06Jan 2026 by David Parsons
The Boone Companion Launch Day

The Boone Companion Launch Day

Events
A day of dance led by Ann and Paul Kent, authors of The Boone Companion to launch its publication Presented by The Historical Dance Society jointly with Herts Early Dance Saturday 14th March 2026 10.30 to 16.30 at St Stephen's Church Hall, Watling Street, St Albans, AL1 2PX Ann and Paul will introduce and teach a selection of dances from their book 'The Boone Companion', which consists of dances of mid-seventeenth-century England from the Pattricke, Sloane, Lansdowne manuscripts, all of which are hitherto unpublished sources. This event will therefore be of interest to dancers both in the Historical Dance and English Country Dance circles, as it offers a varied and slightly different repertoire. Whilst the steps, style, and choreographies will be taught, dancers will be required to have a knowledge of…
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24Jul 2025 by David Parsons
New book and CD: The Boone Companion

New book and CD: The Boone Companion

For dancers, News
The Boone Companion: Dances of mid-seventeenth-century England from the Pattricke, Sloane, Lansdowne manuscripts & Playford by Paul and Ann Kent. The book contains instructions for 18 dances from the three manuscripts and reworking of two Playford dances. It includes diplomatic transcriptions of the manuscript texts and the dances have been clearly described with the help of diagrams and represent realisations that aim to suit dancers from both folk and historical dance backgrounds. There is a separate CD/digital recording to accompany this book with music for all the dances. The music has been selected from contemporary sources and arranged and directed by David Gordon. It is played by a small instrumental ensemble and provides effective music for the dances as well as for enjoyable listening. For full details and to buy…
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30Jan 2025 by David Parsons

The Early Dance Circle Lecture 2025

For dancers, For musicians
Reconstructing Seventeenth-Century Maypole Dance: Dance, Experience, Culture Main Speaker: Bryony May Kummer-Seddon (Associate Lecturer, University of Lincoln) with comments about modern Maypole dancing by Mike Ruff. 28 February 2025, 7:30 pm, on Zoom. Bryony’s lecture will explore the reconstruction of historic maypole dancing, and its associated traditions, with a focus on seventeenth century England. The event is free with donations (optional) but requires registration. See the EDC events page for more information and a link to registrations. The lecture will be recorded and distributed after the event if you cannot attend. EDC Events Page
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