The Historical Dance Society

Change of domain name

Following the change of the society's name, the domain name has changed to historicaldance.org.uk.
If you followed a link or bookmark to a page on dhds.org.uk, you will have been redirected here.
Please update your bookmarks and notify the owners of links pages (if possible).

The Dolmetsch Historical Dance Society was founded in 1970 in memory of Mabel Dolmetsch to promote knowledge of historical dance. The name was changed to The Historical Dance Society in 2015. (FAQs about change of name.)

We promote education in the performance, costume and music of European and other dances from 12th to 19th century as well as their appreciation.

We run regular workshops, study days and an annual summer school. Details of these can be found on our site.

We produce dance instruction booklets and accompanying recorded music, based on our own dance research. These can be purchased through our site.

We publish Historical Dance, the leading journal for research in the subject. Most articles from previous issues are available for downloading and book reviews appear on the web site prior to publication in the journal.

We work with several other organisations involved in early dance in the UK and around the world. There are links on our site to several sites providing information and resources about early dance and music.

You can follow our latest news through the updates on our Facebook page.

It would be great if you could attend any of our events.

News

Become an associate

Have you thought of helping to extend the work of the HDS by becoming an associate? More information

New book and CD

Si Puo Ballare - A selection of dances from 15th century Italy More information

Events

Dance & Music Summer School 2017

Theatre, ball & country dances and the music of the eighteenth century [More...]

firstSTEPS into Historical Dance

Beginners workshops for dancers and musicians around England in October 2017 - February 2017. No dance experience necessary. [More...]