The Bouffons class on Sat Aug 9 has been moved from 10am to 9am. There will be a replacement class for the 10am slot.
Welcome to the War! We have a full slate of dance classes and dance activities this year. Come out and dance with us in the Barn every evening, starting around 9pm. In addition, there will be a few special evening activities in the Dance Tent.
Sun Aug 10: 9:30 pm until... 15th Century Italian Party
Mon Aug 11: 6-7:30 pm Caroso-Style Ball, sponsored by Queen Elena
Tue Aug 12: 9:30 pm until... Pre-1603 Party
Wed Aug 13: 9:30-11 pm Real Caroso Ball
Thu Aug 14: Barn taken for Midrealm Court until ~11pm
9pm until... English Revel in the Dance Tent
Fri Aug 15: 9 pm - 1 am Pennsic Masked Ball (in the Barn)
Thu Aug 7, 12 noon (2 hours)
Henry of Maldon
Progressive Country Dancing: How to Do Thus to the Last.
In the earliest sources, the progressive country dances are well
established as one of the most typical formats.This class will focus
on some of the older dances of this kind, which are very different
from the more modern dances such as Hole in the Wall.
Thu Aug 7, 2 pm
Victoria Pringle
Victoria's Miscellany
Thu Aug 7, 3 pm
Henry of Maldon
English Country Dances
This introductory class will cover some of the more popular dances in the
SCA. If you don't yet dance, country dancing is a fun way to get started!
Thu Aug 7, 4 pm
Victoria Pringle
Beginning Dance
Fri Aug 8, 10 am
Henry of Maldon
Jump Around
Learn how to do some simple, happy and bouncy dances from the
Renaissance. Dances will include the piva, courante, and branle du
haut barrois. These kinds of dances are keeping me young. Maybe
they'll work for you too!
Fri Aug 8, 11 am
Henry of Maldon
Reconstructing Arbeau: Theory and Practice
This class will be a mixture of lecture, discussion, and
practicum. The process of dance reconstruction will be explored from
underlying assumptions through practical testing of hypotheses.
Fri Aug 8, 12 noon
Gwommy Anpurpaidh
Playford By Request
Dances that might be taught include Adson's Saraband, Argeers, Boate
Man, Bonny Bonny Broom, Chestnut, Cuckolds All In A Row, Faine I Would
If I Could, Glory of the West, Goddesses, Hyde Park, Newcastle, Old
Mole, Parson's Farewell, Scotch Cap and Whirlygig.
Fri Aug 8, 2 pm
Henry of Maldon
Naughty Courtly Dances
There's a shortage of documentation on how to do
period lap dancing. So instead we'll be learning some more innocuously
naughty dances that include hugging and kissing. (Repeated Wed Aug 13 at 1pm.)
Fri Aug 8, 3 pm
Henry of Maldon
The Old Measures
The Old Measures are among the earliest known dances from London, and are
an excellent introduction to the history of English dancing. Learn the
complete suite of eight measures, and you will be ready to go dancing at
the Inns of Court.
Fri Aug 8, 4 pm
Lyev Davidovitch
Beginning Dance
Come out and learn what you need to know to enjoy nightly dancing in
the Barn. Each day's class will feature different dances.
Sat Aug 9, 9 am (note change from 10am!)
Lyev Davidovitch
Bouffons
This is an introduction to Bouffons (aka Mattachins), a very easy
performance dance involving swords and bucklers. No experience in either
dancing or holding a sword is necessary! If time allows, there will be a
brief discussion on how this dance is similar to fencing moves of the time
period.
Sat Aug 9, 11 am
Henry of Maldon
La Gaillarde
This is one of the most flamboyant period dances. We'll be practicing
basic steps and techniques, and then learning a few variations. This
is your chance to practice cutting a caper.
Sat Aug 9, 12 noon
Henry of Maldon
Almost Famous Playford Dances
If you requested Sellengers Round back in 1650, would you be able to
dance to it? Would you even recognize it when they did it? This class
will be all about familiar dances in the SCA, in versions that match
(to the best of my ability) the original Playford instructions for
them. There will also be a discussion about interpretation of
Playford's instructions.
Sat Aug 9, 1 pm
Henry of Maldon
Branles
The branles (or "brawls") were popular dances for everybody. This class
will give an introduction both to the dances and to the steps used in
branles, including running steps, kicks, and other variations. If you think
you know branles, you might learn something new.
