EarlyMusicNews.org

"I used to make costumes of most periods, up to about 1830 for men, 1900 for women and children, researching in as much detail as possible, using primary sources such as original garments in museums and private collections, and original patterns.

However, as I am virtually retired, and no longer work full time as a costume maker, I only rarely take commissions, usually from previous customers. I no longer take on new customers. I do not make wedding clothes of any kind.

I still give talks and demonstrations about what I did, showing actual garments and materials and drawing on over 40 years' experience working with costume for theatre, including the R.S.C., the Royal National Theatre, Amsterdam Opera, film, T.V., museums, and for static displays, re-enactors, historical dancers and costumed interpreters.”

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Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 651

"Established in 1994, we are a Devon, England based historical dance group specialising in the performance of 15th, 16th, 17th and 19th century court and country dances from England and the Continent, together with contemporary crafts and social activities.

Our members come from a variety of backgrounds and have varied experience, but all share a desire to help to bring a bit of history alive.

Our repertoire of dance, parade and display has been built up over many years of research and practice. We have learnt many new skills from historical dress making to storytelling.

We are always looking out for new ideas and new members so that we can build on our success and bring our past to life for more people.

We enjoy what we do and we do it well. We hope that you'll participate in the workshops on the day or even join us to become a welcome member of Renaissance. "

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Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 649

"Danse Ecosse is an historical dance group based in Inverness, Scotland. The group was established in 2002 and since then has been building a repertoire of Renaissance Dances as danced in the Courts of Scotland and the rest of Europe. The group uses published research based on original source material as well as working directly from surviving dance manuscripts from the 15th to 17th Centuries. The group also conducts research on dance in Renaissance Scotland. Our costumes are based on historical documents and portraits. "

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Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 644

"Pied en l´Air is a Swedish society and an ensemble which performs with historical dances from the 15th century to the 18th century. Restoring dances from these periods is as important as performing them in an entertaining but yet historically correct context. Consequently, we take a pride in recreating dresses true to the period. Martin Cizsuk, textile researcher and craftsman, is our costume coordinator. With dancing, music, dresses and theatre elements, we try to give the audience a living image of the past.

Our members have long experience and educations from Historical Dance at the University College of Dance in Stockholm and other dance educations. The ensemble was founded in 1984 by dance teacher Ann-Marie Ulfvarson. We rehearse and have dance technique classes on a regular basis; recent years with renowned Kaj Sylegård (Kaj Sylegard) as head teacher. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Oct 08, 2008 | Hits: 635

Dance institute of vintage and modern dances.

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Added on: Jan 20, 2012 | Hits: 619

" Rose Moresk are a group dedicated to researching and recreating the Moresk to entertain and educate the public. Our first recreation is the courtly Moresk of around 1500.

Our performances are appropriate for both specialist and general audiences. They are entertaining and exciting to watch. The Moresk dances were performed as court entertainment with elements of drama and other dance forms creating a narrative. Rose Moresk strives to recreate this as accurately as possible and in a manner that is entertaining and accessible to modern audiences.

Thus the dances performed by Rose Moresk are drawn from a collection of dances, known as the Gresley Manuscript, originating from a large house in Derbyshire. They are believed to be the aide-memoir of a dancing master around 1500. Although the manuscripts do not specifically state that these are Moresk dances, they contain features that resemble those elements from other sources known to have been part of the Moresk. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Apr 17, 2008 | Hits: 617

"A project to enter Playford first edition (1651) is mostly finished! Here it is! I tried to take care to not correct spellings and obvious mistakes, but if you find something right, let me know... :) Music will be on the way as soon as have time to get it in. A small portion of the music has been entered. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 617

"Founded in 1976 by Artistic Director Catherine Turocy in collaboration with Ann Jacoby, the New York Baroque Dance Company has been a leading force in the revival of 18th century ballet, challenging aesthetic conventions and bringing forgotten masterpieces to new audiences in what The Guardian has called “a whirlwind of desperately needed fresh air.” ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Oct 05, 2008 | Hits: 595

"The main objective of the Society is the promotion of understanding in the theory and practice of European dance from the 12th to the 19th century as recorded in the contemporary literature.

