Other Archives – The Historical Dance Society

11Jul 2025 by David Parsons

New book and CD: Dances of the French Courts

Dances of the French Courts: 16th century Dance, Music and Songs from France, is a collection of dances and their music from the reign of François I (1515-1547) to that of the young Louis XIII in 1614 researched by Anne Daye with music recorded by Passomezzo directed by Tamsin Lewis. Instructions are given for each dance, along with music notation, and there are notes on the relevant steps. Several short essays provide insight into the practice of dancing in France across this period. For full details and to buy hard copies or downloads see HDS Shop

29Apr 2025 by David Parsons

A History of Country Dancing – Beyond England

Dance history, Other

A History of Country Dancingwith an emphasis on the steps Anne Daye, HDS Director of Education and Research The Spread of the Country Dance beyond England Scotland The English country dance was first introduced to Scotland when James, Duke of York (later James II) was sent by King Charles to hold court at Holyrood. For his second sojourn in 1681, his daughter Princess Anne (later Queen Anne, and a talented dancer) enjoyed country dancing when confined indoors. The first known Scottish country dance is John Anderson my jo with choreography and tune found in a manuscript of 1704, yet the dance itself is in the style of the 1680s. Between 1704 and 1749 the development of a Scottish genre of country dance can be traced through manuscript sources. An indication…

29Apr 2025 by David Parsons

A History of Country Dancing – Twentieth Century

Dance history, Other

A History of Country Dancingwith an emphasis on the steps Anne Daye, HDS Director of Education and Research ‘Traditional’ Country Dances The shifting relationship between dance figures and tunes in the nineteenth century followed fashion and the whim of the dancer. However, a constant association between some dances and a tune became popular in certain localities, so that across time the dances were considered so longstanding as to form a traditional practice. A good example of this is The Triumph, first published in 1790 and still popular today. Walker 2001 traces the various forms of a dance that is considered ‘traditional’. The figures are those of the late eighteenth century ballroom, and the characteristic figure of bringing the lady up ‘in triumph’ between two men is an allemande hold for…

29Apr 2025 by David Parsons

A History of Country Dancing – Georgian to Victorian

Dance history, Other

A History of Country Dancingwith an emphasis on the steps Anne Daye, HDS Director of Education and Research The Georgian Country Dance The first half of the eighteenth century was the heyday of the longways country dance for as many as will, as good footwork was combined with intricate and challenging figures in a dance genre enjoyed by the highest and lowest of the nation. Tomlinson includes a chapter on the country dance, saying ‘it is become as it were the Darling or favourite Diversion of all Ranks of People from the Court to the Cottage in their different Manners of Dancing’. The country dance was the staple of the court ball, family parties and the assembly rooms, following in the programme after the high demands of solo couples executing…

27Feb 2025 by David Parsons

Summer School 2025: Dancing at the Late Renaissance Courts of Italy, England and France

For dancers, Other, Past events, Past summer schools

The 55th Historical Dance Society Annual Summer School 2025 Friday 11th to Friday 18th July 2025at Bromsgrove School, West Midlands, B61 7HP Bal à l'époque de Henri III Oil on wood, d'après Hieronymus Francken, c. 1580 Musée de Tessé, Le Mans. Copyright © Musées du Mans Course Outline The aim of our summer school is to provide people with the time to study a range of dances, to improve dancing ability and confidence, and to have fun in good company. The full course provides an in-depth dance experience while the weekend courses are perfect for those with less time available or those just wanting to try out dancing of this period. You do not need to come with a dance partner. Participants will study with their chosen tutor in daily…

02Apr 2024 by David Parsons

The Early Dance Circle Conference 2024

Other

The Early Dance Circle (EDC) Biennial Conference will be held 10-12 May 2024. The Conference brings together international specialists on historical dance topics spanning six centuries of dance history in the delightful surroundings of St Katharine’s Retreat House, Parmoor, Frieth, RG9 6NN, near High Wycombe. The theme for the 2024 gathering is Recovering Historical Dance: “We don’t reproduce the past, we create it” (Hilary Mantel). You can find more details at https://www.earlydancecircle.co.uk/events/#Conference

19Nov 2023 by David Parsons

New Journal articles: Nathalie Dolmetsch

Other

A short piece entitled ‘Music and Movement - Music and Dancing -Dancing, Movement and Music’ by Nathalie Dolmetsch (founder of theHistorical Dance Society) was recently passed on to the society byLouise Bailey, her daughter. We have published a online in HistoricalDance a transcription by Anne Daye. Although clearly a first draft, assuggested by the titles, the topic remains relevant to historicaldancers today. To accompany this, we have a biography of Nathalie Dolmetsch written byAnne Daye. It paints a picture of a talented musician, dancer, teacherand organiser (she was also instrumental in founding the Viola da GambaSociety and began the historical dance summer schools) from a remarkablefamily. The article is based on written sources, on conversations ofAnne and Ann Hinchliffe with Marie-Louise Bailey and Marie-Thérèse Budd,Nathalie’s daughters, and on Anne’s recollections…

08Jul 2023 by David Parsons

New book and CDs: Dances of Fashionable Society

For dancers, Other

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. For this new book they have re-visited the dances they previously researched for HDS summer schools and selected Ellis’s favourites. The hope is that they will enthuse dancers to follow in his footsteps and pass them on to others. HDS Shop

12May 2023 by David Parsons

Proceedings of the Stepping On conference are now available

Conference publications, For dancers, Other

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. Stepping On: A conference on Stepping in Dance was organised jointly by the Historical Dance Society, English Folk Dance and Song Society, Instep Research Team and the Dance Department of the University of Roehampton. More information

16Nov 2019 by David Parsons

Stepping On: A Conference on Stepping in Dance across the British Isles and Beyond

Conference publications, For dancers, For musicians, Other, Past events

16 - 17 November 2019 Cecil Sharp House, London, UK The British Isles have a rich history of step dancing in many forms and in many forms and contexts, spanning centuries and linking with traditions across the world. Some of these dances and their histories are relatively well-known, others largely lost. The aim of the conference was to further our knowledge and understanding in these traditions and to stimulate debate. Download the proceedings from the Vaughan Williams Memorial Library Download PDF Buy the printed proceedings from the EFDSS Buy Papers In Search of ‘Street’ Clog Dance. Alexandra Fisher Ontario Old–Time Step Dancing and its Connections to the British Isles. Sherry Johnson How fast should we dance: An investigation using recordings. Sean Goddard Hornpipe stepping at barn dances and ceilidhs in…

Category: Other