EarlyMusicNews.Org

“Ellis Rogers has been a folk dancer, morris, rapper and longsword dancer since 1947.  He was Squire of Ravensbourne Morris side for two years and their musician for ten.  He ran barn dances in venues ranging from Buckingham Palace to the World Conference of Nudists.  He was a member of the folk dance team for England and performed annually at the Royal Albert Hall, with his first wife Iris and later with his second wife Chris.  He is an Approved Tutor for the English Folk Dance and Song Society and serves on the advisory panel to the Dance Research Committee of the ISTD.

In 1969 Ellis and Chris embarked on historical dancing at the Dolmetsch Historical Dance Society summer school, held then in Cheltenham.  Chris became a certificated tutor for the Society and she and Ellis together were teachers for the annual Dolmetsch summer school and occasionally for the Nonsuch summer school.  They taught 16th century dance and researched, composed and taught baroque dance and notation.  They started the group Pastime, in Orpington, to dance all periods from the 15th century to the 19th, and were the regular 'residential' tutors for the Oxford Historical Dance Society when that group first started.  They were founder members of the Early Dance Circle.  Since 1990 they have concentrated almost entirely on 19th century dance. …”

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Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 219

Ensemble for historical dance, Stuttgart.

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 217

“The Society, founded in 1979, exists to encourage the revival and enjoyment of historical dancing. Classes are held weekly on Tuesday evenings from 19:45–21:45 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 14^th–17^th centuries, but some attention is also paid to the dance styles of the 18^th and 19^th centuries.”

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Added on: Dec 12, 2011 | Hits: 212

“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: 212

“The "Società di Danza" performs work of historical research in the area of 19th century dances, combining philological precision in the interpretation of old books of dance with the ability to recreate, creating new and old dances in contemporary social contexts. The Association seeks to revive dances that belong to the European tradition and which were lost during the 20th century: quadrilles, country dances, waltzes, polkas and figured mazurkas The Association activities tends to the rediscovery of the artistic technique which in 19th century made these dances the subject of interest of the greatest masters of dance of the time even before the phenomenon of mass entertainment.

From 1991 to 2011 has realized:

• Courses
• Grand Balls
• Summer School
• Easter School
• Seminars of Historical Dance
• Training School of Teachers of 19th century dance
• International School of 19th century dance
• Grand Ball dell'Unione Europea
• Cinema
• Television
• Performances
• Conferences

Courses

Fabio Mòllica has founded, teaching, courses of the Società di Danza in Bologna (1991), Modena (1991), Imola (1993), Reggio Emilia (1993), Ferrara (1999), Bergamo (2002), Milano (2002), Roma (2002), Trento (2002), Napoli (2008), Pescara (2009), Torino (2009), Pavia (2010), Salerno (2010).

 In 2011-2012 he teaches regular courses in: Modena, Milano, Roma, Torino.”

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 211

“Founded in 1999 by Jadwiga Nowaczek, La Danza München brings historical dances of the 17^th to 19^th century to the performance stage. The ensemble performs in costume after historical models. The members of the ensemble have several years of dance training in the specific language of movement (the meticulous steps and imaginative choreography adequately portray) of each the studied periods. The subtlety of movement, grace and dignity inherent in the courtly dance are important criteria in developing the dances. A hallmark of the ensemble is the homogeneity of the dance movement. This particular component of the geometrical baroque choreographies for dancers and for spectators is understandable. …”

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Added on: Jan 31, 2012 | Hits: 208

“Rotruenge is a non-profit organisation formed by Christophe Deslignes in 1996 to introduce as many people as possible to medieval music and dance. It organises recitals and other events, mainly in the Yonne department (Auxerre, Saint-Julien-du-Sault, Seignelay, Georges Hosotte Art Centre in Bailly). In 1997 it started the International Medieval Music and Dance Course and the Saint-Bris Medieval Festival, which the Compagnie Retroencha runs in the medieval village of Saint-Bris-le-Vineux during the first week in August, enabling participants of all ages and abilities to find out or learn more about the song, dance and instrumental music of the period. In addition, a workshop devoted entirely to the reconstruction of medieval dances is held in May each year. Rotruenge is now proposing a series of four master classes at Lissac-sur-Couze, in the Corrèze department, for experienced musicians and existing ensembles.”

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Tags: dance, associations, societies

Added on: Jan 12, 2012 | Hits: 207

“Coranto Early Dance & Music was founded in 1991 by Diana Scrivener.   Since then, it has specialized in performances of period dance and music, because as Artistic Director, Diana believes very strongly that excellence of demonstration, authenticity of style and increased awareness of this important aspect of history should be promoted at every opportunity.
 