The policy of the committee is to achieve this by:

* Conducting and promoting original research into treatises on dancing and other references in the literature, drama and dance music of the various periods.
* The organisation of courses for the education of dancers, teachers, actors, musicians and the general public in historical dance.
* Holding meetings and conferences in which lectures, demonstrations and opportunities to participate in historical dances and their music will be given to members of the Society and others.
* Publishing articles conducive or incidental to the aims of the Society in a Society Journal and any other medium which will bring the information to the attention of scholars in related disciplines and other persons concerned with the performance and teaching of historical dances and their music.
* Developing good practice for teachers and instructors in order to promote skills, understanding and enjoyment of the dances, while incorporating current research.
* Giving and promoting historically informed dance demonstrations with music on the contemporary instruments.
* Fostering the growth of other organisations with similar aims in this country and abroad. "

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Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 591

“We are excited that you are visiting Danza Antiqua. We are here to provide unique dance and historical activities for any occasion.

Danza Antiqua was formed in England in 1993 by its Director Nancy J. Walker. It was formed with the purpose of providing dances performances, instruction, education and consultancy across all major historical periods. Its dancers are trained in the particular dances and style for each event. A typical performance is presented in accurate reproduction historical clothing and includes dance, historical readings and education about the dances and their social setting and context. ..“

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Added on: Jul 29, 2009 | Hits: 590

"The Early Dance Circle [EDC] was formed in 1984 as an umbrella organisation to promote the enjoyment, performance and study of Early Dance in the UK. Its membership comprises individuals and groups throughout the UK and beyond.

The Circle’s recognised objects are to foster knowledge, understanding and appreciation of dance and its context in European society up to and including the twentieth century - and of its music and of other subjects in so far as they affect or are affected by Early Dance. ... "

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Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 586

"Contretemps was formed in 1985 by Barbara Segal and Frank Perenboom as a dance duo. Their aim is to present the dance of earlier centuries in a manner that is both lively and entertaining, while still remaining faithful to the original sources. Working from early manuscripts, printed choreographies and contemporary descriptions, Contretemps recreates the dances of past times, with authentic costumes and the music of the period -- either as a concert performance or integrated into stories to heighten the dramatic appeal. Whether as courtiers at Louis XIV's Palace of Versailles, or Harlequin and Columbine in the pantomimes of 18th century London, their performance is supremely entertaining. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Oct 06, 2008 | Hits: 585

"Bedford Early Dance and Music organises historical dance workshops and social events in and around Bedford. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 582

“L’Eclat des Muses - Cie Christine Bayle is a baroque dance troupe, research team and school. She creates performances that fall, depending on the project, in either to dance and “live” music, play and drama texts. Her research focuses on the coherence and the interaction of Baroque art, still buried in directories upstream and downstream of the "baroque", on the deepening of knowledge and skills. Finally, she shares practical knowledge to different audiences, teaches amateurs, and since 1983 has formed many professionals …”

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Added on: Jan 10, 2012 | Hits: 581

“The New York Historical Dance Company is a group of dancers devoted to the study, recreation and performance of dances from the fifteenth through the early twentieth centuries. Costumed in period clothing, the company performs social and theatrical dances from Europe and America. The company has performed with Piffaro, Parthenia—A Consort of Viols, Philadelphia Classical Symphony, Wake Forest Consort, Mannes Camerata and the New Dance Group. Members of the company have also performed at the Connecticut Early Music Festival, Wake Forest University, at SUNY Stony Brook, in Germany, Belgium and Austria. Our ambition is to bring the joy and beauty of these dances to modern audiences, at the same time educating them in an important facet of the culture of past eras. ..“

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Added on: May 03, 2010 | Hits: 562

"Coranto Early Dance & Music specializes in performances of period dance and music. It promotes excellence of demonstration, authenticity of style and increased awareness of this important aspect of history in three distinct areas:

Concerts
Participation in a variety of events and functions
The presentation of workshops and lecture demonstrations

In addition to the performing aspect of the work, Coranto is able to offer a comprehensive consultative service to educational establishments and theatrical companies country-wide. With expert knowledge spanning some 600 years from mediaeval times to the late 18th century and using a variety of resources, this may take the form of lecture demonstrations, group workshops and lessons and tuition on a one-to-one basis. " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 07, 2008 | Hits: 556

“In 2000, Ana Yepes created her company in order to present dance performances in different styles that she developed.The company includes contemporary dancers and baroque dancers, depending on the performance needs..

