The Conversation

Mon Dec 22

The celibate, dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society – 250 years later, they’re part of the sound of America

Written by Christian Goodwillie, Director and Curator of Special Collections and Archives, Hamilton College

In the Shakers' early years, dance was one of the most distinct aspects of the Christian group's worship.Bettmann via Getty Images

Director Mona Fastvold’s new film, “The Testament of Ann Lee,” features actor Amanda Seyfried in the titular role: the English spiritual seeker who brought the Shaker movement to America. The trailer...

The celibate, dancing Shakers were once seen as a threat to society – 250 years later, they’re part of the sound of America

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