The Historical Dance Summer School 2012: Dances from Europe 1450–1790

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.)