Classes

There are 66 classes.

16th Century German Peasant Dance from Period Woodcuts

Reconstructions of German peasant dances based on woodcuts from the 16th century will be explored and brought to the dance floor. Since there are no texts from the region and period describing specific dance choreographies, German woodcut images as well as comparative studies from other styles of dance will be used as a basis for interpreting steps. Limitations of the research as well as alternate interpretations will also be discussed.

A survey of 'for as many as will' ECDs

There are quite a few ''for as many as will'' dances in Playford's 1st edition ECD, but surprisingly enough they are not all of the same type. This class will go over several of the types in an attempt to illustrate the diversity in the type. - An Old Man is a Bed Full of Bones, Millfield, Paul's Wharfe, Punk's Delight, A Soldier's Life

Analyzing and Reconstructing Historical N.E. Dance

This class is based on an article in the early 60s of Tournaments Illuminated where Baroness TSivia and Baroness Enid Aurelia of the Tin Isles discussed how to interpret static images of women dancing in order to document the historicity of dance steps from the Near Eastern world. Students will be shown images from Mughul miniatures, Greek carvings, and other extant representations of women as entertainers and analyze what these tell a dancer.

Around London - Hockley in the Hole, Maiden Lane, St. Martin's

Many English dances have rather opaque names. We will take a look at the London of Playford's time and learn 3 less often-done dances named after places less than a mile from Playford's door.

Bassadanza to Waltz Music

None of the 15th-c Italian bassadanza descriptions come with music, which makes finding music to match them somewhat difficult. They can be done to music in waltz tempo. Two bassadanze, modified slightly to fit modern waltz phrasing, will be taught. Steps needed will be reviewed, but students should have done at least one dance before with bassadanza tempo, such as Rostiboli. - Ginevra Weasley, Alesandresca

Basse to Basse (15th C Basse to Arbeau's ''Basse Dance'') (15th C vs 16th C inte

This class seeks to explore possible different step reconstructions for the Basse Dance “Jouissance vous Donnerai”, from Arbeau’s Orchesographie. By starting with the Basse Dance from the preceding era, tracing similar dances in the 15th C Italian repitoire, and then looking at the changes from 15th to 16th century Italian dance, I hope to stimulate a different interpretation of the movements of this dance than the direct Burgundian Basse to Arbeau route might produce. Note that this is a re-offering of a class taught at KWDS VI, mellowed a bit.

Beginning ECD

  • Jane Milford
  • TSH 118 on Saturday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM

Learn the steps and figures of English Country Dancing, as well as a few commonly done dances.

Bella Gioiosa re-translated and re-reconstructed

The results of my first attempt to reconstruct a dance from the original Italian turned out rather well, if significantly different from the popular version. Come learn this three-person cascarda, and I'll explain why I made the choices that I did in reconstructing it.

Belregardo, old, new, and for three

Belregardo is a 15th century Ballo with three choreographies that all fit the same music, and actually share some steps and structure while being distinctly different. The best part of learning three different dances that all fit the same music is that you can have all three versions happening on the dance floor at the same time!

Bransles - Location, Location, Location

Many bransles take their name from the countries where they are customarily danced. In this class, we'll look at the Bransle of Poitou, the Scottish Bransles, and the Trihory of Brittany. (and possibly Arbeau's Maltese Bransle, even though it is a Mimed bransle) No experience necessary.

Cascarda Favorites

Caroso’s Cascarde are delightfully fun and lively 16th Century Italian dances. This class features Maraviglia d'Amore and Gracca Amorosa. Maraviglia d'Amore is both an excellent performance piece and a playful social dance. Learn, or refresh your memory of, Gracca Amoroso, one of the most popular cascarde in the Midrealm. Familiarity with 16^th Century Italian steps and figures is helpful, as there are quite a few of them (but it’s worth the learning of them).

Composing a Pricksong

  • Crispin Sexi
  • TSH B129 on Saturday at 9:00AM to 10:30AM

A technique for composing four-part airs in a hurry, utilising stereotypically mopey English lyrics, the Sexi Bass Method and Thomas Campion's formula. If time allows, we'll also cover eight-part polychoral.

Composing Music for Dancing

  • Martin Bildner
  • TSH B129 on Friday at 9:00AM to 10:00AM

This class will look at how to go about creating music for dances to which the music has been lost or period-style music for original choreographies. Special attention will be paid to the Gresley manuscript. In the course of the class, a Gresley dance will be reconstructed and music composed for it.

