Classes

There are 101 classes.

"Dance it trippingly": Staging Dances from and for Shakespeare Plays

  • ( Emily Winerock )
  • European Dance 2 on Saturday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Hands On
  • Average
  • Intermediate

Shakespeare might include many dances in his plays, but he offers very little direction as to how to do them, although sometimes we can glean hints from the surrounding dialogue. In this workshop, we will confront this difficulty head on by creating our own stagings for several Shakespeare dance scenes. Note: For those fond of capering, there will be a galliard option. This workshop is designed to complement the lecture Dance on the Shakespearean Stage: Text and Context.

"May the source be with you": Reconstructing Dances from Original Sources

  • ( Emily Winerock )
  • European Dance 2 on Friday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Hands On
  • Average
  • Intermediate

In the SCA, most people learn dances from an instructor. However, the majority of SCA dances originated in dancing manuals of the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries. This workshop invites you to "return to the source" to work through your own reconstructions of more and less familiar dances. We will have translations for all non-English sources available, and musicians are particularly welcome.

"The Nightingale" by Thomas Weelkes, Women's Ensemble

Greetings Good Gentlewomen all! It is the year of Our Lord, 1608, in these blessed lands of England. Our favorite Gentleman of the Chapel Royale, Thomas Weelkes, has composed for us a delightful new madrigal. Please join with me in my salon as we endeavour to bring this new piece " The Nightingale" to life. It is written especially for us in A Capella, 3 part voice, Soprano 1, Soprano 2 and Alto.This charmingly funny and delightfully endearing piece portrays a contest amongst all our most lovely songbirds to bring forth that which is the most beautiful of all and wins the bell! Lady Catriona of Doune Castle

16th Century "Western" Music and the New World

"This class explores and investigates the interplay between European and native populations during late-period Colonial Mexico and the surrounding areas in regards to musical traditions and emerging compositions. Included in our discussion will be firsthand sources such as codices and manuscripts as well as mundane notation of select works by prominent composers (European and American) in the scene. A pronunciation and performance guide for Classical Nahuatl will also be provided.

A deeper look at Italian footwork and body actions

Come learn and practice some commonly done Italian Renaissance Dance steps and body action to go with them.

A foot in the air

A sampler of dances that incorporate a lift, kick, hop, or skip as one of the movements. Double & Pinagay branles, Turkelone & Lorayne Almans, then two SCA choreographies from Avacal: Saltarello Donostia and the Borealis Courante.

A History of Western & Eastern Drumming

Learn how percussion migrated, changed and was shared between cultures. Learn what drums were played in the East and West as well as the best choices for use in the SCA

Advanced Egyptian with Zills

Learn complex Egyptian rhythms and moves

Barriera Da Farsi in Molti Modi

Barriera was a very popular dance in 16th century Italy, and it appears in five different manuscripts. Many of the versions are very similar, so I will only teach all four versions from Caroso's manuscripts.

Bassedanse for All!

  • Lady Roselyne de l'Estrangere
  • European Dance 2 on Friday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Dance
  • Low
  • Beginner

Sometimes known as the Queen of Measures, bassedanse is a stately dance form that is also surprisingly flexible. We will dance choreographies for Casulle la Novele and La Danse de Cleves, and also discuss how bassedanses are built and how to write your very own "new" one.

Beginner Gresley Manuscript Dances

In this class, you will learn a little of the history of the Gresley Manuscript and the dances found within the notebook rediscovered in 1996. You will then learn Ly Bens Dystonys, Grene Gynger, Orynge, and Sofferance if we have time. No experience or partner necessary!

Beginner Italian dances

We will cover ones not done in the other 15c class, Rostiboli, Anello, Belfiore, Ballo del Fiore

Beginner Playford English Country Dance

Let’s have some fun and learn beginner level English country dances. For those who are new to English Country Dancing (ECD), these dances are simple verse and chorus dances, with the same chorus through out the dance. The dances to be covered are Upon a Summers Day, Sweet Kate, Sellenger's Round (the book versions with doubles, not slip steps) and if there is time Hit and Miss.

