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

By: Christian Goodwillie, Hamilton College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: December 22, 2025

Words: 1,322

Last Updated: 5 days, 7 hours ago

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By Christian Goodwillie, Hamilton College

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 literally writhes with snakes intercut amid scenes of emotional turmoil, religious ecstasy, orderly and disorderly dancing – and sex. Intense and sometimes menacing music underpins it all: the sounds of the enraptured, singing their way to a fantastic and …

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