Sat Aug 9, 2 pm
Judith of Northumbria
Low, Slow, and Flirtatious: Cupido
This series is geared towards dancers of all levels. Cupido is a
short bassa danza that allows plenty opportunity to move gracefully
and to flirt with one's partner. Brief historical/cultural overview
and ornamentation will also be covered. CDs will be available for
fee.
Sat Aug 9, 3 pm
Judith of Northumbria
Low, Slow, and Flirtatious: Gioioso Spagnguolo
This series is geared towards dancers of all levels.
This dance constitutes part of the `Gioioso Suite' of dances, of which
Rosti Boli Gioioso is part. A dance that encourages flirtatious/
seductive improvisation. Brief historical/cultural overview and
ornamentation will also be covered. CDs will be available for fee.
Sat Aug 9, 4 pm
Lady Allasan inghean Fhaolain
Beginning Dance
Come out and learn what you need to know to enjoy nightly dancing in
the Barn. Each day's class will feature different dances.
Sun Aug 10, 10 am
Mara Kolarova
Teaching Techniques for Dancemasters
Suggestions for effectively teaching Renaissance dance, making changes to
your group's social dance repetoire, and things you might try with your
dance practice.
Sun Aug 10, 11 am
Gwommy Anpurpaidh
15th Century Italian By Request
Dances that will be taught include Anello, Gelosia, Leoncello Vecchio
and Marchesana.
Sun Aug 10, 12 noon
Gregory Blount
15c Italian Steps Roundtable
So how do you do those 15th century Italian steps,
anyway? I'll bring translations of the primary sources (Smith), a step
concordance (Wilson), and hopefully other folks will bring materials
related to Brainard's, Sparti's, and other people's
interpretations. Then we'll have a spirited and educational exchange
about different reconstructions of the piva, saltarello, reprisa, and
so forth.
Sun Aug 10, 1 pm
Lyev Davidovitch
Dance to the music: The four misure of dance
This is a workshop class where you can learn several ways to improve the
style of your dancing. Get practice in stepping to a variety of tunes, and
then see if the musician can draw you off tempo. A basic understanding of
15th c. Italian dance steps and knowing the dance Rostboli Gioioso is
helpful but not necessary for this class. For all levels of experience, but
some material will be fast-paced to the beginners. See also the description
for "Dance with style and grace the period way".
Sun Aug 10, 2 pm
Lowrie Leulyn
More 15th Century Italian Dancing, Fia Guielmina
Fia Guielmina is an elegant yet lively dance from Domenico. Students should
already have a basic knowledge of 15th Century Italian dance steps.
Sun Aug 10, 3 pm
Lady Allasan inghean Fhaolain
Simple Bransles for Everyone
Looking for some fun and easy dances? This class will cover several
basic bransles including: Horse's Bransle, Maltese Bransle, Official
Bransle, and Pease Bransle.
Sun Aug 10, 4 pm
Lady Mickel von Salm
Beginning Dance
Come out and learn what you need to know to enjoy nightly dancing in
the Barn. Each day's class will feature different dances.
Mon Aug 11, 10 am
Gregory
Teaching Dance
Another view on teaching dance: Ways to inspire your students, keep
them interested, and teach more teachers.
Mon Aug 11, 11 am
Judith of Northumbria
Low, Slow and Flirtatious: Lauro.
This series is geared towards dancers of all levels.
This gem was created by none other than Lorenzo de'Medici il
Magnifico himself. Brief historical/cultural overview and
ornamentation will also be covered. CDs will be available for fee. 1
Hour
Mon Aug 11, 12 noon (2 hours)
Gwommy Anpurpaidh
Caroso By Request
Dances that will be taught include Ballo Del Fiore, Bella Gioiosa, La
Castellana, Contropasso In Due, Dolce Amorosa Fiamma, Gracca Amorosa,
Spagnoletta Regulata and Villanella.
Mon Aug 11, 2 pm
Gregory Blount
Reconstructing Caroso & Negri
A short tutorial concerning the use of electronic resources to
reconstruct 16th century Italian dances
Mon Aug 11, 3 pm
Judith of Northumbria
Villanella: The Little Country Maid
A charming mèŠnages a deux, this dance is destined to please.
