Classes

There are 72 classes.

15th C Bassedanze

This class will cover four 15th C.Italian bassedanze, (Gioliva, Pellegrina, Pazienza and Lauro). Participants do not have to have any previous experience in 15th C Italian dance, as the steps needed will be taught. Students are presumed to have warmed up before class.

15th C Italian Balli

This class will cover some of the easier mixed-tempo balli, most likely to include Colonesse, the three person Rostiboli, Pizocara and Marchesana. The steps needed will be briefly taught. Participants are expected to have some previous experience in 15th C Italian dance, or to be fast learners who are willing to be a little lost. Students are presumed to have warmed up before class.

15th C Italian Balli for Three People

Belfiore, Vita de Cholino, Voltati in ca Rosina

16C Improv Music

  • John Tyson
  • SFA 102 on Monday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM

16C Improv Music

16C Music Grooves

  • John Tyson
  • SFA 102 on Monday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM

16C Music Grooves

16C Music Jam

  • John Tyson
  • SFA 102 on Monday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM

16C Music Jam

16th c. Favorites

  • Sheila Beardslee
  • SFA 105 on Tuesday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM
  • Intermediate

Our dance ensemble PAVANE (based in the Barony of Stonemarche) focusses mostly on 16th c choreographies by Arbeau, Caroso & Negri. We'll teach three of our favorites - a suite of Bransles after Arbeau to music by Gervaise, a Pavane after Arbeau, and Negri's Lo Spagnoletto - and demonstrate a few others from our performance repertoire (demonstration not available Tuesday June 12). The Bransles and Pavane are simple enough for all levels of ability; Lo Spagnoletto, a dance for two couples, requires familiarity with basic 16th c Italianate stepwork (the repeating chorus helps to make it easier than some).

20th C Bassedanze

The dances covered will probably include Choronita Gentile (an adaption of Ambrosio's 8-person Chorona Gentile done to 20th C music), Riunione and Mordred's Lullaby (both choreographed by the instructor). Participants are expected to be familiar with the standard steps in bassadanza time (sempio, doppio, ripresa, volta del Gioioso etc), and to be sufficiently warmed up.

A 16th-Century Dance Party

According to the late 16th-century Italian dance manuals, a high-society dance party seems to have been a formal setting in which the guests took turns to show off for the company. Everyone spent most of their time sitting around a small dance floor, taking turns to dance one couple or one set at a time - and some participated only by watching. This session is an attempt to recreate such a dance party.

All Those Wiggles Look the Same to Me

Open to both dancers and non-dancers. An entirely opinionated presentation which will attempt to give a non-dancer appreciation of what a middle eastern dancer is doing and if they are doing it well. Will involve demonstration of basic as well as complicated moves and possible disagreement as to what is and isn't good.

Approaches to Dance Notation

In this roundtable class, we will look at several different approaches to writing down instructions for dance, and discuss their strengths and weaknesses. We'll look at period, modern, and society sources. What good ideas can we find, and what pitfalls can we learn to avoid? What would be the elements of an ideal notation for reference use?

Arms and Upper Body Movements

  • Cybele
  • SFA 106 on Sunday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Intermediate

Focusing on the use of the arms and upper body movements. A knowledge of basic movements is assumed. Be aware that this class will work the abs quite a bit. Please bring a veil. Zils will be discussed, but are not required. When dancing at SCA events, often much of the audience cannot see below the dancers waist. The focus is on making the performance more interesting to these people. Since the focus is on the waist up, most of this class can be done by wheelchair people with upper body mobility.

Barriera

  • Geoffrey Mathias
  • SFA 106 on Monday at 9:30AM to 12:45PM
  • Intermediate

This is an intermediate dance from Caroso's Nobilita di Dame. Students should be familiar with at least one other 16th c. Italian dance. The dance is for one couple, and includes several sections.

Basics of Stick/Cane Dance

  • Su'ad
  • SFA 105 on Saturday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Beginner

Class will review the basics of use of the cane/stick in ME dance. Basic techniques will be taught. Class suitable for men & women (as they all are!). Class may be co-taught.

