In true steampunk fashion, Saturday’s Steampunk Spectacle featured dancers, science fiction-infused fantasy costumes and crowds hoping to see more of the culture in Athens.
Organized by the Athens County Historical Society & Museum and the Athens County Public Libraries, the Steampunk Spectacle provided a glimpse into the popular fashion trend, which mixes Victorian and Edwardian fashions and aesthetic styles with modern technology.
The Spectacle featured two phases — a Diurnal Phase held during the day, which included a Victorian Low Tea Social and sessions on how to create steampunk jewelry, top hats and other accessories, and a Nocturnal Phase held in the evening.
A family-friendly costume ball set off the Nocturnal Phase and featured dancers, vendors and the band Qiet, an eclectic, theatrical group. Attendees of all ages danced to swing music and were decorated with various keys, gadgets and hats to supplement their costumes.
The two dance troupes in attendance, Times Past Vintage Dancers, a folk group that shares international ballroom dances ranging from 1790 to 1930, and Whiplash Tribal Fusion Dance Troupe, a group of belly dancers with a steampunk flair, have both participated in similar events and said they hope to see steampunk become more mainstream in Athens.
Times Past Vintage Dancers leader and Ohio University alumna Tina Gehres said she is “very well aware of the emphasis of community and getting young people involved (and believes that) Athens could absolutely perpetuate steampunk.”
Penni AlZayer agreed that Athens could continue the trend.
“I will be amazed if it’s not widely successful next year with twice as many people,” she said.
AlZayer is also a henna tattoo artist who adds steampunk features to her designs for The Henna Faerie, her business that was set up alongside the other vendors.
“Everyone should explore steampunk, it’s just a wonderful genre of fantasy,” she said.
Ron Luce, director of the Athens County Historical Society & Museum, said the goal was not to bring in money but instead to introduce young people to steampunk.
“When you see this many people getting together and having fun, it’s a success.”
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