Dance with the band

This class will be a ''name that tune'' style of dance class. There will be no dance instruction. Instead, the band will determine the dances to be done by way of musical hints, dancers will oraganize themselves appropriately and the dance will commence from the beginning.

Dancers & Musicians - They Speak Different Languages: How to Communicate When Running a Class or Bal

Dancers & Musicians - They Speak Different Languages: How to Communicate When Running a Class or Ball

Dances from the Inns of Court

These dances are from Elizabethan London. Gentlemen were expected to learn a set of 9 dances during their studies at the Inns of Court. Lorayne Alman, Old Alman. Black Alman, and Madame Cecilia, plus others as time permits.

Early Period Dance

  • Swannoc
  • Con Hall on Sunday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM

This dance class will look at sources from early period, looking at different sources from which we can gather information on dance prior to any known dance manuals.

Easy Gresley Dances

After a brief introduction we will jump right into dancing. this class should be accessible to every one. Up to five dances: : Lebens Disinens, Petigay, Tamrett, Hawthorne and Grene Gynger (if there is time).

ECD - Odd Lots

Four English Country Dances that were either new to me, or ones for which I never had recorded music before now. Thanks to some musicial friends who thought it would be ''a good exercise'' for me to write the dance notes for their new CD, I now can play with these dances. Some reconstructions are based on the work of others (from prior KWDS) that have been tweeked a bit to suit my interpretations, and some are my own attempts at reconstruction. Class will include some discussion of reconstruction choices, however main emphasis is on learning and enjoying these dances. Milisons Jeg, Shepeards Holyday, Old Mole, Broome (Bonny Bonny Broome), Cuckolds All a Row

Expanding your horizons - Reading Modern Sheet Music

For those of you who have music in your soul, but just can’t read the notes, this class will provide musicians with the basic tools necessary to read modern sheet music. You’ll get a good starting point, on a long journey (if you’re interested in music theory) to enriching your musical experience.

Furioso All'Italiana - A 16th c. Italian Set Dance

Caroso offers several Furioso dances, using similar music and sharing some common elements. Come and learn one of them, Furioso All'Italiana, a lovely set dance for three couples. Some 16th c. Italian stepwork required, but no galliard figures.

Galliard Workshop

Think Galliards are hard? Think again. In this class we'll review the basics of the French Galliard, focusing on rhythm and simple steps. Then we'll practice how to put all the pieces together into a coherent dance on the dance floor. Never fear the Galliard again!

Galliards

This will be an informal and practical introduction to the galliard for everyone. This is an energetic dance and you should come to the class prepared for a bit of a workout.

How to teach dance (or any physical skill!)

This class is a mixture of lecture and discussion on the theory of how to teach dance and other physical skills. We will focus on: 1) Four stages of teaching a physical skill: describe, demonstrate, practice, and feedback; 2) Sequencing: Beginning with simple skills, and building to more complex. 3) Spiraling: ways to assess starting point, then add new skills, go back to review and reinforce the skills, add more skills, go back again to re-integrate. (Note: if you have taken this class at a past KWDS, this class will have some overlap, but also have fresh content. We will be focusing on a slightly different set of skills than past classes. Because it is partially discussion-based, the class always adapts to the needs/interests of the participants.)

How to Teach European Dance - A Workshop

Looking to become a more effective teacher? Or, always wanted to teach but not sure where to start? This class will focus on ways to improve your abilities to teach. Beginning dance teachers are especially welcome. You will volunteer to teach during the class and the rest of us will act as your students. As you teach I will make suggestions with some comments from other students too. People who are not ready to teach but want to learn are invited to act as dance students for our practicing teachers. Please bring the music and the choreography for the dance you want to practice teaching. We will try and work with as many volunteers as time allows.

I-talians for the English

  • Jane Milford
  • TSH 118 on Saturday at 11:00AM to 12:00PM

This class is an extremely basic introduction to 15th Century Italian dances. It focuses on teaching the figures necessary to do the dance, but teaches the steps in English terminology. Amoroso, Anello, Belfiore, Petit Vriens

Improv Dance Workshop

Learn to fake improv through the ancient art of practicing. Covers a range of styles. Open to all skill levels.

Intro to Renaissance Instruments

We will go on a tour of the instruments played throughout middle and late period, illustrated by woodcuts from Praetorius' Syntagma Musicum (1614-1620), and listen to many examples.