Beginning Choreography/Fast Hipwork

  • Anne of Framlingham
  • SFA 106 on Saturday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Intermediate

Where to begin when choreographing a dance with fast hipwork? This class will introduce intermediate beginners to some elements of the process, including uncovering the musical structure and choosing appropriate steps to clarify that structure. Phrasing, repetition of elements, and some useful basic fast hipwork steps will be covered.

Beginning Middle-Eastern Dance

  • Angie of the Wild Roses
  • SFA 105 on Saturday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM
  • Beginner

This is a class on the basic movements and techniques of Middle Eastern Dance. Perfect for the first-time dancer or for the experienced dancer who wants a core refresher course. The class will provide an introduction to the basic steps used in performing Middle Eastern dance in the SCA.

Beginning Middle-Eastern Dance

  • Cassandra
  • SFA 105 on Sunday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Beginner

This is a class on the basic movements and techniques of Middle Eastern Dance. Perfect for the first-time dancer or for the experienced dancer who wants a core refresher course. The class will provide an introduction to the basic steps used in performing Middle Eastern dance in the SCA.

Brando di Cales

We're not sure if this dance from Negri's Le Gratie d'Amore is dreadfully simple or simply dreadful, but it is certainly a fun and disarming introduction to 16th Century Italian dance. They're not ALL hard! Uncle Sion promises.

Cascarde

Cascarda - a lively 16th Century Italian dance. Choreographer: Fabrito Caroso 1581. These are two of my favorite cascarde: Bella Gioiosa For sets of 3 people. Includes a choreographed joust, which makes for a nice performance piece. (reconstruction by Etienne de Clermont). Donna Leggiadra For 1 or more couples. Very fun and easy to learn if you're familiar with 16th Century steps. (reconstruction by Diana Cruickshank, tweaked a bit by Kieran Grey).

Choreographing Dances in the SCA

In this class, we will dance several SCA choreographies (including the Squirrel Branle, Saltarello La Regina, and Jogging Over the Mountains (a 15th C Italian style dance)), followed by a discussion of what to consider when starting out to choreograph one's own new dance. Time permitting, we will use a recording of a period piece of music and make up a dance to it together.

Choreography in the SCA: Purpose, Place, Precepts and Precautions

There is a great deal of discussion involving the practice of making new period-style dances within the Society. Positions from 'We ought not to be doing it' to 'One is not a master until one can make a period-style dance.' The four panelists have decided opinions, probably all contradictory, regarding the practice and its place in the Society.

Dance Dynamics

  • Su'ad
  • SFA 106 on Saturday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM

This class will explore the use of different movements and expressions to different types of ME music, from the melodic to taxims to use of drum. Movement will be encouraged!

Dancemaster/Bandleader Summit

  • Tibicen
  • SFA 102 on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM

What do dancemasters want of their musicians? What do bandleaders want of their dancemasters? What tricks of the trade can we share with one another? How can we work together to maximize happiness and dance in the Society? A round table discussion for dancers who have to negotiate with musicians and musicians who have to negotiate with dance.

Dancing with Feeling

  • Emma la Rousse d'Argent
  • SFA 106 on Sunday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Intermediate

Portraying emotion in Middle Eastern Dance.

Dancing with Props

  • Safira al-Muffaddadiyya
  • SFA 106 on Sunday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM
  • Intermediate

Get to know your props! There's a lot of great possible props out there besides the favored canes and veils. This class will explore how a dancer can incorporate dancing with less traditional props such as candles, baskets, swords, scarves and more! Here is a great chance to take some time and learn how to experiment with a variety of prop options.

Evolution of Contrapasso

In Bailarino, Caroso describes the "Contrapasso" as "Balleto d'Incerto, da farsi in due" - in Nobilta di Dame, he clearly regards "Contrapasso da farsi in ruota" as being the same dance, only improved (and "his" rather than anonymous). We'll dance through both of these easy 16th-c Italian dances and talk a little bit about the differences.

Exercises from Ebreo I

  • Lord Daniele di Padola
  • SFA 109 on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

Ebreo gives a number of exercises for how one should become a better dancer. We will try what we can of these, and watch in amazement as our dancing improves!