Beginner/Intermediate 15th Century Italian Dance

This class is being taught by Mistress Myfanwy ferch Eifion as the scheduled teacher is unable to attend. This class focuses on dances from 15th Century Italy. These tend to be fun and flirtatious. Even if you have never done court dance before these are fairly easy to learn. Dances to include: Amoroso, Gelosia, Petit Vriens, and Petite Rose

Beginning Doumbek Drumming

New to drumming and you just don't know what to do? Come learn where to place your hands, proper body mechanics, and how to keep a beat in a circle after learning a bit of history about drumming. Get yourself prepared for the open drum circle at the hafla Saturday night!

Beginning Middle Eastern dance

a head to toe introduction to the dance movements common to most styles of Middle Eastern dance, with a view towards learning enough to get started dancing at a hafla

Beginning Persian Classical Dance

we will cover some of the basic movements of modern Persian classical dance and discuss how the Persian dance aesthetic differs from other forms of Middle Eastern dance

Bransles

Beginner class covering the Bransles set: Simple, Cassandra, Single, Double, Pinagay, War. Optional to include Horses or remove any of the above listed, pending time. Ideally would like at least an hour and a half.

Bransles for the Ball

  • Lady Wenllyan Goch ( Michelle C)
  • European Dance 1 on Friday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Dance
  • Average
  • Beginner

This is a fun crash-course in all the bransles (or branles) in the set lists for the Friday and Saturday night balls. These are easy 16th Century French dances, most of which are done in a round for as many as will.

Caroso for 3

Some of my favorite 16th C Italian dances are for 3 dancers. Come dance Bella Gioiosa and Allegrezza d'Amore.

Caroso for Beginners

  • THL Runolfr Ulfsson ( Ted Collins)
  • European Dance 4 on Friday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Dance
  • Low
  • Beginner

Learn some of the easier Balli by Fabritio Caroso, from his book "Il Ballarino". Covers Ballo del Fiore, Villanella, and Contrapasso.

Choral Ball Set Rehearsal

The second set of Saturday's ball will feature songs with lyrics, so we need a choir to sing them! Files/music will be available online, so singers can practice before arriving at the event. We will allow enough time to do more than just a run-through for people who need some instruction.

Contrafacta with Dance Tunes

Dance tunes were a popular source of melodies for late-period contrafacta (period "filk"), setting new words to a known tune. We'll look at extant examples, and talk about where to find those tunes people are already humming!

Contrapasso Da Farsi in Tutti I Modi

Contrapasso was a popular dance throughout 16th century Italy, and it appears in four different manuscripts, in many different forms. I'll be teaching all six versions of it. Attendees will be expected to know at least one version of Contrapasso.

Coordinating Dancers and Players

It is time for the ball to start, do the repeats in the dances match the musical selections? How will the band know if the should keep going or stop, or change tempo? Why is that person waving their hands at the band like that? Let's take a little time out for the people who plan and run dances and balls to discuss the challenges, preparations, and techniques that build effective communication. We will present several ideas and conduct some open discussion to bring the Dance Leaders and Dance Band Leaders together so we can all enjoy more dancing.

Creative in SCA: Choreograph and Compose an English Country Dance

Daniel of the Red Mountain (Dan Goldberg) will co-teach this class. Do you feel like you have done all of the English Country Dances in period? Let’s get together to choreograph a new English Country Dance in the style of Playford first edition dances. Bonus - we will write the music at the same time. Then put it all together to do our new dance with new music. Previous ECD experience is helpful but not required. All dancers and musicians are welcome.

Dag-nabbit Two-Couple ECD

Daniel de Lincoln (Tim McDaniel) will co-teach this class. A chance to work on Argeers. And we may also work on Parson's Farewell or Cuckolds All A Row, if there is time.

Dance like the Valois: Improvised Dances for the music of the French Renaissance Guitar

  • Lady Wenllyan Goch ( Michelle C)
  • European Dance 2 on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:00PM
  • Dance
  • High
  • Beginner

No experience necessary! This is the dance-half of a class focusing on the 1550s music of the French Renaissance Guitar composers Adrian Le Roy and Guillaume Morlaye and their corresponding forms of dance in the 1589 French manual, Orchesographie. Many of these are simple dances we rarely do because they were either improvised or the exact steps are unknown. We'll cover the pavan, galliards, various bransles, bransles gay, and--if we have time--tourdion. Come join us as we visit a time when the guitar rivaled (or surpassed) the lute in popularity in Renaissance France, and we dance to music composed for the instrument by the most famous guitarists of the day. (Please note, this will be taught with recorded music.)

