Colonial Dance Workshop at Pasadena Senior Center (Photo – pasadenaseniorcenter.org)
George Washington may be best remembered as the nation’s first president, but he also had a surprising passion for dancing. While he was likely no Fred Astaire, Washington once described dancing as “so agreeable and innocent an amusement.”
By Melanie Hooks
That spirit of colonial-era social life will come alive at the Pasadena Senior Center during “George Washington Danced Here: Colonial Dance Workshop” on Sunday, July 12, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm.
Part historical presentation and part hands-on dance lesson, the program will introduce participants to the dances enjoyed by Americans during the colonial period. Pasadena Senior Center Director of Events Annie Laskey and veteran dance leader James Hutson will guide attendees through the traditions and techniques of the era, with everyone invited to join in. No previous dance experience or partner is required, and colonial-era refreshments will be served.
Tickets are $10 for Pasadena Senior Center members and $15 for non-members. Reservations are recommended. For registration or more information, visit the Pasadena Senior Center’s website or call (626) 795-4331.
Hutson brings decades of experience leading English Country, Contra, and Square Dance, having conducted workshops throughout California and co-founded Culver City English Country Dance. He has also led dances for organizations including the Bay Area Country Dance Society, Pasadena’s Historical Tea and Dance Society, and the Jane Austen Society of North America.
Laskey joined the Pasadena Senior Center as Director of Events in 2017 and oversees a wide range of educational, cultural, and recreational programming. A Los Angeles native and graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in theater, she has spent more than 25 years as both a folk and vintage dance leader and performer.
As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, the workshop offers a distinctive way to celebrate American history—not through a parade, but by stepping onto the dance floor and experiencing one of the Founding Fathers’ favorite pastimes.
The Pasadena Senior Center is a donor-supported nonprofit that operates without local, state, or federal funding. It provides a broad range of programs and services for older adults throughout the San Gabriel Valley. The center is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm and Saturday from 8:00 am to noon.
Colonial Dance Workshop Sunday, July 11, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm Location Pasadena Senior Center 85 E. Holly St. Pasadena, CA 91103 Register online here.
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