Exercises from Ebreo II

  • Lord Daniele di Padola
  • SFA 106 on Monday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

Ebreo gives a number of exercises for how one should become a better dancer. We will try what we can of these, and watch in amazement as our dancing improves!

Fedelta d'Amore

Walk, haye, gagliard; Walk, haye, gagliard; Walk, haye, gagliard; etc., etc. Why did we ever start thinking that 16th Century Italian dance was too hard to do?

Folkloric Routine (2-session choreography class)

  • Su'ad
  • SFA 105 on Saturday at 2:15PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

A short folkloric ME choreography suitable for dance in the SCA. Anyone may attend, but I'm assuming some knowledge of basic techniques. Notes will be provided.

Galliard Steps

  • Ken Pierce
  • SFA 109 on Tuesday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Intermediate

An opportunity to practice galliard steps on a decent floor. We'll look at steps and step-sequences from Arbeau and Caroso, and possibly Negri, sticking mainly to steps with well-defined or apparently straightforward rhythms.

History of Middle Eastern Dance and Its Place in the Culture(s)

What are the origins of the dance Americans usually call belly dance--and why do some people bristle when you call it that? What roles did dance play in Middle Eastern, Central Asian and North African culture in period? Why might your persona dance? These are all big questions, some with no hard answers--but we'll talk about what's known, what's theorized, and what's just plain flights of fancy.

History, Theory and Practice of Classical Hindu Temple Dance

  • Lakshmi Amman
  • SFA 106 on Sunday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM

A combination of lecture and participation. The lecture will cover information regarding the pre-1600 history of Hindu temple dance, mythology regarding dance, status of dancers, and dance theory/aesthetics. The optional participatory section will discuss basic movements, one or two practice routines, and a small prayer-performance in song and dance. This is a great chance to try something totally new!

Improvisation for Galliards

  • Charles Garth
  • Dance Studio on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

Techniques for dancing the Galliard with various steps, step combinations, and ornamentation.

Intermediate English Country Dance

Dances to be taught include BoateMan, Cuckholds All in Row, Grimstock, Dull Sir John and others. You must have the basics of English Country Dance and be able to do a three-person hay without prompting. Steps will not be taught. Handouts will be provided, some tapes may be available.

Introduction to 15th C Italian Balli

A beginners introduction to a few of the easier dances of 15th C Italy. All steps needed will be taught. Dances will probably include Petit Vriens, Amoroso, Anello, Gelosia and Rostiboli. Students are expected to have warmed up before class.

Introduction to 16th C Italian Dance

  • Delbert von Strassburg
  • SFA 109 on Saturday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Beginner

This class will focus on some of the simplest steps of 16th Century Italian dance, as described by Caroso and Negri. We will start by learinging a basic range of steps, such as riverenze, continenze, seguiti and spezzati. After learning some short dance sequences containing these steps the class will move on to a discussion of the more complex steps and a short dance for newcomers to 16th C Italian dance. Pop quiz: Which of the following is not a 16th C dance step: Seguito spezzato, Seguito semidoppio, Seguito battuto al Canario, Seguito boscaiola

Introduction to Border Morris

  • Pryder mab Aurddolen
  • SFA 109 on Sunday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Beginner

A workshop, teaching one or more border morris dances. We have taught complete beginners (including workshops at the last two Arisia conventions), and it actually works. Not that we would actually turn away experienced dancers, but the workshop won't be geared toward them. Historical note: we know that morris dancing was done in period, but we have very little information on what the dances actually looked like. The teaching would be based on current practice. I believe it would be of interest to many attendees, but the serious academic types might turn up their noses.

La Courante

The courante, in various forms, was popular throughout Europe in the late 16th century. Several of Arbeau's variants will be taught. Connections to English and Italian forms will be discussed, as well as musical and reconstruction issues. A courante-specific warmup will preceed the dancing.

