| Citation |
NM.768.061
17 Oct 1768:42 (528)
Newport, September 26, 1768. Agreeable to my former custom,
I take this method to acquaint the gentlemen and ladies who
belong to my school, and all others of distinction and
character; that next Wednesday evening I purpose to open
school for the season: And beg those who favour me with
their company and custom, to purchase their tickets in the
afternoon, and that the ladies will punctually meet at sun-
set; as I propose; if opportunity offers, to dispose of
twenty or twenty-four tickets, and to divide them into two
sets; so that each set may go thro' such a number of dances
as to make the evening equally agreeable.---And for further
amusement, and to keep up my usual good orders, while the
first set are dancing, the other, if agreeable, shall be
accommodated in a separate, genteel apartment, with card-
tables, and a good fire.
My school-hours, if there be two sets, will be from 6 to
10 o'clock; if but one set, from 6 to 9. No gentleman is to
be admitted without a ticket, and every gentleman is to
stand according to the number of his ticket. None are to
set down in a dance.
If any gentlemen or ladies come in after a dance is
begun,they are not to interrupt the company, but wait till
the next dance is call'd; and then take their places above
the couple who carried the last down.
As I shall be attended with the best of music, and do
every thing in my power to render the evening as agreeable
to the company as possible, I doubt not of meeting with
proper encouragement: And hope that gentlemen & ladies of a
superior rank & age will cheerfully condescend to conform to
the rules and order, that those of the younger sort may
profit by their example.
As I know many think the intent of a dancing-school is
only for diversion, and are highly offended if they are
reprimanded for any rudeness or indecency, I would inform
such, that in my business I have no respect to persons, and
shall never be afraid to remind them, that a dancing-school
is not for diversion or exercise only, but is designed to
reform their manners and behaviour.
My Thursday afternoon-school I shall continue at my usual
hours of teaching.
The favour and encouragement of any gentlemen and ladies,
in promoting my school, will be most gratefully acknowledged
by their most obedient humble servant: [signed] Mary
Crowley:
Who intends to take boarders, if any offer; and will be
much obliged to her friends and acquaintance, if they will
be kind enough to recommend any gentlemen or ladies to her;
and assures them, they may depend on their being entertained
in a very genteel manner.
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