UACCB Renaissance Club Perform at Medieval Fortress

Twenty-three members of the Renaissance Club at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville performed period dances in full costume at the Ozark Medieval Fortress during the end of season celebration, according to faculty sponsor Marla Bennett. The OzarkMedieval Fortress is a castle in the making, located at Lead Hill, Arkansas.

This is the second time club members have been formally asked to participate in eventsat the fortress site.  The group attended the opening of the fortress in August 2010 and immediately decided to make an annual trek as the club’s field trip. “During the initial visit,” Bennett said, “the club members performed authenticRenaissance dance numbers for the tour groups in attendance.  When the club journeyed to the Fortress in June of 2011, the audience and Fortress employees enjoyed them so much that the club was asked to return in July for a special event called ‘After Hours at the Fortress.’  Now the club returned to the Fortress for its ‘End of Season Celebration’on November 19th.”  In exchange for their performance, the club participants received free admission to the fortress and a full tour for new members. 

The brochure for the Ozark Medieval Fortress states, “Visitors to the construction site will not only watch but interact with quarrymen, stonecarvers and carpenters, as well as artisan potters, rope makers, blacksmith andtextile workers…all dressed as if they walked right out of the 13th century. Using resources found on site (wood, stone, water, etc.) and onlymethods available to medieval castle builders, they are constructing a realfortress, which will one day feature 24 foot high walls towers reaching morethan 60 feet into the air, a drawbridge and 6 foot stone walls surrounding anexpansive inner courtyard.” For operating dates and hours individuals may access www.ozarkfortress.com or call (870) 436-7625.

Workshops vary depending on the artisans attending the particular events during the year. In addition to their dance performance, the Renaissance Club members willparticipate in stone carving, rope making and bracelet making. 

During the fall and spring semesters, the Renaissance Club meets weekly to learn newdances and practice.  Bennett said, “We have a new crop of club members this year and they have already learned seven dances.  Many of themembers make their own costumes which must look ‘authentic’ orcostumes may be purchased.” The club has two new officers this year:Jessica Tate is club president and Lucinda Long is club secretary/treasurer. Club membership is open to UACCB students and their family members. 

Bennettsays, “The Renaissance Festival is the big event for the club eachyear.  The 2012 festival will be held the last weekend in April on the UACCB campus.  On Friday, area schools are invited to participate in avariety of fun and educational contests, maypole dancing, sword fighting,archery demonstrations, Renaissance music, and displays.  On Saturday ofthe festival, the public is invited to join in the fun by participating in orobserving many of the same demonstrations.”

For additional information about the 2012 Renaissance Festival or to schedule adance presentation for your event, class, club, or organization contact MarlaBennett at marla.bennett@uaccb.edu or call (870)612-2038.