Late Sixteenth Century Fencing - The Other Movement Art

Dancing and fencing were both requisite skills for a gentleman of the sixteenth century. Each calls for disciplined study to learn specific movements that require coordination, strength, precision and grace for their proper execution. The movements and attitudes learned in one activity must have affected an individual's practice of the other. This workshop will teach the basic movements characteristic of fencing in the late sixteenth century, with particular attention to elements relevant to Renaissance dance. The focus will be on the Italian technique described by Giacomo Di Grassi, with some reference to English (Swetnam) and French (St. Didier) techniques.

Learning from Other Sources

Dance was an integral part of 16th century culture. Much of what we need to reconstruct it was left out of the dance treatises. Other sources provide much that is missing. Two fruitful groups of sources are discussed: Treatises on horsesmanship, and early dictionaries. Horsemanship provides insight into: terms in Lupi and Negri; undefined steps in Lupi's canary variations; practical information on aesthetics in movement; the origin of certain dance steps; surprising connections between dance and horse training, for example galliards for horses. Early dictionaries provide a wealth of contextual information. For example, names of dances; characteristics of dances; cultural connections for specific dances; connections between dance, revels, mummings, and plays; proverbs invoking dance; information on dance music, dance shoes, costuming.

Loud Band Session

  • Avatar of Catsprey
  • SFA 102 on Sunday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

Early reeds and brass players are welcome to come and run through some dance music set for loud band instruments. c/f and d/g shawms are welcome. Music in both keys will be provided.

Lute Tablature

  • Sheila Beardslee
  • SFA 102 on Sunday at 9:30AM to 11:00AM
  • Intermediate

Caroso & Negri included the melody line of most of their dances in the treatises, along with a setting in tablature for lute. For those who do not read tablature (or who want a refresher), we'll examine how tab works and compare standard notation melodies with what the tab shows. We'll discuss transcription issues and problems, look at how to make standard notation editions from the tab parts and compare a few parallel settings from other sources. Packet of music in tablature, transcription and 3-, 4- and/or 5-part scores; tab guide available.

Medieval Dance Music

lecture/participating playing

Midair's Dance Menagerie

I will teach a random assortment of period dances that I personally enjoy. No dance experience necessary! Just be prepared to have a lot of fun! Time permitting, the dances I will teach are: Earl of Salisbury Pavanne, Black Alman, Villanella, Jenny Pluck Pears, Saltarello la Regina (ok, not period choreography, but reasonable SCA chor), and Rostiboli.

Middle Eastern Dance Costuming

  • Su'ad
  • SFA 105 on Sunday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM

This class will look at the types of costuming documented in SCA period and worn by ME dancers. Both men's and women's costuming will be explored. Class attendees are encouraged to bring their own information to share. Handout will be available.

Mimed Bransles from Orchesography

  • Isabeau Legere de Pieds
  • SFA 106 on Tuesday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Beginner

This class will cover 3 of Arbeau's bransles with mimed sequences, and two others that I just happen to like: Pease, Washerwoman's, Horses', Montarde, and Official. Skill level required is minimal; if you can tell your left from your right and count to four you'll be fine!

Mixed Bransles de Champagne Suite

  • Nawson ben Mas'ud
  • Gym (side 2) on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Beginner

Arbeau's suggested suite: Cassandre, Pinagay, Charlotte, Guerre, and Aridan. This would be a repeat of a class that I put together for this year's Northshield Dance Seminar. It ranges from Cassandre (a beginner's dance) through Guerre (high impact aerobics, including work on divisions for those who desire) and Aridan (mentally and physically challenging). The class will address several of Arbeau's suggestions, including learning methods, differences in kicking styles, and a look at divisions.

Nido d'Amore from Nobilta di Dame, 1600

  • Julia Sutton
  • SFA 109 on Tuesday at 9:30AM to 12:45PM
  • Advanced

The chief purpose of this class will be to communicate my treatment of style and Affect. We will look at short examples of 4 different dance types (Pavana/Allemana, Galliard, Saltarello, and Canario) in the dance Nido d'Amore from Nobilta di Dame, 1600.

Raising Dance Authenticity Levels

Would you like to try to shift your group's dance culture away from out-of-period dances? I have some ideas on things to try, and I hope that other participants will bring us some other ideas.

