THE EARLY DANCE CONSORT ~ Renaissance & Baroque Dance

Home | About | News | Past | Classes | Links | Blog | Contact

2020 Summer Course in Early Dance

EDC Home | Summer 2020 | Details | Brochure | Enrolment

2020 Summer Course in Early Dance

2020 Summer Course in Early Dance
January 8-10 (Wednesday to Friday) in North Sydney

Our 2020 Summer Course marks the beginning of a second decade of Summer workshops in North Sydney. It is an opportunity for newcomers to sample the elegance and vigour of court dance. Returning students can work intensively on selected dances from the repertoire of the Renaissance, Baroque, & Classical eras.

Court dance helps to bring European history to life. It encapsulates the social structures & ethos, aesthetics, fashion & musical tastes of the past. It also provides context for contemporary dance styles and genres, reminding us that Western “art” and popular dance forms cannot be separated from the universal human expression of community through music and movement.

Noble dances provided physical and mental exercise for those who could afford it. Dance lessons instilled manners and deportment expected at court and in polite society.

Recent research confirms the health benefits of dance as a social and physical exercise. Thanks to a half-century of scholarship, and a renaissance in early music and dance performance, new generations can enjoy the pleasures of the aristocratic ballroom once available to the fortunate few.

Course details

Renaissance sessions sample court dances from the 16th/early 17th century, ranging from graciously elegant to lively—including French Pavane, Galliard & Branles, English Measures, and an Italian Balletto.

Baroque sessions will focus on the noble French baroque style & technique of the late 17th and early 18th century, in dances such as the Bourrée. Minuet, Sarabande & Gigue.

18th Century sessions will explore courtly & popular styles in country & contredanse forms favoured at assemblies around Europe in the classical & early Romantic eras.

Participants may choose to do all sessions, or focus on one or two eras. Those new to early dance are urged to attend the Wednesday sessions to learn steps used to build up our chosen dances over the three days.

No previous dance experience required, nor do you need to bring a partner.

EDC 2020 Summer Course Daily Schedule

top

Venue 181 Blues Point Road, North Sydney. From North Sydney Train/Bus Station: turn left on Blue Street, 1st left into Blues Point Road. Short walk south down hill to Hall on left-hand-side just before Lavender Street.    Google Map


What to wear
Light comfortable clothes, and secure shoes without rubber soles.
Flat shoes for Renaissance (e.g. ballet flats, jazz shoes or lightweight street shoes).
Heeled shoes for Baroque (small heels 1-4cm high) with straps or laces recommended.
See What to wear for classes for more information.

To eat
Light refreshments will be provided for morning tea. Please bring water to drink. If staying for the day be prepared to bring/buy lunch (shops and cafes nearby).

top

Enrolment
Please print or complete online the PDF enrolment form & return by email/post, or simply include the required information in an email.  Payment is by cheque, direct deposit (bank details on enrolment form), or cash.
Early-bird rates available to December 20. Do get in touch by phone or email if you have any questions.

Summer Course 2020 Fees

top

EDC Home | Summer 2020 | Details | Brochure | Enrolment