The Historical Dance Society – The Historical Dance Society

We promote the study, practice, education, and public engagement in the performance, music, and costume of European and other dances from the 15^th to 20^th centuries as recorded in the sources of the period.

If you’re looking for information about historical dances, or maybe some music or video footage, please contact us and we’ll be delighted to help you.

Explore our website to learn more about our workshops, study days and annual summer schools, as well as the publications, journal and resources available to members and non-members.

New Journal articles: Nathalie Dolmetsch

We have published online in Historical Dance a short piece entitled ‘Music and Movement – Music and Dancing – Dancing, Movement and Music’ by Nathalie Dolmetsch (founder of the Historical Dance Society) that was recently given to HDS by Louise Bailey, her daughter. This is accompanied by a biography of Nathalie Dolmetsch written by Anne Daye.

Residential weekend: Dance and performance at the Jacobean court

Now open for booking

Dance and performance at the Jacobean court

Dances associated with Ben Jonson’s masque Hymenaei will be learnt and animated for an in-house performance of the masque on Sunday, with opportunities to sing and play music.

Friday 26 to Sunday 28 January 2024 at Halsway Manor, west Somerset

New book and CDs: Dances of Fashionable Society

Dances of Fashionable Society: Cotillons, Quadrilles, Country Dances, Couple Dances and a Solo 1762 – 1887, a book and two CD set by Ellis and Christine Rogers, is now available in the HDS shop as a physical product or download

Proceedings of the Stepping On conference are now available

The proceedings of Stepping On: A conference on Stepping in Dance held at Cecil Sharp House, London on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th November 2019, edited by Toby Bennett are now available to download or buy.