Martha Washington and Fun

 

Martha Washington

Martha Washington, like other members of her set, spent considerable time directing a large staff of slaves and servants and ensuring the happiness of her husband and children.  Nonetheless, there was time for fun.

People of means were expected to be able to play an instrument or sing.  Ladies did not generally play wind instruments, their garments being too restrictive.  They could sing or play keyboards.  Dancing was an established social grace.  Balls began with court dances like the minuet.  These dances were performed in strict order of precedence, the ranking couple in the room dancing first, and then down the social ladder.  These were solo performances, watched carefully by the other guests.  Pronounced stumbles and fumbles could cause a dancer to be banished for the social season.  After the formalities the floor was opened for general and less formal dancing.

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