It will also be on the Pennsic Ball List, so here is a great
opportunity to really learn the dance. No experience necessary. CDs
available for fee.
Mon Aug 11, 4 pm
TBA
Beginning Dance
Come out and learn what you need to know to enjoy nightly dancing in
the Barn. Each day's class will feature different dances.
Mon Aug 11, 6 pm (2 hours)
Gregory Blount
Caroso-Style Ball
Come join Queen Elena of Trimaris in a Ball inspired by the prescriptions of
Fabritio Caroso. Spectators are welcome.
Tue Aug 12, 10 am
Henry of Maldon
Jump Around
Learn how to do some simple, happy and bouncy dances from the
Renaissance. Dances will include the piva, courante, and branle du
haut barrois. These kinds of dances are keeping me young. Maybe
they'll work for you too!
Tue Aug 12, 11 am
Judith of Northumbria
Fast and Flirtatious: La Pinzochera
A dance for sets of four designed to satisfy the most
hey-starved dancer. Some previous Renaissance dance experience
recommended, though not necessary. Brief historical/cultural
overview. CDs will be available for fee. 1 Hour
Tue Aug 12, 12 noon
Lyev Davidovitch
Dance with style and grace the period way: Guglielmo's six principal
elements of dance
Guglielmo gives rules for dancing well -- his Six Principal Elements of
dance -- and also a series of exercises that students can do to improve
their skill. Learn how to dance on a crowded floor, and glide "like a
gondola." Since the emphasis is on 15th c. Italian dance, a basic
understanding of it and knowing Rostboli Gioioso is helpful but not
necessary for this class. For all levels of experience, but some material
will be fast-paced to the beginners. See also the description for "Dance to
the music: The four misure of dance".
Tue Aug 12, 1 pm
Lowrie Leulyn
Gratioso
Il Gratioso, a moderate Italian dance from Negri, uses
simple steps, but contain somewhat intricate figures. Students should
already have a basic knowledge of 16th Century Italian dance steps.
Tue Aug 12, 2 pm
Judith of Northumbria
Period Partner Swapping
It seems that swinging has a definite precedent in the
Period of the SCA. No experience necessary. CDs available for fee. 1
Hour. Dances to be covered: The Slip (Il Piantone) and a Hunt of Love
(Una Caccia D'Amore).
Tue Aug 12, 3 pm
Saltatoris Dance Guild
Beginning English Country Dancing
This class is geared towards the individual. Learn the basic
elements of English country dances, according to Playford, then name the
dances you'd like to learn, practice, or just dance for fun.
Tue Aug 12, 4 pm (2 hours)
Judith of Northumbria
Ball Preparation
You've heard that the Pennsic Masked Ball is fun, but don't know all
the dances? Fear not: this series of classes will teach you everything
you need to know, and more.
Wed Aug 13, 10 am
Judith of Northumbria
Renaissance Folk Dance
Part Lecture, Part Practicum. Historical overview with
primary sources discussed. And then we get to taste a bit of what
Brueghel's country folk seem to be so gaily enjoying. 1 Hour.
Wed Aug 13, 11 am
Saltatoris Dance Guild
Intermediate ECD
The dances taught will depend on the number of participants and
the dances they wish to learn. Possibilities include, but are in no way
limited to, Hide Park, If All the World Were Paper, Whirlygig, Parsons
Farewell, Bonny Bonny Broom, and Fine Companion.
Wed Aug 13, 12 noon
Mara Kolarova
Coranto
The Coranto is an easy 16th-century dance, popular internationally, with
rather ambiguous source descriptions that make it hard to reconstruct. I
know several reconstructions, we'll dance through them and talk about the
differences. If you know yet another version, please share it!
Wed Aug 13, 1 pm
Henry of Maldon
Naughty Courtly Dances
There's a shortage of documentation on how to do
period lap dancing. So instead we'll be learning some more innocuously
naughty dances that include hugging and kissing. (Repeated Fri Aug 8 at 2pm.)
Wed Aug 13, 2 pm (2 hours)
Gregory Blount
New 16c Italian Dances
Come learn some "new" 16th Century Italian dances... even though
GeoffyMatt won't come to Pennsic this year, his reconstructions will.
