Introduction: Where Oh Where Should the Capital Be?
So much about the new United States was new—a democracy in a world full of monarchies, an elected president in...
Social Dancing at the White House
How Long? 2 minutes
Social dancing was especially enjoyed during the terms of Benjamin Harrison and William McKinley and its popularity within the White House reflected the changing times. While President Harrison enjoyed a form of waltz, known as "The German," McKinley at his Valentine’s Day Dance preferred the new two-step, such as "Goo-Goo Eyes," which illustrated the merging of ragtime and social dance as the century turned. But many distinguished performers appeared at the White House at this time, too. They included the great soprano "Black Patti" (Sissieretta Jones); the violinist, Joseph Douglass, grandson of orator and statesman, Frederick Douglass; and the composer and cellist, Ernest Lent, whose Piano Trio in B Major was probably the earliest serious chamber music performed at the White House [see more below]. The Lent ensemble played for President and Mrs. McKinley and seventy guests after a dinner for the Supreme Court in 1898, thus setting the stage for the state dinner/musicale pattern that would become the focal point for modern entertaining at the White House.
Landmark Era Performances
1892: John Philip Sousa completed a distinguished 12-year period as the director of the U.S. Marine Band bringing world fame to "The President's Own." He conducted the band's first sound recordings, initiated its first national concert tour, and started to write the marches that earned him the title "The March King."
1898: The Lent ensemble played for President and Mrs. McKinley and seventy guests after a dinner for the Supreme Court in 1898, setting the stage for the state dinner/musicale as the focal point for modern entertaining at the White House.
"Just Because She Made Dem Goo-Goo Eyes" (1900)
Courtesy of Arizona State University Music Library Sheet Music CollectionYou Might Also Like
-
-
The United States Marine Band: The Directors
During its first two centuries, the Marine Band has had 26 Directors. Each leader has contributed to the recognition and appreciation...
-
Romantic Expansions
In our own time thoughts about “the West” have been rather vividly colored by popular culture imagery depicting the rugged indi...
-
Presidential Valets
Throughout the history of the presidency, a president’s clothing choices have been influenced by a number of factors. Personal ba...
-
The President, the Press, and Proximity
The James S. Brady Press Briefing Room has been the on-grounds quarters for the White House correspondents and news photographers...
-
The United States Marine Band: The President's Own
A long and distinguished association with the presidency has honored the Marine Band. There is a sense of family among...
-
The United States Marine Band: Origins & Traditions
The Marine Band, the first musical ensemble to perform at the White House, has provided a continual opportunity for presidents...
-
The United States Marine Band: John Philip Sousa
John Philip Sousa, Director (1880-1892), brought world fame to "The President's Own." While the organization was already considered a national...
-
The United States Marine Band: Musical Airs
"The White House has been a showcase for the performing arts and has vividly mirrored American life from its earliest...
-
The United States Marine Band: Music as Diplomacy
Music has been an essential part of life in the White House from the earliest days of our nation, not...
-
The United States Marine Band: Musical Airs
"The White House has been a showcase for the performing arts and has vividly mirrored American life from its earliest...
-
The Soldiers' Home: First Presidential Retreat
Leaving the White House during the summer is an old tradition of the presidents. Those with farms, such as Dwight...