Dance on the Shakespearean Stage: Text and Context

  • ( Emily Winerock )
  • Amphitheater on Saturday at 1:00PM to 2:00PM
  • Lecture

This lecture examines dance references in Shakespeare's plays, and what they can teach us about dancing in the late Renaissance. At least thirteen of Shakespeare's plays contain dance scenes, while nearly all the plays mention dance in the text. Together, they present a reasonably complete and nuanced picture of who, when, where, and why people danced in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, and they provide essential context for the "what" and "how" we find in dancing manuals and archival sources. This lecture is designed to complement the workshop "Dance it trippingly": Staging Dances from and for Shakespeare Plays.

Dances Without Dignity

Let's do some high energy dancing. These dances could be done slowly and stately - but not today: *Petit Riens, Gathering Peascods, Montarde Bransle*.

Dancing with Stage Fright

  • THL Simha bint Yusuf
  • Middle Eastern Dance 1 on Friday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Lecture
  • Beginner

This class will go over the physiological reactions that occur when a dancer experiences stage fright as well as provide some tips and tricks to work through and/or utilize many of the physical symptoms to one’s advantage.

Demystifying the Middle Eastern Scales

Are you a Western musician interested in Eastern music? Does the idea of a separate scale system and the idea of quarter tones mystify you? It is easier than you think. Come explore the world of the Maquamat. Learn what you already know, and learn how Middle Eastern scales are typically modified for Western instruments. You must have some basic music theory to get benefit from this class.

Difficult Gresley

From the reconstruction of Emma Dansmeyla and Martin Bildner of Ealdormere I bring you difficult dances from the Gresley manuscript. We will work on Bugill because it needs clarification. We will work Temperans for the cute turn, and we will work Esperans of the switches if we get that far.

Drum solo for dancers and drummers

  • ( David Machek)
  • Middle Eastern Music/Hafla/Sho on Friday at 1:00PM to 2:30PM
  • Hands On
  • Low
  • Intermediate

This class breaks down a commonly used structure used for improvised drum solos. I explain the different sections and how they can be arranged. We talk about what dancers and drummers can (and should) expect from each other, and how to communicate with a common language. Much of the class is spent breaking down the “meat” of the drum solo, which is the solo phrases. I explain how any drum solo phrase, no matter how complicated, can be broken down into simple components. Suitable for dancers and drummers of all levels, but drummers who already have basic technical abilities will benefit the most

ECD Adding Flair

  • THL Sorcha ni Fhaolain ( Jane Fisher)
  • European Dance 3 on Saturday at 3:00PM to 4:30PM
  • Dance
  • Average
  • Intermediate

Come learn some mostly intermediate English Country Dances and discuss ways to enhance the experience. Dances will be based on numbers for patterns, but may include: Maid Peeped Out of the Window, Old Mole, Pepper's Black, Lull Me Beyond Thee.

ECD: Easy to complicated

We will cover several of the English Country Dances for the ball. New Boe Peep, Grimstock, Chestnut, and Goddesses

Eight person Madness

Eight person English Country dances! Starting with Faine I would If I could. We will do Hyde park if there is time.

English Country Dance for Beginners

This class is being taught by Dame Gwenllian ferch Maredudd as the scheduled teacher is unable to attend. This is an introductory level class for those not familiar with English Country Dance. Most English Country dances are divided in choruses and verses just like a song. Thus they are pretty easy to follow. Dances to include Heart's Ease, Rufty Tuft, Gathering Peascods, and if time permits, Black Nag.

English country dances for 8

Come learn or practice two English Country Dances for 8. Dances included: Newcastle and Goddesses

European Dance Band Rehearsal

Block time for musicians to go over planned dance music for the Friday and Saturday night European dance balls

European Dance Band Rehearsal part 2

Block time for musicians to go over planned dance music for the Friday and Saturday night European dance balls

Friday Night Ball Preparation

Teaching / refresher class for dancers of any skill level. Dances taught will be based on the needs of the students. This is a two-hour session; feel free to come for the first hour, second hour, or both.

Friday- Blockflute (recorder) technique and ensemble

  • ( Susan Richter)
  • Amphitheater on Friday at 9:00AM to 10:30AM
  • Performance
  • Beginner

All levels class for recorder technique, Performance practice and ensemble playing. Renaissance and modern baroque recorders welcome. (Note: This class is given daily. You may attend one session or all of them; no session is a pre-requisite for the next.)

