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SPOTLIGHT EVENT February 2010


spotlight: event

Vintage Valentine

A 1940s-inspired Valentine’s Day dance at the Virginia Military Aviation Museum jumps and jives with swingin’ tunes and whispers of romances remembered.

By Chelsea DeAngio

It’s the stuff of a romantic’s dreams: debonair men in uniform, cigarette girls, zoot suits, swing dancing and big band music.
What better a way to spend Valentine’s Day than to remember the romantics of yesteryear? Harkening back to the Hangar Dances of the 1940s, the Virginia Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach hosts its second annual Valentine’s Day Dance this month.
“During WWII, dances were held in airplane hangars as fundraisers for the war effort,” says Virginia Military Aviation Museum Events Coordinator Debi Ernest. “We try to replicate that as much as possible.”
Held in the museum’s Navy hangar, guests can get up close and personal with actual Word War II planes. “[The hangar] will be full of restored- to flying-condition WWII bombers and guests will be able to tour the rest of the museum,” says Ernest.
The night will feature dance lessons and demonstrations from the Swing Virginia Dancers. The Pinup Angels, a group of women who dress up like 1940s pinup girls and sell flowers in support of the troops, will also be in attendance. Complete with music from the Terry Chesson 12-piece orchestra, it’s sure to be a night of romance.
According to Ernest, “although it was during WWII, that time period was a romantic one as well as patriotic.”
Heavy hors d’oeurves will be served along with a cash bar—‘40s-style, of course. Each guest will receive replica ration cards for both food and drinks. Break out your best vintage clothes, as costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for the most authentic outfits.
In addition to great music and dancing, hangar dances are a good opportunity to learn more about the war from the heroes who actually lived through it. Veterans from both WWII and Korea will be honored, and will get the chance to light a candle in remembrance for those lost in the war.
“It brings people back to simpler times and the realization of what is really important,” says Ernest.
“The big band music, dancers, cigarette girls, and costumed attendees all brought back wonderful memories for my dad, who is now 86 and not in the best of health,” says Charlie DeFoore of last year’s dance. “I honestly can’t remember seeing
him so happy.”

The 1940s Valentine’s Day Hangar Dance is scheduled for February 13 at the Virginia Military Aviation Museum at 1341 Princess Anne Rd. in Virginia Beach from 6:30–10:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 a person or 15% off for a table of 8. Call 757-721-7767 to reserve your spot. Visit www.militaryaviationmuseum.org
for more information.HRM

 

 

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