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Summer School 2022
Regency Dancing
(Dances from Britain and the rest of Europe c.1800)
Friday 22nd July to Friday 29th July 2022
Course Outline
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. The course will conclude with a Regency ball to live music, for which you may wear a costume of the period (not obligatory).
A shorter option (Friday dinner to Monday breakfast) is available for those unable to stay for the whole week. This is an excellent chance for newcomers to explore dancing of c.1800.
Tutor & Class Details
Libby Curzon
Libby has been teacher and leader of Mrs Bennet's Ballroom set up in 2013, running weekly Regency dance classes in Surbiton (London). ‘I like organising our annual balls, tea dances and promenade picnics, all very popular! I discovered quadrilles through Ellis and Chris Rogers. I enjoy encouraging new people to try historical dance, seeing people improve and get the bug! I enjoy the pleasure that dance brings to both body & mind’.
The Introductory/Improvers course will cover country dances & cotillons from A New Collection of Dances for Jane Austen published by HDS. Studying these dances will help you to learn the fundamental moves, footwork, timing and patterns of these popular dances. The aim of the course is to improve danceability and confidence in dance to be able to enjoy attending a ball. We will also learn some triolets, larger formation dances popular in European ballrooms of the era, giving a great sense of teamwork and achievement.
Anne Daye
Anne has extensive experience as a teacher, researcher and writer on historical dance. For the recent publication A New Collection of Dances for Jane Austen, Anne has gathered dances with thematic links to Jane Austen’s life and family, making a special insight into Regency life. Anne teaches widely, also sharing her love of these sociable yet skilled dances through consultancy for the media, giving talks and by leading balls for all to enjoy.
Her Intermediate level class will focus on the riches of dancing in the British Isles from the late Georgian to Regency reigns: country dances, cotillons, early quadrilles, reels and waltzes, including steps from the Irish and Scottish repertoires. The class is intended for those with some previous experience of dance figures and steps, who are ready to explore the more sophisticated dances of the age. Teaching will encourage lively, sociable and graceful skills.
Jørgen Schou-Pedersen
Jørgen studied the Science of Music at the University of Copenhagen. He is internationally recognized for his research in the field of the history of dance, and he has given papers at several international conferences on the topic. As a teacher he specializes in bringing interesting dances from little known sources to life. He has studied the history of dance with many of the world’s leading experts and he carries the teaching certificate from The Historical Dance Society. He has given courses in many European countries and he also teaches historical dance at the National Theatre School and the Royal Music Conservatory in Copenhagen. He has choreographed for stage, film and TV, and he runs three performing dance groups.
Through selected dances from Denmark, France and Germany, Jørgen’s Intermediate class will explore how European style and fashion in dance changed during the late 18th c. and early 19th c. The repertoire will cover the transition from cotillon to quadrilles, early waltz dances and longways. The level will be intermediate, but students should be prepared to try a few somewhat balletic steps.
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 as the swimming pool (subject to availability). The school campus is within easy walking distance of the town. The fee includes modern, high-quality, full-board accommodation per person.All rooms are single, en-suite and lockable, and there is an excellent choice of food in the main school dining hall. 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 is a shuttle service to the school from Bromsgrove train station, and rail connections to nearby Birmingham International Airport.
Fees
The fee for the full course (Fri 22 July to Fri 729 July, depart after breakfast) is £610 for HDS members, £630 for non-members.
The fee for the short course (Fri 22 July to Mon 25 July, depart after breakfast) is £265 for HDS members, £275 for non-members.
Bursaries
HDS may be able to offer a bursary to appropriate candidates.Details and the application formcan be found here:
https://historicaldance.org.uk/summer-school
Applications should be made by email to:
bursaries@historicaldance.org.uk by 30 April 2022.
Booking forms and further details
You can BOOK ONLINE and pay here on Web Collect (see below). We take Paypal, Direct Debit (Go Cardless), Cheque and Bank Transfer (including IBAN and SWIFT payments).
or you can use the Booking Form which you can download from this page.
You are welcome to contact the summer school administrator, Gill Plant, to discuss your needs (tel. 01782 661476 or email summerschool@historicaldance.org.uk).
Cancellation & refunds
If you have to cancel your booking, HDS will provide a full refund until 24 June 2022. 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 government regulations or circumstances beyond our control then HDS will provide a full refund.