Friday- Renaissance Loud Band

  • ( Susan Richter)
  • Amphitheater on Friday at 10:30AM to 12:00PM
  • Performance
  • Intermediate

This class is for owners of shawms and sacbuts and will cover performance practice, double reed technique and ensemble playing.

Fun, Flirty Beginner Italian Dances

Do you like dancing? Do you like flirting? Try these fun Italian dances that combine the two activities: *Rosetiboli Gioioso, Gelosia*, and *Anello*.

Furioso All'Italiana

Furioso All'Italiana is an elegant and elaborate 16th-century Italian dance from Signor Caroso's second book. It is for sets of three couples; dancers of all ages are welcome, though previous experience with 16th-century Italian steps will definitely be useful.

Gracca Amorosa for Beginners

  • Lord Rubeus le Blont ( Nathan King)
  • European Dance 4 on Saturday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Dance
  • Average
  • Beginner

Gracca is one of the more popular cascarde in the SCA, not only because it is fun and flirtatious, but also because it is relatively easy to learn. This class will focus on technique and footwork with beginners in mind.

Guided Hafla Practice for Instrumentalists

This class is a guided practice course for the specific repertoire that will be performed at the evening hafla. It is recommended that each member in attendance take the proceeding course "Introduction to Middle Eastern Music for Instrumentalists," especially if they do not have much experience with Middle Eastern music. Additionally, percussionists are welcome to attend although the focus will be primarily on practicing melody and harmony instruments. (Please note that each participant should bring their own instruments as none will be provided.)

Hosting the Known World Dance & Music Symposium

Have you or your barony ever wanted to host the KWDMS? Do you have ideas about how to make the event even better? An explanation of the bid process, what resources are needed, and a discussion of what has worked and what hasn’t at past symposiums, as well as ideas for the future.

How to Play Djembe

  • Lord Robin Carrot ( Courtney Smith)
  • Middle Eastern Music/Hafla/Sho on Saturday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Hands On
  • Low
  • Beginner

Learn the basic of how to play djembe, an ancient and lively drum from West Africa, including playing technique, different drumming positions, and some common rhythms that are played on the drums. No prior musical or percussive experience necessary. Just bring a desire to learn and play.

How to Read Modern Music-Basic

  • Lord Robin Carrot ( Courtney Smith)
  • European Music 1 (Mockingbird on Saturday at 10:00AM to 11:00AM
  • Hands On
  • Beginner

Have you ever seen modern sheet music and thought "Gee, sheet music looks so complicated. I wish I could read and understand it." Well, now is your chance to learn the basics of reading modern sheet music. It's easier than you think and fun!!!!!

Il Papa: Now with Period Music!

  • Lady Roselyne de l'Estrangere
  • European Dance 2 on Saturday at 10:00AM to 11:00AM
  • Dance
  • Average
  • Intermediate

Il Papa is a transition repertoire from around the turn of the 16th century. Adventurous beginners are welcome, but we will be drawing on knowledge of early- and late-period Italian steps. We'll take a fresh look at Lucretia and Che Faralla using some actual period tunes that have recently come to light. http://www3.sympatico.ca/kronenfeld/IlPapa/music/il-papa-music.html

Impacts of trade and commerce on the Dance of India and Persia

Examine how contact with other cultures through trade impacted the dance forms and music of Persia and India. There will be both lecture and dance movement opportunities during the class.

Improvisational dance forms

The class is a playing class where musicians will learn to take any dance tune and modify it to produce all the improvisational dance forms: Galliard, Salterello, Piva, Courante, Pavan, Bransle, Volte.

Improvising Galliard, Salterello and Pivas

This is a playing class. Musicians will learn to come up with on the spot improvised melodies based upon already known tunes and convert them to the different dance forms: Galliard, Salterello, Piva, Courante, Pavan, Bransle, Volte.

Inns of Court

The Inns of Court dances refers to a set of dances that the upper classes would have known in 16c London, including Black Alman. If you can walk you can do these.

Instrument and Songbook Petting Zoo

All day Friday, European Music Classroom #2 will be open for people to display, share, and try out instruments, and look through music books/collections. Bring anything you'd like to share, and instruments you don't mind other people CAREFULLY touching. (The EuroMusic classrooms are connected, and there are classes in EuroMusic 1 all day, so the room be never be unattended. Obviously, we can't guarantee the perfect safety of everything; there will be other options for instrument storage that is more secure.)

