Dance and performance at the English court, around 1600

You are invited to a friendly house-party in West Somerset featuring dancing of the early seventeenth century. With classes led by specialist tutors, you will be able to learn the basics or extend your skills, according to your experience. Cost is from £280 to £365 (325-423 euros). 

The weekend is based on re-creating the masque Hymenaei, with opportunities to dance, speak, sing and act. Music of the time will be led by Ruth and Colin Thompson. The masque text was written by Ben Jonson and the designs were by Inigo Jones, and the dance music is extant. It was first performed for the 1606 wedding of Lady Frances Howard to Robert Devereux Earl of Essex. Sadly the marriage ended in divorce and scandal. 

Halsway Manor is in south-west UK and is the National Residential Centre for Folk Arts. The Manor has lovely gardens, set in a beautiful valley. Rooms are comfortable, mostly en-suite, and food is plain, tasty and plentiful. The nearest rail station is Taunton, about 18 km away, and the nearest international airports are Bristol and Exeter.