To this aim, the group has given numerous performances, both informal and formal, to a wide cross-section of the public and in a variety of venues country-wide.  This has allowed the social dancing of our ancestors to remain the vital and dynamic art-form that it truly deserves to be, by exposing it to audiences who, in other circumstances, might not experience, or have any knowledge of this type of dance.
   
Coranto was a recipient in the first round of the A4E Express Awards, supported by the National Lottery, through the Arts Council of England.“

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Added on: Dec 13, 2011 | Hits: 205

“The Dance Ensemble ROSSINA in Hamburg, under the direction of Birte Hoffmann-Cabenda, was founded in 1982. We are dancing historical dances mainly from renaissance and baroque and are non-professionals. We make our performances in costumes sewed after historical models; when possible accompanied on authentical instruments.

The group members of the group are of mixed ages, new members and visitors are always welcome.“

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Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 205

“Choregraphie Antique, the dance history ensemble of Goucher college makes history come alive by performing ballroom dances of the eighteenth, nineteenth, and early twentieth century.

Dancers dressed in beautiful costumes perform vintage dances recapturing the elegance of courtly french menuets, bourrees, allemands, and lively english country dances of that americans love to dance in eighteenth century america.

Elegant and refined quadrilles, waltzes, polkas, country dances, gallopades to lilting melodies of the nineteenth century are contrasted to revolutionary racy dances of the one-step, argentine tango, brazilian maxixe, grizzly bear, turkey trot, kangaroo hop, lame duck, duck waddle, and the crab to ragtime tunes of 1890-1914 era. …”

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 203

“Karin Modigh took her first baroque dance steps in her mid-teens, and quickly developed a passion for early dance that has since taken her throughout most of Europe. Today she works professionally as a dancer, choreographer and teacher of baroque and renaissance dance, both within her company Stockholm Baroque Dancers, as well as under her own name. To Karin, baroque dance is a living dance form, just as relevant and fascinating today as it was 300 years ago. …”

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Added on: Feb 08, 2012 | Hits: 202

“Barbara Segal is a specialist in Baroque Dance, the fashionable dance of Europe from about 1650 to 1750 and what is sometimes considered the forerunner of classical ballet. It originated at the court of Louis XIV and became known as the French noble style, a highly stylised form of baroque dance. This elegant, graceful form of baroque dance rapidly spread throughout Europe.

Not content solely with baroque dance, Barbara has extended her studies and her repertoire to cover the known choreographies in European sources from the fifteenth to the nineteenth centuries. These range from the court dances of Italian Renaissance dance masters such as Domenico, Caroso and Negri to Regency dances, including dances of Jane Austen’s time, and dances of  the Victorians. …”

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Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 201

“La Riverenza is an ensemble of historical dance, and was founded in Dortmund in 1997. Our repertoire includes dances from 15th to the end of the 19th Century. Taking into account historical sources, we are establishing programs for historic celebrations, balls and other events. Authentic costumes for each dance give the audience an interesting picture of the different styles.

We meet weekly for training and regularly attend special seminars and training courses at renowned dance scholars from home and abroad.”

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Added on: Apr 28, 2012 | Hits: 193

“Herts Early Dance was founded in 2002 as a social club for all those interested in the dances and music of earlier times. Dancers and musicians meet about every three weeks in St Albans. Most meetings are led by either our principal tutor, Anne Daye, or another experienced tutor. The dances are selected from a wide range of styles and periods mainly focusing on the 15th to 17th centuries. …”

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Added on: Dec 15, 2011 | Hits: 192

“The Association Les Fêtes d'Hébé brings together those interested in the practice of the dance of the 15th to 18th centuries, both of the "belle danse" and "danse noble" of the balls and of the theatre. The programs of the Association include the dances of the repertory drawn from primary historic source references as well as original choreographic creations. The theatrical forms include the comédie-ballet, the tragédie lyrique and the opéra-ballet.

Working with the ensemble Les Musiciens de Mademoiselle de Guise, we  offered André Campra's L’Europe Galante in 2001, Henry Purcell's Dido & Aeneas in 2002 and M.P. de Montéclair's Les Fêtes de l'Eté in 2003 at the Salle Rossini in Paris, a production on M.A. Charpentier's works in 2004 at Lycée Jacques Decour in Paris. These productions are also the opportunity to showcase young artists who are completing their training and to complete their introduction to the world of historic theatre productions.

The Association Les Fêtes d’Hébé offers everyone, both amateurs and professionals, the opportunity of training in baroque dance through weekly courses directed by Cécília Grácio Moura as well as workshops at various times in the year.
Bruna Gondoni is also invited for courses and workshops for Italian Renaissance dance.”

