I will be teaching two dance workshops for The Elegant Arts Society
in New York City this Sunday, May 3rd. 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 Le Pantalon, L'Eté, La Poule, and La Trenise (first through fourth figures of the French quadrille) and will enjoy a Spanish Dance and an 1816 version of the classic Money Musk as well as the Scotch Reel for six and -- numbers permitting -- the amazing reel for nine people (and one hat) known as the Bumpkin.
The second class (4:00-6:00pm) will cover the basic steps of the mazurka (primarily the promenade, but also including the tour sur place and possibly a bit of the valse mazurka) and several freestyle mazurka cotillion figures, including Le Grand Rond, Les Chaines Continues, La Genuflexion à Quatre, and the delightfully named L'X de Cavalier et de la Dame. This will be a bouncy class with plenty of hops and small leaps. Steps and figures are drawn from an 1847 Parisian dance manual by noted dancing master Henri Cellarius.
Both of the above are beginner-level classes, though the mazurka requires the ability to leap and hop. No experience is needed, no partner is required, and clean leather-soled flat shoes (no 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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