Our Story

The Benedicts is a warm and welcoming 

dance community

The Benedicts was originally a married couples only organization. Today, we happily 

welcome all dance couples as members. 

Our Beginnings and Early History

In 1942, James Foley, who had moved from Cleveland, Ohio, to Schenectady, began to pursue the idea of establishing a dance group for married couples similar to The Benedicts of Cleveland, dedicated to socializing and formal dancing.

It was the era of the Big Bands. It was also wartime! The country was in the midst of retooling its industries to meet the demands of the war effort. General Electric was foremost in World War II production. Daily lives of the people were affected in many ways: food and gasoline rationing, limitations on clothing purchases, victory gardens, curfews, blackouts, sirens, and air-raid practices. It was clearly a time when diversion and a social outlet were needed.

Foley's proposal drew much support, and a Founding Committee was formed. On November 30, 1942, the committee met to begin work on a constitution for the Schenectady-based THE BENEDICTS. Interest grew rapidly. By January, membership had grown to 147 couples, consisting mostly of GE employees and others in Schenectady affectionately referred to as "the uptown people."

The "first dance," scheduled for January, 1943, was cancelled because of a ban on pleasure driving and was actually held in February at the Hotel Van Curler, now the site of the Schenectady County Community College. The dance was informal and began at 5:30 p.m. with "highballs" and a buffet-style supper. Members danced to a four-piece band. They arrived in different ways: walking, riding a bus, or car pooling with a member who had a gas coupon. The program ended at 9:30 p.m. There was a curfew in effect, and buses stopped running at 11:00 p.m.

More than eighty years have passed, and The Benedicts is still a strong and dynamic organization with a vibrant and enthusiastic membership that continues to grow beyond the limits of Schenectady and into the communities of the greater Capital District. As the years go by and the leadership passes from one group of member couples to another, we are confident that our goals, traditions, and friendships will remain. We will always be proud to say: 

 "We belong to The Benedicts"

Origin and Etymology of Our Name:

The Benedicts name is very likely no mystery to some of our members, while to others, the answer is in the definition referenced previously: a Benedict is a married person who was a long-time bachelor. Now considered archaic and narrow in its meaning, it was a term coined after one of Shakespeare's most memorable comedic characters in “Much Ado About Nothing. Shakespeare's Benedick is a confirmed bachelor at the beginning of the play. His favorite sport is engaging in witty repartee with anyone who will listen (including, at times, just those in the audience). His foil is the character Beatrice, a confirmed bachelorette. As with all Elizabethan comedy, it is apparent from the outset that the two are destined for true courtly love, and matrimony by the play's end.

Their story is intertwined with that of Benedick's best friend, Claudio, and the object of his affection, Beatrice's cousin Hero. Claudio intends to marry Hero but scorns her at the altar having been deceived by the evil Don John, believing that Hero has been unfaithful on the eve of their nuptials.

Beatrice, having come to terms with Benedick about their true feelings for each other, charges Benedick with righting the situation and restoring Hero's honor. Benedick, in turn, challenges Claudio to a duel. The duel, however, never occurs as the deceit is revealed, instead, a dual wedding is performed. In Elizabethan comedy, in stark contrast to Elizabethan tragedy, marriage always ends the play, and the more wedding services performed, the happier the audience is at the play's end.

Benedict (n.)
            [From Benedick, one of the characters in Shakespeare's play "Much Ado about Nothing."]
A newly married person, especially one who was previously considered a confirmed bachelor. 

        -Definition from: The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition 

The Benedicts  name was chosen by our founding members to signify our origin as a married couples only organization. We no longer hold to that stipulation. Any dance couple, including single dancers with dance partners of their choosing, are invited to join.

Today, we welcome all dance couples and maintain the 

Shakespearean tradition of happy endings!