Wed Aug 13, 4 pm (2 hours)
Judith of Northumbria
Ball Prep
You've heard that the Pennsic Masked Ball is fun, but don't know all
the dances? Fear not: this series of classes will teach you everything
you need to know, and more.
Wed Aug 13, 9:30 pm (2 hours)
Mara Kolarova
Real Caroso Ball
Join Countess Mara for an evening of 16th century Italian dancing,
following the prescriptions of Fabritio Caroso. Spectators are
welcome.
Thu Aug 14, 10 am
Henry of Maldon
La Gaillarde
This is one of the most flamboyant period dances.
We'll be practicing basic steps and techniques, and then learning a few
variations. This is your chance to practice cutting a caper.
Thu Aug 14, 11 am
Lyev Davidovitch
Branles and Pavans: the forgotten genre of French 16th c. dance (aka,
"Arbeau says WHAT?!")
Many SCA dancers started with these easy dances as beginners, and then
moved on to other genres. I feel that there is plenty in Arbeau to keep
dancers of all skill levels interested. Learn how to do Horse's Branle six
different ways! This class is for everyone from absolute beginner to
experienced dance instructor. See also the description for "How to
reconstruct dances from the period sources".
Thu Aug 14, 12 noon (2 hours)
Henry of Maldon
Playford by Request
Make your requests for any first-edition Playford
dance. If sufficient dancers and satisfactory music are to be found, I will
endeavor to teach each requested dance, either from memory (if I remember
it) or from the book. If there's a shortage of requests, I'll teach
whatever I like.
Thu Aug 14, 2 pm (2 hours)
Rosanore of Redthorn
Old Measures
We'll learn all of the eight old measures and then we'll dance them
all in order. These dances will be danced later Thursday night at the
English Revel in the Dance Tent.
Thu Aug 14, 4 pm (2 hours)
Judith of Northumbria
Ball Prep
You've heard that the Pennsic Masked Ball is fun, but don't know all
the dances? Fear not: this series of classes will teach you everything
you need to know, and more.
Fri Aug 15, 10 am
Judith of Northumbria
A 15th c. Trenchmore: La Chirintana
Fast movements, heys, and the opportunity to bound
happily about the hall---what more could a dancer want? No previous
experience necessary. Brief historical/cultural overview. 1 Hour.
CDs available for fee.
Fri Aug 15, 11 am
Henry of Maldon
Spinning, Leaping, and Lifting: La Volte
The lavolta, or la volte, is an energetic and dizzy
dance, highly recommended for agile and adventurous dancers. It's also a
good way for a man to pick up a woman. Literally. Thrill your partner,
annoy the moralists, and make a good impression on Queen Elizabeth I of
England. By the way, if any woman wears a busk to this class it should be
well fitted and securely stitched together.
Fri Aug 15, 12 noon
Lyev Davidovitch
How to reconstruct dances from the period sources (aka, "You mean dances
don't come from cheat sheets?")
Learn the fun process of reconstructing dances. Get to do your own
reconstructions from Arbeau, and show them off for the class. The emphasis
will be on French 16th c. dances, but the skills learn are applicable with
all genres of dance. For everyone who wants to teach dance. See also the
description for "Branles and Pavans: the forgotten genre of French 16th c,
dance".
Fri Aug 15, 1 pm
Judith of Northumbria
15th c. English Dances
Documented by some country steward, these dances were
recently discovered on the back of a household accounting from the
turn of the 15th century. Come learn two of the dances from these
manuscripts, along with some of the difficulties in reconstructing
them. CD will be available. Dances to be covered: Prenes Y Garde and
Ly Bens Dystonis. 1 Hour.
Fri Aug 15, 2 pm
Etienne
Simple 16th Century Italian Dances for Two
So, you have always heard that Italian dance was hard and
you've thought, "I can never learn that." Well, I am here to change your
mind. Come learn two newly reconstructed dances from Caroso's "Il
Ballarino," La Castellana and Laccio d'Amore.
Fri Aug 15, 3 pm (2 hours)
Judith of Northumbria
Ball Prep
You've heard that the Pennsic Masked Ball is fun, but don't know all
the dances? Fear not: this series of classes will teach you everything
you need to know, and more.
Fri Aug 15, 5 pm
Adele Desfontaines
Dance Tent Floor Disassembly
Gregory Blount of Isenfir (Greg Lindahl) (lindahl@pbm.com)