Renaissance Dance And Music And The Plays Of Shakespeare (1564 – 1616)
This new format Summer School responds to the 450th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth by combining a Renaissance dance course with an exploration of the scenes of dancing and music in his plays.
Renaissance dance course taught by Jørgen Schou-Pedersen and Anne Daye
Dances of grace, energy and virtuosity were enjoyed in Shakespeare’s day, including court dances of the French and Italian ballroom as well as English measures and country dances.
Who is Jørgen Schou-Pedersen? He studied the Science of Music at the University of Copenhagen and the history of dance with many expert dancers, while researching the primary sources. 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.
Who is Anne Daye? She teaches from an extensive background in Renaissance dance, drawing on research into the original sources. From a deep understanding of the dance practice of the day, she completed a doctoral thesis on the Jacobean masque, leading to fresh insights into the dance of Shakespeare’s stage. She leads workshops, lectures and publishes in the field of dance history and related disciplines. Her professional background is in Higher Education dance history and she is Chairman of DHDS.
Renaissance drama and dance taught by Hazel Dennison
Who is Hazel Dennison? Her work draws on a diverse practice of dance, drama and theatre studies, through production and performance, writing and research. She has taught extensively at all levels of education. Initially inspired by early dance classes with Litz Pisk at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Hazel later gained the DHDS teaching certificate. She continues to contribute to Summer Schools, workshops and heritage programmes.
Musicians’ course led by Keith McGowan
As a member of the Summer School 2014 Band, you will be drilled in the basics we need to get through the week (solid technique, impeccable style and good sense of humour). Beyond that, Keith will listen to you and use his extensive music experience to develop skills like improvisation, fingering and historical tunings to send you away as a member of a band of well-prepared dance musicians. You will play on any or all types of instruments, both of string as of wind, appropriate to the aspiring dance musician.
Who is Keith McGowan? He specialises in playing Renaissance woodwind instruments, performing with The King’s Singers, The Harp Consort and The Sixteen. At Shakespeare’s Globe he provided music for Twelfth Night (2002-04) and in 2014 appears in a new production with The Society of Strange and Ancient Instruments celebrating William Kemp, fool of The Lord Chamberlain’s Men. He teaches at Historic Royal Palaces and Shakespeare’s Globe.
What will the day’s programme typically contain?
Each morning, you will join your tutor to learn selected dances or music from the Renaissance repertoire.
After morning classes, the afternoon timetable will offer a range of options related to Shakespeare’s plays, the study of sources and further dance learning and music making. Each session will be led by one of the tutors.
The evenings will include social dancing, a celebration of Shakespeare, a final sharing of dances and music learned and dramatic dance excerpts prepared.
- Summer School
- Cinquecento
- Renaissance
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