Introduction to 16th Century Italian Dance Steps

Commonly used Italian steps and figures explained for beginners. Contentezza d'Amore will be used as an example, but we will not be learning all of any dance. The focus will be on the steps and sequences of steps that make up 16th century Italian dances.

Introduction to Cascarde: Alta Regina & Fiamma d'Amore

Come and enjoy two cascarde - fun, lively 16th Century Italian dances from Caroso. Alta Regina and Fiamma d'Amore are a great introduction to cascarde, being among the shortest and least step-intensive, but containing many step sequences found in other cascarde.

Introduction to the Art of Dance Cueing

Masterful cueing skills are by far one of the most important facets to an effective dance master. Come learn and practice verbal and visual cueing techniques that work for virtually all participants and help guarantee that dancers will want to come back to your classes! Taught by a group fitness instructor certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America.

Kingdom Variations Roundtable

A sit-down workshop discussing 'Kingdom variations' and how so many places can come up with the same interpretation of the sources, and yet others can come up with different variations, all from the same sources.

La Volta

La Volta is a form of the galliard found in 16th C France and also known through pictorial evidence to have travelled throughout much of Europe. This will be a practical introduction to La Volta without a lot of the theory involved, come along prepared for a bit of a workout because this dance requires energy and some lifting.

Longways for as Many as Won't-- Three New Protocontra

Come dance the early protocontra dance in longways fashion-- now with 20% less dancing! All kidding aside, these fun dances bring flirtation and socialization to the forefront of English country dancing. A Health to Betty (1651), Paul's Steeple/The Duke of Norfolk (1651), and Stanes Morris (1651)

Middle Eastern - Beginner Bellydance

  • Valizan
  • TSH 118 on Friday at 1:00PM to 2:00PM

Learning the basic movements in the art of bellydance.

Music History - Wouldn't you like to be a troubadour, too?

So you want to be a troubadour? If you’ve thought of developing the persona of a troubadour, come learn about who these people were in history. What role did they play in society? Could anyone become a troubadour? What training did they require?

Music improvisation - what to do when there is no sheet m

Huge drum circles surround the belly dancer, but nary a melody can be heard above the din. This class is designed to help you collaborate in the dance between improvised music and dancer. We will spend a short time looking at melodic and rhythmic modes before diving in, and playing.

New to You: Three Couple Dances from Early Playford

Fun three-couple dances less frequently done by SCAdians. Shepherd's Holiday/Labor in Vain (1651), The Night-Piece/The Shaking of the Sheets (1651), and Woodycock/The Green Man (1652)

Obscure 3 couple English Country Dance

Beggar Boy, Confesse, Jack Pudding, Adson's Saraband

Obscure 4 couple English Country Dance

Lord of Carnavann's Jegg, Lull me beyond thee, Mage on a Cree, Dull Sir John

Odd English Country Dances for three couples

These three dances are all unusual in some way, from compound choruses to one with a musical phrase that expects you to count to seven. - Greenwood, Kemp's Jig, and the Whish

Origins of Playford Dances

  • Jane Milford
  • TSH 122 on Friday at 1:00PM to 3:00PM

Round table discussing the research that I have found regarding tracing the dances published by Playford in The [English] Dancing Master(s) back into SCA period.

Playford's F Dances for Four Couples

My goal with this class would be to be able to teach the average dancer to be able to both of these dances(Fine Companion & Faine I Would) without someone calling it for them. So one should plan on going through each dance more than just once or twice. Both dances are from Playford 1651

Playing for dancing

This hands-on class for musicians, dance band leaders and dance instructors includes an overview of historical performance practice as well as offer practical solutions to common problems we face when coordinating the band with the dancers. Some things we may cover include pre-1600 instruments, instrumentation, percussion patterns, music sources and other accessible resources. Participants are encouraged to bring period instruments, both loud and soft, and a music stand. Instruments will be available to try and music will be provided.

Praetorius' Terpsichore Musarum

Terpsichore Musarum, published in 1612, contains over 300 dances in the French style and is the only secular work of Michael Praetorius to survive. We will cover the various types of dances contained in it and play through a number of them.

Preventing 'Bad' Reconstructions

Oftentimes reconstructions get in the 'wild' and later become 'that bad reconstruction'. How can we vet dances before they get into the wild without stiffling research?

Proper Breathing

Yes, we can all breathe -- but exercise and vocal performance both place an extra emphasis on getting good airflow. Throughout our lives we learn bad habits which restrict our breathing, which can lead to the sensation of stage-fright, tight throat and lack of vocal projection. These responses are learned -- and they can be unlearned. Marian of Heatherdale will guide you through easy physical and mental exercises to improve your breathing. This workshop will include simple stretches and breathing techniques; please wear comfortable clothing.

