Host: Heath Herel
A history major with a flair for technology and a passion for the early 1800s, Heath was first introduced to Country Dancing in the mid 2000s and never looked back. He has been an active participant in the Battle of Plattsburgh Ball, and was a long time organizer of the Essex Ball with the Sailing Masters of 1812. He is excited to revive the Essex Ball as an independent entity!
Mistress of Ceremonies: Susan de Guardiola
Susan de Guardiola is an independent dance historian, teacher and caller who is an internationally-renowned expert on dance of the early 19th century. During the pandemic she has spent time researching American dance of the era and is excited to share this repertoire with you in Essex this spring! Read about Susan’s dance research at her blog, Capering & Kickery.
Jean’s previous War of 1812 credits include the Constitution-Guerriere victory bicentennial dance at the Charlestown, MA Navy Yard, the Battle of Plattsburgh Ball in Plattsburgh, NY, and the Dolley Madison Ball in Ridgewood, NJ. Based near Boston, Jean has played for dancers for 15 years in contexts ranging from Colonial to steampunk. She has been a dance camp staff pianist for Country Dance & Song Society, Youth Dance Weekend, and Lavender Folk & Country Dancers. When not at a dance she can be found singing choral music or accompanying the music-hall singers of the Old Howard Troupe. Jean studied classical piano with Ronald Kmiec and dance piano with Jacqueline Schwab.