'Haunted' Newport Mansion Getting Visit From Dancing Witches

NEWPORT, RI — The Hamilton Hoppin House, believed by some to be haunted, will get a little spookier this Halloween season — but in a fun way.

The historic Newport mansion on Sunday will host the Southern New England Witch Dancers in a special pop-up event at 6:30 p.m.

The SNE Witch Dancers emerged onto the event circuit in 2022. Performing choreography from the original German Wolfshäger Hexenbruts, who went viral in 2016 with their "Shake Your Bacon" dance, the SNE witches ignite audiences with their colorful costumes and infectious energy. This will be the dance troupe's first time performing at the "haunted Newport mansion.

"Guests might not see spectral cars on the driveway or Native American spirits roaming the lawn, but they will see real-life witches dancing around a smoking cauldron," dance troupe co-founder Bernie Courtney said.

Courtney is referring to some of the ghosts that reportedly haunt the house. Featured in several documentaries — including PBS’s "Ghost and Vampire Legends of Rhode Island" and "Weird Travels" — the 1856 Victorian mansion is the site of an unsolved 1913 murder. Today the historic places listed building is home to Villa 120, an inn and boutique wedding venue.

Event manager Maria Brown says the front lawn will be transformed into an impromptu dance stage with lights in the trees, music and torches.

"The witches are a lot of fun," Brown said.

Brown says Villa 120 is a hidden treasure, tucked away on the Middletown line, "a rock’s throw from Newport."

Courtney said she hopes to change that.

"It won’t be so hidden after our performance!" Courtney said.

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