early-dance.de

Courses

Choose one of the following courses as your principal study, for daily classes with your expert tutor, supported by dance notes. Classes are at intermediate level, in the style and technique of the period.

1. Dances from 15th century Italy. Tutor: Hazel Dennison

The major dance forms of the d'Este and Sforza courts are the focus of this course. The noble Bassadanza requiring mastery of subtle, sophisticated choreography embodying core Renaissance concepts of Magnificence and Decorum. The Ballo, challenging the dancer with its mixed mesure, its unique variety of dances displaying cultural rituals, chivalric games and pantomimic drama. The chance to create a solo piece will also be offered.

Hazel Dennison's work is founded on a lifetime's study of drama, dance, and theatre studies, extending into teaching and lecturing, production and performance, writing and research. She has been extensively employed in all levels of education, in theatre, in education, early dance summer schools and workshops and heritage programmes.

2. Dances for Late Renaissance France. Tutor: Anne Daye

Sociable branles and courantes, percussive canaries, the lively gaillarde and graceful dances both set and improvised: this course will extend your skills in Renaissance dance. Drawing on records for balls and ballets of the Valois / Bourbon court, new insights into the French Renaissance dance style will be explored, including influences from Italy. Sources will include Arbeau, Negri, Caroso, Lupi, Instruction pour dancer and Terpsichore (Praetorius 1612).

Anne Daye is a well-known expert in Renaissance dance, with extensive experience of teaching at summer schools. She lectures and publishes widely, drawing on research into the original sources and contexts. Her professional background is in HE undergraduate and postgraduate dance history and teacher education. She is Chairman of DHDS.

3. Dances for 18th century Europe. Tutor: Jørgen Schou-Pedersen

Students on this course will pursue the technique and style of Baroque dance, through couple dances from the early decades of the 18th century and group dances from 1760–1780.

Jørgen studied the Science of Music at the University of Copenhagen, and the history of dance with many expert dancers, researching the primary sources himself. He teaches historical dance at the National Theatre School and the Royal Music Conservatory in Copenhagen, gives courses in many European countries, and choreographs for stage, film and TV, as well as running two performing dance groups.

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Workshops

Afternoons are free, either for relaxation, or to join in additional activities according to the timetable. Each of the following workshops is planned as 2 x 90 minute sessions. Please choose one in advance to help our planning. You will have further opportunities during the week to be as busy as you wish!

A. Tesara by Domenico. A ballo for 6 men and 4 ladies. Hazel Dennison

Using the energetic dynamics of Saltarello and Piva mesure this unusual choreography embodies the weaving motif of its title in its patterns, steps and the carrying of panexelli (lengths of cloth). Dancers are challenged by nimble footwork and swift changes in time and space in this celebratory performance piece.

B. Dances for Tudor and Stuart England for students and teachers. Anne Daye

Using the DHDS publication and CD Dances for Court and Country, this is an opportunity to improve your understanding of Renaissance dance, or start to master the basics. Sources, contexts and approaches will be discussed to support those wishing to teach or lead historical dance. Beginners will also be welcome.

C. Pursuing excellence in Baroque dance. Jørgen Schou-Pedersen

An opportunity to work on the dance, music and notation of a selected dance: details to be announced.

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Summer School Programme

After a full day of classes and workshops, a programme of sociable activities each evening will enrich your experience, including traditional dance, an informal concert and a Regency ball in the beautifully restored Chichester Assembly Rooms. On the final afternoon and evening participants will share their learning in informal dance sessions, for which costume is invited but not obligatory. You will dance to both live and recorded music during the week.

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Venue

Bishop Otter Campus, University of Chichester offers standard and ensuite bedrooms that share small kitchens equipped with refrigerator, microwave and kettle. Chichester is a delightful cathedral city within walking distance of the campus, set within classic Sussex landscape near the sea.

Further details of the Bishop Otter Campus can be found at www.chiuni.ac.uk and will be supplied to participants nearer the event.

Bishop Otter Campus is situated south west of London and can easily be reached by rail from Waterloo or Victoria stations in London. Road links are reasonable and the campus is easily found. Travel from Luton airport and particularly Gatwick airport is by train and is relatively easy using the Thameslink line. Access from other London Airports can also be via Victoria Station, which has more trains than Waterloo, or via Thameslink. Participants arriving by rail will need to take a short taxi or bus journey to the campus. Fuller details can be provided on request.

Chichester is a delightful cathedral city, within walking distance of the campus. There are many historic houses and other places of interest within driving distance.

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Fees and Enrolment

Fees for the complete course (tuition and standard accommodation with full board) are £725 (£675 for DHDS members). En suite accommodation is available at £70 extra for the week.

A deposit of £200 is payable on enrolment, with the balance required in full by 20th May to guarantee bookings. Early application, preferably on the enclosed form, is advised as places are limited. In the event of cancellation, the deposit can be returned only if the place is filled.

Overseas applicants must make payment in pounds sterling, at no cost to the Society. Payment can be by credit card (Visa or MasterCard only) or by direct transfer, for which bank details can be supplied on request. Payment by credit card will be subject to a 5% handling charge.

Further details of the course programme, classes and accommodation will be sent to applicants in late May. DHDS reserves the right to change tutors and alter the programme if necessary.

To book a place, please complete the enrolment form available in PDF, print it and post it with your deposit or the full fee to the Summer School Administrator, to whom all enquiries should be directed. (Note: most recent PDF readers will allow you to complete the form on your computer, but some will not save what you type in.)