org.