Reconstruction Roundtable

This class is primarily meant for people who reconstruct dances or are otherwise interested in reconstruction. During the class the participants explain (and possibly show) their own interperatations of a set of 2-4 dances, and discuss the differences and reasons for them with other participants. The purpose of the class is to learn about other ways of thinking and to get food for thought - not necessarily achieve any kind of consensus. Short digressions to step reconstruction are expected and allowed. The dances are: Horses' Branle (Arbeau), Ballo del Fiore (The 5-person version in Caroso's Nobilta di Dame), and Cupido (Bassadanza, several manuscipts by Ebreo/Ambrosio) There is a short web page about some available resources for these dances.

Reconstruction Workshop I

Reconstruction from primary sources as a group project. Familiarity with period repertoire helpful. Some knowledge of a Romance language helpful, but not required. The plan is to work together, so that not everyone has to be able to know the language, read the script, etc. The first session will be to describe the process of reconstruction, divide people into several groups (if the class is large enough), hand out sample dances and start working. The second session will be to demonstrate the reconstructions and discuss the results. Some work outside of class time may be necessary.

Reconstruction Workshop II

Reconstruction from primary sources as a group project. Familiarity with period repertoire helpful. Some knowledge of a Romance language helpful, but not required. The plan is to work together, so that not everyone has to be able to know the language, read the script, etc. The first session will be to describe the process of reconstruction, divide people into several groups (if the class is large enough), hand out sample dances and start working. The second session will be to demonstrate the reconstructions and discuss the results. Some work outside of class time may be necessary.

Renaissance Style Workshop for Men

  • Charles Garth
  • Dance Studio on Saturday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM

Renaissance Style Workshop for Men

Rhythms and Improvisation

  • Ghazallah al-Badriyyah
  • SFA 106 on Saturday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Intermediate

Feel uncomfortable at a drum circle? Never even tried one? Just want a little brushing up? Well, then this is a class for you. This class will focus on the rhythms commonly seen in SCA drum circles. It will cover the beats of the popular rhythms and go through a few sets of dance combinations that will serve you well when you think 'What next??' This class assumes a comfort level with basic Middle Eastern dance steps.

Sex on the dance floor and Prexonera

  • Delbert von Strassburg
  • Dance Studio on Sunday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Intermediate

Unlike the later 16th C Il Canario, which included sex on the dance floor by clothed participants, Domenico's Prexonera was a dance in which you were actually able to partially disrobe your partner during the foreplay section of the dance. Based on the famous BBC television series, Prexonera stars Patrick McGoohan, as well as Austin Powers and Ivana Humpalot who were accidentally drafted in from the next dance floor. It's a lot of good clean British fun. OK, so maybe it's dirty and Italian but it's good fun anyway.

Some Dances from Il Ballarino

16th century Italian dances-- Fedelta` - easy cascarda Villanella - easy balletto (no galliard) Gracca Amorosa - intermediate cascarda (fast, bouncy)

Some Gresley Reconstructions

I will present some of the reconstructions of Dances from the Gresley manuscript as they were worked out by Robyn Whystler who is primarily a musician with myself as dance consultant. They are mostly fairly easy dances which anyone can manage. We can follow with a discussion in the second half of the class.

Storytelling for Choreography

  • Cassandra
  • SFA 106 on Saturday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM

This will be a workshop on the use of storytelling in choreography, to help with the development of routines, to enhance stage presence, and to make the dance more accessible to non-dancers. This class is open to dancers of any level, from the newest beginners to advanced students - a sense of humor and a flair for the dramatic are all you really need for this class.

Survey of European Dance Sources 1400-1700

Find out more about where our dances come from with this lecture survey course. Look in turn at the documents and context for each of the major categories of dance performed in the Society. Sample dances will be demonstrated. This class will be of interest to dance researchers, casual dancers, and non-dancers with an interest in the social activities of the period.

Tassel Kicking

  • Lord Daniele di Padola
  • SFA 106 on Monday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Advanced

Negri describes a lot of ways to kick a tassel stylishly and accurately. Come learn what they all are, how to do some of them, and why you should never try others.