Interactive Dances - let's play dancing games

  • Randall Clark ( Randy Newton)
  • European Dance 3 on Saturday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM
  • Dance
  • Low
  • Beginner

Easy dances where callers and dancers can alter the dance. Starting with the Maltese bransle as done in the SCA with the leader calling out groups to go into the center, and continuing with clog bransle done as a form of dancing follow the leader. And concluding with pinwheel - a called dance game of a simon says type that can also be used to teach some dance steps.

Intermediate English Country Dance

Are you ready to expand your ECD repertoire? In this intermediate English Country Dance class, we will learn more complex, but doable dances, including Scotch Cap, If All The World Were Paper, Picking Of Sticks, and Hyde Park. Dance experience is preferred but not necessary. No partner required.

Intro to Odd Metered Rhythms from The Near East, Balkans and Romani Peoples

  • ( David Machek)
  • Middle Eastern Music/Hafla/Sho on Saturday at 2:00PM to 3:30PM
  • Hands On
  • Intermediate

This class will provide a comprehensive framework for learning and playing odd-metered dance rhythms, commonly known as "aqsaq" rhythms in Turkish. We will focus on the dance rhythms of the Balkans and especially the music of the Romani peoples. This is a hands-on percussion class, but dancers are also welcome to come learn the easy way to count these meters.

Introduction to Middle Eastern Music for Instrumentalists

In this class, we will be discussing the basics of performing Middle Eastern music as an instrumentalist. This includes scales and tuning, melody repertoire, and the fundamentals of soloing. The goal is to prepare beginner and intermediate players for performing in hafla groups. (Please note that each participant should bring their own instruments as none will be provided.)

Introduction to Musical Elements and Terms

You love music and have been playing or singing by ear for a while. You might have downloaded an app or two to help you learn elements of music theory and read notes. But how does it all fit together? What are the words used to describe melody, harmony, texture, timbre, rhythm, volume, key, etc.? What are the different parts of a musical score and how do you figure out how to read it? We'll cover this and more.

KWDMS 2019 Wrap up

This will be a class to discuss the things that were learned from running Known World Dance and Music this year. If you are interested in running one in the future, please come so you can learn from my problems!

Low Impact Galliard

It really is possible to dance a galliard without leaving the ground. Learn some low impact variations and advice from the Masters on how to make a cadence without doing a cadenza. Familiarity with the basic rhythm and style of the galliard is recommended.

Madrigal Jam

An informal fun sing-through of some of our favorite choral partsongs. Bring your KWC folders, your previous madrigal jam folders, your Oxford Books, your Chester books, your local groups' choir packets, and your internet-using devices, and we'll take turns making requests and singing everything we can sing in an hour.

Middle Eastern Floorwork

An instruction in middle eastern floorwork. We will cover the positions, transitions, muscle control, and some prop work. This is an intermediate class, so some knowledge of middle eastern dance is required. If you have them bring your swords and/or bowls, but they are not required.

Moderate Gresley

  • Baronness Evelynne Merrymet
  • European Dance 1 on Friday at 3:00PM to 4:00PM
  • Intermediate

From the reconstruction of Emma Dansmeyla and Martin Bildner of Ealdormere I bring you moderate dances from the Gresley manuscript. I bring you Armynn of the Funky Hey, Mobray to learn to switch from line to circle and back, and Hawthorn of the solos. If there is time we will work Rawty just for foot stomping fun.

Musicality for Pit Percussionists

Percussion is an essential, or at least important, part of most performances. Playing as an integral part of any ensemble is critical. This class will highlight the sometimes subtle nuances of providing rhythmic accompaniment for both instrumentalists and vocalists. It will emphasize dynamics, musical expression, and taking clues from your fellow performers. While these attributes are applicable across all musical forms, special attention will be given here to European dance and small ensemble performance.

My favorite galliards

The cinq pas or cinquepace is just the beginning! Come try some fun and challenging galliard sequences from other dances. We'll play with sequences from dances like Alta Mendozza and maybe even do some Volta. And yes, we will take breaks in between so everyone can catch their breath.

Once More with Feeling

This class will allow people to practice one last time on dances learned at symposium. Choices will be based on class interest, music available, and someone's ability to call (or re-teach) the dances.

