Now open for booking
Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January 2026 at Halsway Manor, west Somerset.
You are invited to a friendly house-party in beautiful West Somerset. The weekend is based on re-creating the Masque of Diana and Actaeon, performed at the court of Elizabeth I. Tutors are Ann Hinchliffe (beginners and improvers), Anne Daye (experienced dancers), and Sam Brown (musicians).
Programme
Friday evening: dancing together and a short talk on the masque and its background of court intrigue. Saturday morning classes: a balletto with Anne and Tudor dances with Ann. Afternoon: re-creating the masque with costume, dancing, music, song and spoken word. Evening: revels as in the Queen’s Privy Chamber — dance, song, poetry and music. Sunday morning: dance practice and rehearsing our version of the masque, which will be performed in the afternoon, ending with a cream tea.
Lutenist Sam Brown will run separate sessions for musicians on music of the time and pieces for the masque. All acoustic instruments are welcome. Pitch: A = 440 Hz for the weekend. Scores will be sent in advance; please let us know your level of notation reading. The masque also has singing and speaking roles for anyone interested.
Travel
Address: Halsway Manor, Halsway Lane, near Crowcombe, Somerset, TA4 4BD, UK. Halsway is just outside Crowcombe village, 11 miles from Taunton, the nearest train station. There are hourly buses on weekdays; weekend services are currently uncertain. Taxi to Taunton station costs about £50. Lifts can be arranged with other dancers attending the course.
More information about accommodation and travel on Halsway website: https://halswaymanor.org.uk/
Accommodation
All bedrooms in Mews building are modern, either en-suite or with private bathroom. Bedrooms in the old Manor have period character but few en-suite facilities, so guests must walk a few steps along the corridor for toilets and showers. Camping options are available including en suite ‘glamping pods’.
Food is tasty, plain and plentiful, and all diets can be catered for.
Bookings
Prices are £335–£415 for full board, depending on the type of room, and £288 for non-residential guests with their own tent or caravan. There are discounts for HDS members and for early booking.
Full details of prices are given on our Webcollect page for online bookings, and in the postal booking leaflet.
Enquiries: Ann Hinchliffe, thedancingmaster@outlook.com