I will be teaching two dance workshops for The Elegant Arts Society
in New York City this Sunday, March 8th. Logistical details are
below.
The first (1:00-3:45pm) will focus on the dances of the Regency era (1810-1820), including steps and figures for country dances and French quadrilles. Specifically, we will dance and look at a step-sequences to use in L'Été and La Finale (second and fifth figures of the French quadrille) and the fifth figure of The Caledonians and will enjoy a Spanish Dance and an 1816 version of the classic Money Musk as well as the Scotch Reel for six and the amazing reel for nine people (and one hat) known as the Bumpkin.
The second class (4:00-6:00pm) will be an unusual experience, as we will be teaching and dancing some of the many figures of the mid-19th century cotillion, also known as the German cotillion or simply Germans. These are dance games done using basic steps of the waltz, polka, and mazurka in which the dancers change partners in various ways and dance figures that range from those found in quadrilles to those we think of as children's games today, though this class will focus more on the former than the latter, using figures drawn from mid-19th century French and English dance manuals. Learn the secrets of La Phalange, Le Mouchoir, Le Chapeau Volant, L'X des Cavaliers, Les Genuflexions, La Double Pastourelle, and Les Chaines Continues. Enough basic waltz and polka will be taught for students to be able to manage the figures. Mazurka will be reserved for my May class, which will revisit many of the same figures using the steps of that lively dance.
Both of the above are beginner-level classes. No experience is needed, no partner is required, and clean leather-soled flat shoes (not high heels) are recommended. Gender balance is not guaranteed.
The classes are held at Dick Shea's (a capoeira studio), 104 W. 14th Street at 6th Avenue, New York City. Ring buzzer #3, up 2 flights, first door on the right. For more information, please email EAS.
The Regency class costs $18, or $12 for people attending for the first time; the Victorian class costs $15.
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