HANDSOME MOLLY RETURNS TO CAMDEN
Princeton Dance Troupe Recreates Twelfth Night Traditions
Photography by Hoag Levins
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Jan. 7, 2007
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CAMDEN, N.J. -- Returning for the second time to a Twelfth Night event at the Camden County Historical Society on January 6, Princeton's Handsome Molly put on a show of historical street dance traditions from England and early America. The dance customs were part of the Twelfth Night celebration traditions that capped the extended Christmas, News Year's and Epiphany holiday period in the 18th and early 19th centuries. A decorated plow symbolizes the dancers and street revelers, most of whom were agricultural laborers at that time.
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The high winter holiday period in earlier centuries was a time when the bounds of social propriety were relaxed and workers took to the streets in spontaneous pageantry that, among other things, mocked the lifestyles of the aristocracy. One goal of street dancers was to dress as outlandishly as possible. Men often donned women's clothing -- a custom that resulting in them being called "Mollies." The troupes then, like Handsome Molly now, also engaged in street theater as they went from house to house seeking holiday favors of beer and coins. Above, left, is Mary Zikos, a co-organizer of Handsome Molly and its singer. Next to her is Bob Dupre.
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Bob Dupre (above, left) is the "Molly" of Handsome Molly who also plays the drum that is the only non-vocal instrument of the performance. Street dancers of previous centuries primarily used blackface but, because of the modern-day stigma attached to blackface, today's ritual dance troupes have adopted multi-colored theatrical face paint, such as that worn by Margoleath Berman, above, right.
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Colorful paper crowns (above, left) are also a tradition of Twelfth Night dating back to at least the 16th century when revelers choose a "king" and "queen" of their annual celebration. Curtis Hoberman of Handsom Molly (above, left) shows off his. Above right are Martin Barbour and his wife, Nancy. There oldest daughter, Amanda, is also a dancer with the troupe.
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All Rights Reserved © 2007, Hoag Levins
HoagL@earthlink.net
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