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Born and raised outside of rural Reading, Pennsylvania, Kurt Grauf lived in the open country and enjoyed the beauty of life. The scenic beauty of rolling hills and farmlands captured his spirit and imagination for America. Reading, traveling and touring coast-to-coast, the fascination for American history continued to grow. During his adult years he has lived throughout Pennsylvania; Mississippi; Sacramento; and even San Francisco. Toured parts of Mexico, Canada and South America. |
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While traveling the continental United States he experienced first-hand about America: different cultures, backgrounds and beliefs. One thing he learned was the Southern perspective of the Civil War--much different than the Northern's viewpoint. This understanding can be seen while reenacting both as a Yankee or a Confederate soldier. This same belief is fostered in dancing whether as an Union or Southern gentleman.
In the Summer of 1992 Kurt Grauf volunteered as a background artist for the filming of the epic movie: Killer Angels, later retitled Gettysburg. First believing it would be an one-day event quickly turned into the entire summer working as an extra on the movie set. After filming was finished in October 1992, Kurt wanted to own a few mementos of the film; he purchased an Union uniform and an Enfield rifle. That is where the reenacting fever started a life-time adventure of fun, excitement and learning. A decade later Kurt would return for the second film: Gods and Generals; he would fill the ranks along side his fellow reenactors. Within the last few months Kurt has been in several other feature films including No Retreat From Destiny: The Battle That Rescued Washington, Pamplin Park’s untitled Civil War Combat Series and The Battle of Chantilly. Not to forget, Kurt has portrayed various people in historical documentaries including Baltic Sea Battles, The Burning of New York and 100 Greatest Scientific Discoveries.
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From Civil War reenacting this enventually grew into other periods: French and Indian War, Revolutionary and later World War II. However, there was always a special love and interest
for the Civil War.
His reenacting career has covered artillery, infantry, general’s staff, secret service and even signal corps.
Each reenacting day brought him closer to the 19th century: life, passion and drama. Moreover,
Kurt became interested in the dances of the Civil War. He took lessons and also studied the original works from the Dance Masters of the day. With
his natural ability of teaching and unquestionable leadership abilities, he started to instruct novices the dances of the Victorian Era.
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Each reenacting day brought him closer to the 19th century: life, passion and drama. Moreover, Kurt became interested in the dances of the Civil War. He took lessons and also studied the original works from the Dance Masters of the day. With his natural ability of teaching and unquestionable leadership abilities, he started to instruct novices the dances of the Victorian Era.
Today, Kurt's love and passion for reenacting has evolved into professional dancing and public speaking about various aspects of American History. Kurt admits he enjoys teaching, but there is nothing more exciting than to dance in a room-filled with Ladies and Gentlemen dressed for the occassion. He has taughted both formal and informal dances throughout the mid-Atlantic region. Furthermore, Kurt continues to master new dances and teaches lessons around the Harrisburg area--soon in other areas like Maryland.
Kurt’s latest task is finishing two short stories about an Union soldier and a Confederate soldier. Hopefully, the books will be finished this year. He plans to eventually write other short stories about other time eras including French and Indian War and WWII.
If you are interested in learning more about Kurt Grauf, reenacting, or dancing in general, feel free to contact him at gemini00612@yahoo.com. Put your dancing shoes on, and see you at the next event!
Last Updated on April 24th, 2005