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Added on: Mar 25, 2012 | Hits: 189

“The Baroque Dance Ensemble contretem (p) was founded in 1993 by Berlin's Ingo Günther, a longtime employee of the Neubegründers and mentor of the historical dance in Germany, Prof. Karl Heinz Taubert.

Focus of the work are the dances of the 18th Century, Baroque and Rococo. The reconstructed dances are based on careful consideration of the relevant studied sources, done in authentic period costumes, and are usually performed on stage in dramatic context.

The ensemble's repertoire also includes dances of the Renaissance (15th and 16th century), and dances of the epochs Empire, Biedermeier and the (blessed waltz) romance.  …”

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Tags: Institut für Historischen Tanz Berlin Ingo Günther

Added on: Apr 19, 2012 | Hits: 189

“The group of renaissance dances "The Chirintana", (Mimmo Caruso, Cynthia Romanello Pomes, Marcella Taurino, Patrizia Jesuit, Paola Miglietta), was born in 1995 and has established itself as a cultural association in 1999. The association is engaged in spreading the culture of the Renaissance dance, especially the Italian one, reconstructing dances and attitudes described in the manuscripts of the early masters of dance of the mid-fifteenth century onwards. The group has also a repertoire of dances and music from the fifteenth and sixteenth century Italian and French. …”

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Added on: Feb 28, 2012 | Hits: 188

International Dance Society.

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 185

Institute for Early Dance/Belin/Ingo Günther

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Tags: Barocktanzensemble contretem(p)s berlin (Early Baroque Dance Ensemble Contretemps - Berlin)

Added on: Apr 19, 2012 | Hits: 182

“Quadrille Club, started in 1984, is essentially a venue for the enjoyment of 19th century dance in a social setting.  It is not an intensive teaching class. At each meeting some time is spent on basic steps and figures but the length of this time is varied to suit the technical ability of those present. There is no fixed membership and although there is a core of regular attenders, newcomers are always welcome. We are pleased that our programme appeals to many nationalities and we have regular attenders from Scotland, Norway, Poland, France and Czech Republic. These, together with our English dancers, give us a regular attendance of about 25-35.   

There is no age limitation BUT these dances are very lively and a set of quadrilles may require one to be continuously active for 15 minutes at a time.  You will also be expected to attempt the correct steps of the period and at no time is walking the figures allowed!!  …”

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Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 181

“Formed in early 2011, the Villiens Dance Company are friends who have come together seeking to portray historical dances.

While we focus mainly on the dances that would have been known in year 1588, we also develop a repetoire of dances from medieval times to the 17th Century.

As a group we portray mainly the middle class (then known as the 'middling sort') and the lower gentry as they would have been in the year 1588. We take great care to authenticity and accuracy in our dances, costume and presentation.”

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Added on: Dec 13, 2011 | Hits: 180

Early music ensemble and dancers.

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Added on: Sep 15, 2011 | Hits: 176

“FESTA CORTESE is the early dance and music group in Lithuania. It propagates the early European dances and culture.

The group‘s repertoire consists of Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque dances, music and poetry. Early dances are court dances that need special knowledge to perform them. We can be thankful to some dance masters as Domenico da Piacenso in 15th century and Fabritio Caroso, Antonio Negri in 16th century and of course baroque dance notation according to Raoul Auger Feuillet which left us a great possibility to recreate early dances.

To create our performances we read various treatises from different centuries and especially literature of famous English and French authors of 16th and 17th centuries and we try to get deeper to understand life in the early society.

Added on: Feb 13, 2012 | Hits: 175

“We are recreational dancers, singers, musicians, teachers, callers, and dance historians who enjoy dancing, playing and singing English and Anglo-American dances, tunes, and songs that were known or published as early as 1651 and as late as today. By “English and Anglo-American” we mean the dances and music whose roots are in England, whether they started there or evolved once they came to North America. Think of the Virginia Reel or pioneers kicking up their heels after a barn raising, think of the ballroom scenes in Jane Austen books and films, think of community singing and folk festivals, and you’ll have a sense of what we do.

At the CDSS Office, we publish books, booklets, recordings, and a quarterly newsletter; we offer outreach grants for English and Anglo-American groups' and individuals' events; we have mail order service from our in-house store which has a fine assortment of educational and recreational books, recordings, DVDs, etc.; and we run several weeklong dance and music programs each July and August where people gather to learn new dances, tunes and songs, and to share what they know.”

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Added on: Feb 14, 2012 | Hits: 173

“Pastime is an enthusiastic group of people interested in authentic period dance and performance. The group was founded in 1980 by Christine Rogers and has evolved into today's company.

Pastime specialises in 15th - 17th century dance with excursions from time to time into the 18th and 19th centuries.“

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Added on: Dec 28, 2011 | Hits: 161