Victorian entertainment top hats & lace By Allison Mowatt T he Victorian Era is one that brings to mind visions of fancy costumes, prim ideals, thought provoking poetry, and powerful queens. Northeastern Pennsylvania has its very own Victorian entertainment thanks to a charming vintage dance troupe called Top Hats and Lace, Inc. The group is directed by founders, Joan and Jules Dobitsch of Hamlin. The couple has a fondness for the elegance and beauty of Victorian dance, dress, and music. Joan and Jules started attending Victorian Balls in Cape May, NJ, twice a year for about ten years. “I’ve always loved the revelry of the Victorian Era,” said Joan. They also joined a group directed by John McKeon. Their earlier exposure to the dance was generally confined to the South Jersey area. From there, they started their own group right here in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Joan’s passion for the dance, dress, and music of these times was a major force in establishing awareness of this historic period to our area. Many other people share Joan and Jules’ love for this timeless and classic Era. Since the group formed about four years ago, it expanded from four couples to nine couples; all are local residents. “Our primary focus is to be a social group that enjoys dressing and dancing and bringing joy to the people of our area,” said Joan. “Our mission is to entertain and encourage interest in Victorian/Civil War dance, dress, and music of this highly breathtaking and interesting time.” The group is hard to miss since they perform in 14 connections magazine Dancers colorful historic dress of the 1852-1919 Era, covering the Victorian, Civil War, and Edwardian periods. Some of the outfits are handmade by group members, and others are purchased online. Whatever they can make themselves, they do. “If we have to purchase a costume, we’ll still add our own embellishments or make our own hats,” said Joan. In addition to the clothing, the music and dancing represent these times periods as well. The authentic 18th Century costumes are how people recognize this cheerful bunch as they stroll through the streets of Honesdale or perform these old-fashioned dances at festivals and other events. According to Joan, the troupe’s ministry is visiting nursing homes, and they’ve performed at numerous nursing care facilities throughout the area. “It brings us such pleasure to be able to bring joy to the elderly and entertain the community during special events,” she said. The group has performed during numerous local events, including the rededication of the D&H railroad station in Waymart, First Night in Scranton, and the Coalminers Picnic in Nanticoke. In addition, the group has graced the streets of downtown Honesdale for various festivals and events, performed at Tea Parties in local [ www.connections-magazine.com ] churches, made appearances in senior centers, and entertained for charitable or civic organizations. On September 11th and 12th, Top Hats and Lace will be performing during the Victorian Weekend in Belvidere, NJ, and on December 11th, the group will make an appearance during The Spirit of Christmas event in Olde Newcastle, Delaware. In the spring, there are tentative plans for the group to entertain during a fashion show at the Wayne County Public Library in Honesdale. Top Hats and Lace is currently looking for more couples or men, as there are women without any partners. Free lessons take place Monday evenings at the Hamlin Senior Center on Route 590. For more information, call Joan at (570) 6899835. Dancers: Joan and Jules Dobitsch of Hamlin, Janet and Ken Lewis of Scranton, Joann and Mike Taylor of Olyphant, Judy and Jim Seeley of Lake Ariel, Cheryl and Joe Delfino of Lake Ariel, Janet and Gerry Williams of Honesdale, Sharon, Rob and Jordyn Williams of Hawley, Joe Kaspar of Peckville, Ellen Gianacopoulos of Scranton