Joyful Dance at a 1916 Holiday Celebration

The glass negative titled Barnard - dancing, taken on December 23, 1916, captures a lively moment from the early 20th century. Created by the Bain News Service, this photograph showcases a gathering centered around dance, reflecting the social customs and leisure activities of the time. Dancing was a popular form of entertainment in the 1910s, serving as a way for communities to come together and enjoy music and movement.

The photograph not only highlights the joy of dance but also offers insight into the fashion and social norms of the era. From the attire of the dancers to the environment itself, every detail provides a snapshot of life during a significant period in American history, just before the dramatic societal changes brought on by World War I and the Roaring Twenties. This image stands as an important reminder of how dance has long been a beloved form of expression.