Éclats Baroques, show consists of three short pieces, selected pieces of the baroque repertoire of the company for six dancers and soundtrack. It includes Éclats de Donaires, Danses du Roi and de Fiesta. …”

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Added on: Nov 16, 2011 | Hits: 539

“Based in the historical region of Auxerre, in Bourgogne, the Bassa Toscana Company was created in 2000 in order to perform and teach French Medieval and Renaissance Dance. The music and instruments are exact replicas of the instruments of that time. The costumes replicate Medieval and Renaissance costumes as represented in paintings of the 15th and 16th centuries. The dances as they are performed and taught by the members of Bassa Toscana have been thoroughly researched in 15th and 16th century texts such as those of Négri, de Caroso and Thoinot Areau.”

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Added on: Mar 13, 2012 | Hits: 527

"Seattle Early Dance is dedicated to presenting high quality performances of dances from the European Courts between the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries. These dances are reconstructed using original manuals and treatises, and are performed in exquisite costumes based on historical designs. Essential to the performance experience is collaboration with musicians playing authentic period instruments. Seattle Early Dance has performed with some of the finest early music organizations in Seattle, including the Seattle Symphony, the Seattle Baroque Orchestra, and the Seattle Academy of Baroque Opera. Seattle Early Dance aims to have a wide appeal, presenting dances in ways both entertaining and informative for modern audiences. Seattle Early Dance is also committed to educational activities, such as workshops and residences in schools and other community settings. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Oct 06, 2008 | Hits: 524

"The Society, founded in 1979, exists to encourage the revival and enjoyment of historical dancing. Classes are held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 1930 - 21:45 in Cambridge, England. All classes include some dances suitable for beginners, who are always welcome. It is not necessary to bring a partner or to wear period dress. What you will need, if you join the class, is shoes that have a soft and flexible sole. Jazz shoes are suitable (but make sure the sole is chrome suede, not plastic or smooth leather), as are Greek sandals and Scottish dance shoes (ghillies).

Teaching is given mainly in Mediæval and Renaissance dancing, as practised at the courts of Europe in the 14th-17th centuries, but some attention is also paid to the dance styles of the 18th and 19th centuries. ... " Visit website for more information. (ed.)

Added on: Sep 06, 2008 | Hits: 490

“Dance Books is now the only company in the world devoted to the publishing and retail selling of books, CDs, and videos on dance and human movement. We carry more than 2,000 items and sell mainly by mail order, though visitors are always welcome (but please 'phone first). ..“ Some Early Music Dance books available.

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Added on: Jul 29, 2009 | Hits: 489

"Bernhard Gertsch studied in Berne and Zurich drama, dance and singing and was formed in early music and historical dance in Basel (Schola Cantorum) and Paris ("L'eclat of the muses") on. Since 1990 he has been a freelance dancer, actor and choreographer specializing in historical "dance theater" and baroque opera. He collaborated with ensembles and orchestras such as: Teatro Arcimboldo, Basel; ensemble Fontainebleau, La Petite Bande, Ghent; contretemps, Lautten Compagney, Berlin, New London Consort, Time Dance, London etc. ..." (Google Translation)

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Added on: Apr 18, 2013 | Hits: 487

Historical dance group.

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 478

“Rare manuscripts and the earliest printed dance books provide the repertoire for Renaissance Dance - the mainly social dances of Europe from the 15th to the early 17th centuries. Styles during this period ranged from simple country round dances, stately pavans and energetic galliards to spectacular torch and sword dances and complex choreographies from the Italian courts.

You are invited to join the Rippon Lea Renaissance Dancers in classes which run throughout the year. All sessions begin with warm-up exercises followed by step technique and the study of chosen dances. Newcomers will be integrated through the simpler dances of the French and English repertoire. Progress is aided by printed material issued during classes.

Once appropriate standards have been achieved, newcomers will be invited to join the performing team which gives frequent concerts, theatrical and school performances around Melbourne, regional Victoria and, occasionally, interstate. Performers wear as-original court garments and are accompanied by the Early Music Consort of Melbourne using reconstructed historic instruments.  …”

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Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 473

“An exceptionnal event “le Bal de Versailles“

Live the time of a magic night, the history,the music, the suits through centuries,Royal usher, animation baroque, Ballet Master, duels with sword, baroque and current musics, salty buffet sweet food, drinks and Champagne … “

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Added on: Dec 24, 2011 | Hits: 462