Teaching Dance in Challenging Situations

Dancemasters in the Society encounter a number of challenging situations. Explore and share strategies for coping with small practices, large practices, noisy venues, and teaching to the public. Also discuss strategies for adapting dances to the disabled, people with physical limitations, and for children. How can we as teachers maximize the enjoyment of our students?

The Basse Dance Music Challenge: Vaten mon amoureux desir

  • Tibicen
  • SFA 102 on Sunday at 2:15PM to 3:45PM
  • Advanced

Those composers attending the Knowne World Dance Symposium are invited by Tibicen of Carolingia to demonstrate their mastery of the Art and Science of Music, by realizing the Tenor for the basse dance "Vaten mon amoureux desir".

The Canarie Steps

  • Ken Pierce
  • SFA 109 on Monday at 4:00PM to 5:30PM
  • Intermediate

A look at canarie steps as described by Arbeau, Caroso, and perhaps Negri, with examples from Italian repertory. Especially, we'll look at how the step relates to the musical beat: Arbeau indicates a 'stamp' on the downbeat; the Italians don't specify. Using Arbeau's approach (translated to compound meter) in Italian dances solves some problems of timing, transition, and so on.

The Old Measures

Basic social dances from the Age of Shakespeare, suitable for dancers at any skill level

The Old Measures

Learn some dances described in the notes of Elizabethan Londoners, from the simple Quadran Pavan to the cuddly Madam Sosilia Alman. The class begins with a lecture on the place of these dances in Elizabethan society. Beginners welcome. A companion CD is available for $6 if ordered in advance. Includes: Quadran Pavan, Turkelone, Earl of Essex Measure, Tinternell, Old Alman, Queen's Alman, Madam Sosilia Alman, Black Alman, Lorayne Alman, New Alman.

The Origins of Morris Dancing

A talk about what is known - and not known - about the origins of morris dancing, focusing on the references within and shortly after the SCA period.

The Wm. Blackfox Memorial Bagpipe-Dance Music Conspiracy: All welcome!

  • Tibicen
  • SFA 102 on Saturday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM

Bagpipes are wonderful! Dance music is wonderful! Playing for dancing is wonderful! We want to bring all these things together in SCA. This will be a meeting of people who are working to help bring a tradition of playing for period European dancing to the bagpipers of the Society. No idea what form this gathering will take yet. Check back for more info.

Two Cascarde

  • Kieran Grey
  • SFA 109 on Monday at 11:15AM to 12:45PM
  • Intermediate

This class will teach two Cascarde, a lively dance unique to the dance manuals of Fabritio Caroso. The first dance will be Gloria d'Amore, a dance for a single couple found in Il Ballarino. The second will be Allegrezza d'Amore, a dance for three people, which is found in both Il Ballarino and Nobilta di Dame. This class will teach the version found in Nobilta.

Uncommon 2-couple ECDs

Most people only know two, or maybe three, 2-couple ECDs. Let me show you a couple more. I'll teach Parson's Farewell, Glory of the West, Cuckolds All a Row, Saint Martins, and make an attempt at Argeers.

Uncommon 3-couple ECDs

Come learn some uncommonly done 3-couple English Country Dances from the first edition of Playford. I will teach Scotch Cap, The Night Peece, Shepheards Holyday, and Mundesse. I might also teach Beggar Boy, and any other dances I can come up with by June.

Uncommon 4-couple ECDs

Come learn some uncommonly done 4-couple English Country Dances from the first edition of Playford. I will teach Lull Me Beyond Thee, Fine Companion, Gray's Inn Maske, and Lord Carnarvon's Jegg. If time permits (and it should), I'll also teach some less uncommon 4-couple dances like Nonesuch (you probably don't do it like I do), Kettle Drum, If All the World Were Paper, Bonny Bonny Broome, and Faine I Would.

Unscheduled or Canceled Classes

  • An Evenings Entertainment a la Castiglione
  • Introduction to Dance Reconstruction
  • Introduction to English Country Dance
  • Organizing Dance at Events