One Madrigal Workshop

An in-depth workshop on a single piece. We'll nail down each note, each vowel and consonant, and tune it to as close to perfection as we can get in an hour. Song TBA

Poetry in Motion

exercises and drills for graceful arms and hands in Middle Eastern dance

Posture and Building a Strong Core

  • THL Simha bint Yusuf
  • Middle Eastern Dance 1 on Saturday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Hands On
  • Average
  • Beginner

This class will focus on some of the anatomy and physiology of posture, how it relates to dance, as well as how dancers can improve their overall core stability. This class is a mixture of lecture and interactive.

Progressive English Country Dances

Mistress Myfanwy ferch Eifion (Robyn Bainter) will co-teach this class. This class focuses on progressive English Country Dances, in which dancers change partners over the course of the dance. Dances taught will include Half Hannikin, Trenchmore, and if time permits, Female Sailor.

Props: Yes, No, Maybe

We all love props. They add to the dance and are a historical part of the form as seen in miniatures and in written documents. Some props are surprising in that they could be used in the correct context, and some have no basis for use. Some are just fun. We will have an interactive discussion about props and their place.

Reading Gregorian Chant

A primer on reading Gregorian Chant. Exploring ligatures (all those funny little black shapes). We will apply these skills in singing several chants.

Reconstruction Workshop

For those who do not get to reconstruct dances in a group setting, we will have a practical workshop. Group reconstruction isn't for everyone, but it can be fun! We will look at one dance from Gresley and one from Il Papa. Expect good-natured quibbling about terminology and floor patterns. No guarantees of danceable results by the end... but a broader understanding of the dances is likely.

Renaissance Counterpoint 101

In this class, we will learn the basic rules of counterpoint in the sixteenth century, and practice composing pieces with a simple melody over a cantus firmus.

Renaissance Counterpoint 201

In this class, we will learn rules of counterpoint in the sixteenth century, and practice composing pieces with more complicated melodies over a cantus firmus. This class can be taken with Renaissance Counterpoint 101 or independently.

Revisiting 2 Caroso Dances from KWDS 12-Bellezze d’Olimpia and Marviglia d’Amore

Inviting you to revisit two charming 16th C Italian dances taught by guest artist Barbara Segal at KWDS XII, including some insight gained in the past two years. Bellezze d’Olimpia and Maraviglia d’Amore from Caroso’s Il Ballarino.

Rounds and Canons--Get Singing!

Warm up those voices and learn (or refresh) these easy pieces to get everyone singing.

Saturday Night Ball Preparation

Teaching / refresher class for dancers of any skill level. Dances taught will be based on the needs of the students. This is a two-hour session; feel free to come for the first hour, second hour, or both.

Saturday-Blockflute (recorder) Technique and Ensemble

  • ( Susan Richter)
  • Amphitheater on Saturday at 9:00AM to 10:30AM
  • Performance
  • Beginner

All levels class for recorder technique, Performance practice and ensemble playing. Renaissance and modern baroque recorders welcome. (Note: This class is given daily. You may attend one session or all of them; no session is a pre-requisite for the next.)

Saturday-Renaissance Loud Band

  • ( Susan Richter)
  • Amphitheater on Saturday at 10:30AM to 12:00PM
  • Performance
  • Intermediate

This class is for owners of shawms and sacbuts and will cover performance practice, double reed technique and ensemble playing.

Setting Original Dances to Period Tunes

How do you avoid doing the same ten dances every week? Make up your own! There are many wonderful tunes that your local musicians are already playing, which are just begging for steps to be set to them. We'll talk about some "rules", then dance variations to melodies for which no steps exist... yet.

Stingo & My Lady Cullen: a Tale of Two Interpretation

Two fun English Country dances, Stingo and My Lady Cullen, one a fairly straight-forward reconstruction from Playford, and the other presenting some challenges. Class will include discussussion of ambiguities in the source, why certain interpretations were used, and what other choices could have been made.

Sunday- Blockflute (recorder) technique and ensemble

  • ( Susan Richter)
  • Amphitheater on Sunday at 9:00AM to 10:30AM
  • Performance
  • Beginner

All levels class for recorder technique, Performance practice and ensemble playing. Renaissance and modern baroque recorders welcome. (Note: This class is given daily. You may attend one session or all of them; no session is a pre-requisite for the next.)

