Home > Dancing in the Ballrooms of 18th Century England and France
Dancing in the Ballrooms of 18th Century England and France
Friday 10th to Monday 13th July 2026 or Friday 10th to Friday 17th July at Bromsgrove School, West Midlands.
Course Outline
The aim of our summer school is to provide people with the time to study a range of dances, to improve dancing ability and confidence, and to have fun in good company. The full course provides an in-depth dance experience while the weekend courses are perfect for those with less time available or those just wanting to try out dancing of this period. You do not need to come with a dance partner.
Participants will study with their chosen tutor in daily classes, to develop technique and learn a selection of dances. A varied choice of afternoon workshops led by course tutors and other specialists will offer an opportunity to enrich your experience. Sociable evening activities will include informal dancing, talks and activities, with Tuesday afternoon free to rest or explore this beautiful and historic region. Each course will conclude with a celebration to share dances learned, for which you may wear a costume of the period (not obligatory)
Your teachers and their classes:
Nicolle Klinkeberg teaches the Baroque class "La Belle Danse"
Nicolle studied musicology at the University of Utrecht, after which historical dance became the focal point of her work. She studied with a number of specialists, including Lieven Baert, Markus Lehner and Sigrid T’Hooft. As a dancer she performed in several dance productions, most notably in Handel operas under the direction of Sigrid T’Hooft. For many years now she has taught workshops and courses. Since 2023 she has taught historical dance at the conservatories of Munich and Stuttgart.
For her class, she will select one or two couple dances from the early 18th-century French repertoire. The noble style of 'la belle dance' is renowned for evoking grace through its beautiful and elegant movements. This class is aimed at dancers with previous experience in baroque dance and a good knowledge of the basic steps. Particular emphasis will be placed on arm movements and exploring possibilities for expressiveness and communication.
Anne Daye teaches the social dancing of this period
Anne is a leading teacher of historical dance, always working from the original sources and their music. In her teaching, she nurtures skilful stepping, graceful carriage of the body and musicality with an awareness of the social context and manners of the time. She has published extensively, contributes to international conferences and also to dance-related topics in the media. Anne is Director of Education and Research for HDS.
This class welcomes dancers with some previous experience to learn country dances and cotillons enjoyed in ballrooms and assemblies at the time of George III and the Prince Regent (c.1760 – 1820), with the beautiful French, English and Scottish stepping of the age. We will also revive ‘the sweet and easy minuet’ of the Georgian repertoire, with its regular figures and individual variations, still considered the foundation of good dancing in the early nineteenth century.
Ann Hinchliffe (weekend course only) teaches simpler social dancing of the period
Ann started dancing and playing in folk clubs from age 9, and later joined various Morris sides and ceilidh bands. She joined the Historical Dance Society to find out where the wonderful English traditional dances came from, and ended up researching with them and the Early Dance Circle. Since then she has tutored for the National Trust, folk festivals and many community organisations. She is particularly passionate about the seminal 17th-century publications of John Playford and their dissemination, metamorphosed, across the globe.
Ann’s short weekend course will be based on English country dances of the later 1700s. It is suitable for complete beginners as well as those with some experience. Starting with basic longways formations and steps, we shall also try a minuet country dance, and one or two of the cotillions beloved by Jane Austen.
Practical Details
Our venue is Bromsgrove School, Worcester Road, Bromsgrove (satnav address B61 7HP). The school is set within 100 acres of beautiful grounds with a range of architecturally diverse buildings. The dance, drama and music facilities are superb and we will have the use of an excellent range of dance spaces, as well other facilities. The school campus is within easy walking distance of the town and 10 minutes’ walk from the accommodation. (Lifts can be arranged if required).
The fee includes modern, full-board accommodation per person. Rooms are single and en-suite, with a few twin rooms available for those who wish to share. Visit www.bromsgrove-school.co.uk for more information.
How to get there
The school is centrally located in Bromsgrove town and is easily accessible for local, national and international visitors. Bromsgrove is close to the M5 and M42 motorways and there is ample free parking on site. There are taxis and a shuttle bus service to the school from Bromsgrove train station, and rail connections to nearby Birmingham International Airport.
Bursaries
HDS may be able to offer a bursary to appropriate candidates. Details and the application form can be found here: https://historicaldance.org.uk/summer-school Applications should be made by email to bursaries@historicaldance.org.uk by 30 April 2026.
Recordings
Please be aware that we may wish to take photographs or short videos during the course for HDS purposes.
NB bookings close on 19th June 2026
Book below or alternatively print out the booking form to post.
Cancellation and Refunds
If you have to cancel your booking HDS will provide a full refund until 12th June 2026. We advise you to take out holiday insurance as, depending on circumstances and the timing of the cancellation, we may not be able to provide you with a full refund after this date. If HDS has to cancel the course due to circumstances beyond our control then HDS will provide a full refund.
If you have any queries or questions or would like to discuss your needs you are welcome to contact Gill Plant, Summer School Administrator: email summerschool@historicaldance.org.uk
You may like to take this opportunity to become a member of The Historical Dance Society. Please check the fees and how to join on our website (student discount available).
Join HDS – The Historical Dance Society