Ravenscroft's Rounds, Catches, and Cannons

Come sing some fun late period English rounds compiled by Mr. Ravenscroft. There'll be a little bit of history, and a lot of singing. Ability to sing from sheet music is helpful, but not necessary.

Reconstructing Dances

A step by step method for reconstructing dances, with some discussion of the issues involved with specific sources.

So You Want to Be a Dancer

YAY dancing!!!! - Half Hannigan, Rufty Tufty, Black Alman, Petit Vriens, Le Bens Distonys

Storytelling through Dance

Storytelling through Dance

Survey of European Dance Sources

Where do the historical dances we enjoy come from? Come for an orientation to the period books and manuscripts that are our sources. Discover how completely (or incompletely) they describe the dances, and what additional material they contain.

Tesara For Six

Tesara is a weaving dance for 10. This is an adaptation for 6 people. Steps needed will be only briefly taught, so participants should already be familiar with 15th-C Italian dance, or be fast learners willing to mess up.

The Dancing Rector of Tortworth and Other Curious Tales from the Archives

Dancing was a controversial subject in Tudor and Stuart England, with religious reformers and traditionalists taking each other to court to protest dancing or its suppression. This presentation looks at some of the strange and surprising stories about dancing found in church court records and other archival sources, and considers these tales within their historical context.

The Steps of 16th Century Italian Dance

Listen as I compare the step instructions of Caroso, Negri, and Santucci, then argue with me about the consequences. Don't we have it all wrong? Why didn't anyone tell me this stuff before now?

Three four-couple English Country Dances strictly reconstructed

Come learn a different, perhaps more strict, reconstruction of three English Country Dances and see if you like them more than the version you may be used to. - Newcastle, Nonesuch, A la Mode de France

Troublesome Tribus Triangles - New work on some more convoluted Gresley dances

Some of the dances in the Gresley manuscript are quite confusing, especially some with three people where the numbering gets mixed up. Please come an try these reconstructions. We can also look at some possible other choices. Where no music exists Martin Bildner has composed tunes in an appropriate style. Bugil, and TBA

Two 15th century Italian balli

Come learn two 15th century Italian dances where the music helps to tell you what comes next. Amoroso Isghardo is short and cute, while Bialte di Castilia (Beautiful Castile) is longer and more involved, with several changes of pace and position.

Two 15th century Italian basse

Come learn two 15th century Italian bassadances where the music only provides a beat (if you can find it) and the rest is up to you. Once you know these dances, you can show off your skills to everyone! - Allesandresca, Corona

Unchoreographed Arbeau

Think Arbeau is all branles? Think again! We'll look at some of Arbeau's unchoreographed dances, especially the Tordion and the Coronto. Come prepared to be exposed to some speculative reconstructions and to really move (these two dances great for those with lots of energy to burn)!

Vercepe

Vercepe is a challenging dance for five people. The class will focus on bringing out a dynamic performance, emphasizing contrast in the different sections. Students should be comfortable with 15th-C Italian dance in all 4 tempi.

Vikings Did Too Dance: An Exploration of Period Nordic Dance

Based on primary source research by Dame TSivia and her crony in crime, Countess Brynhildr Kormaksdottir (Dr. Sandra Straubhaar), this is an introductory class on the concept of ring-ballad dancing in the Nordic high middle ages and early Renaissance. Included will be dancing 3/4 steps to 4/4 timed music, singing refrains, and a good dollop of fun as well.

Warm-up / exercise class

Warm-up / exercise class

What then is a doblis? - a Round table on interpretation of the steps and figures found in the Gresl

Looking at Middle English dictionaries, usage in multiple dances and other near contemporary dance steps, we will discuss reconstruction options for the steps and floor figures found in the Gresley dances.

White Mensural Time Signatures

  • Crispin Sexi
  • TSH B129 on Saturday at 2:00PM to 3:00PM

How to probably read musical notation of the Renaissance. A rundown of the signs of mensural notation from the 16thC period. Covers Morely, Bathe, Ravenscroft and Cramps.

Your Dance Event Needs a Special Effect Budget

Or at least, it could use a few props and a bit of rehearsal time. Theatricals ranging from trivial to extravagant seems to have been a common ornament for dance parties in period, and recreating that can be fun.