Sunday- Renaissance Loud Band

  • Amphitheater on Sunday at 10:30AM to 12:00PM
  • Performance
  • Intermediate

This class is for owners of shawms and sacbuts and will cover performance practice, double reed technique and ensemble playing.

Syncopation in Middle Eastern Dance

Learn how to break down various Middle Eastern rhythms and create syncopated moves. Good for beginner to upper intermediate dancers.

Taqsim and You!

  • Joachim Silvertongue ( Joachim Zwick)
  • Middle Eastern Music/Hafla/Sho on Saturday at 1:00PM to 2:00PM
  • Practice
  • Low
  • Intermediate

Improvisation plays an important part in Middle Eastern music. In this class, we will review traditional tunes and their maqams and create improvisations. Please come prepared to both read music at tempo (nothing ridiculous) and improvise on it.

The beginnings of secular instrumental music as a distinct genre in the Florence of Lorenzo the Grea

We will explore pieces that appear to be strictly instrumental that appear in chansonniers of the time. What was the typical secular instrumental use before this, and what changed with these pieces? What changed about instruments to make this possible? If time allows, we can read some of these pieces, so bring your instruments.

The Inns of Court for Weary Bones

  • Lord Rubeus le Blont ( Nathan King)
  • European Dance 2 on Friday at 4:00PM to 5:00PM
  • Dance
  • Low
  • Beginner

Dancing need not be reserved for those who have flexible joints, high stamina, and strong muscles! We'll walk through some of the lowest-impact dances out there, including the Old Alman, the Queen's Alman, Turkelone, and 'the' Pavane (Belle Qui). We will also go over some gentle stretches that can be done before any type of dancing to loosen the legs and avoid strains and sprains.

The Latest and Greatest: A Renaissance Dance Research Update

  • ( Emily Winerock )
  • Amphitheater on Friday at 1:00PM to 2:00PM
  • Lecture

This lecture will offer an overview of current research trends in Renaissance dance research, discussing both classic works, such as Julia Sutton's translated editions of Arbeau and Caroso, and more recent publications, such as Jennifer Nevile's new book about a long-overlooked 17th-century dancing master's notebook.

Uncommon Cascarde

This class covers 2 cascarde, Giunto M’Ha Amore and Florido Giglio, from Caroso, Il Ballarino (1581). Giunto is a great introduction to cascarde, being short and repetitive, but containing many common step sequences (although trickier than you might expect if you do a lot of cascarde). A good warm up for Florido, which has many fun and interesting figures and works well as both a fun social dance and a showy performance piece.

Viola da Gamba reading session

This will be a sight reading session for viola da gamba players attending with 4-6 part Viol charts from various 17th c. composers of pavans and Galliards and perhaps a Fantasie.

Vita di Colino

Vita di Colino is a beautiful, quick-moving 15th-century Italian dance for groups of three people. We will go over steps; if we have extra time we'll also learn Gioioso in Tre, the three-person Rostibolli variant.

Vocal Polyphony: Kyrie by Francisco Guerrero

Students will learn the plainchant the Guerrero used as the basis for the piece, and the Kyrie from his 1582 Misa de Beata Virgine II. We will analyze the music, practice singing parts, and discuss how this piece is and is not typical of last 16th century choral music. We will be sight reading, so the ability to read music will be very helpful.

Vocal Polyphony: Kyrie by Francisco Guerrero, part 2

Students will learn the plainchant the Guerrero used as the basis for the piece, and the Kyrie from his 1582 Misa de Beata Virgine II. We will analyze the music, practice singing parts, and discuss how this piece is and is not typical of last 16th century choral music. We will be sight reading, so the ability to read music will be very helpful.

Vocal Warm Ups - How do I control my breathing?

In this class we will learn how to find the diaphragm, which is the muscle that allows for proper breath control for effortless singing. We will also work on additional exercises to learn how to warm up our voices properly.

Whirligig and Nonesuch

These are from Playford and are for 3 and 4 couples. If you have taken some other ECD classes you can do them.

Zambra Mora 8AM-12PM

  • ( Silvia Salamanca)
  • Middle Eastern Dance 1 on Friday at 9:00AM to 12:00PM
  • Dance
  • Average

Join master dancer and dance ethnographer Silvia Salamanca as we explore the foundations of flamenco and its roots in North African and Moorish dance traditions.