A blast from the past
By Julie Hofler
Cavalier Daily Associate Editor
Break out your dancing shoes and your medieval garb (if you happen to have any). Tonight the new Students for Creative Anachronism will be holding their second Medieval and Renaissance dance at Newcomb Ballroom from 8 to 11.
No experience or partner is necessary, and dances ranging from English Country to Italian Renaissance will be taught by David Oxford, the dance master of the Shire of Isenfir, the local SCA chapter.
The SCA was reinstated last semester at the University and is a branch of the international Society for Creative Anachronism, an organization devoted to researching and re-enacting pre-17th century European history. The international organization has been in existence for the past 35 years, while the SCA has been sporadically present at the University since 1980.
"Generally people with an interest in history and making things with their hands" would find the SCA appealing, said David Law, a third-year College student and SCA president. Law explained that members often make their own period clothing, or garb, for dances such as the one being held tonight.
"I thought it looked interesting," said third-year College student Kristen Zuk, who serves as SCA secretary. She explained that the international SCA holds events and activities involving historical cooking, sewing, brewing and combat.
"You could take a history class, but that's a lot of reading and writing. You don't get to do this stuff very often," Zuk said of the SCA's unique historical activities.
Besides dancing, Law said the SCA also has movie nights, where they watch time period films, and fighting practices where participants fence or partake in heavy combat.
Law, who learned to fence through his involvement with the Society for Creative Anachronism in Blacksburg, Va., said he wanted to get more University students involved in an organization that is historically interesting and very different from most other student groups.
The SCA is likely the only organization where some members actually change their names. When participating in SCA events, Law is known as Gavin Briare, a more authentic name of the time period. Law explained that the name changing "helps us get into a persona and get rid of modern connotations."
Besides the unique activities and chance to learn more about European history, medieval chivalry is a perk of SCA membership.
"I really enjoy the wide number of activities and how courteous everyone is," Law said of his involvement with the SCA. "People really get into the medieval mindset"
Read More
Taking a break at Tangerines Kitchen
By Charley Thomas | YesterdayWhat the restaurant somewhat lacks in ambiance, it compensates for in tasty dishes and prompt service.
Virginia Policy Lab — a hub for student-led policy action
By Katherine Haden | December 9, 2024Students propose their own projects and collaborate with other members to research their issues of interest, brainstorm solutions and write policy proposals.
Perfecting the subtle art of the ‘sexile’
By Val Vixen | December 7, 2024Approach this sacred college ritual with a newfound confidence.
