Workshop: An Introduction to Baroque Dance Rhythms

Internationally-renowned period dance scholar, teacher, and performer, Philippa Waite presents "An Introduction to Baroque Dance Rhythms". This workshop will include general and specific warm-up exercises and instruction in some of the basic dance steps and arm motions in the main Baroque dance rhythms (e.g. bourée, menuet, sarabande, gigue). Experienced students will be taught more complex steps required for ballroom and theatre dances. Extracts from choreographed and extant notated dances may be taught. However, the emphasis will be on the style, technique and performance of the dances, and not on the ability to memorize them.
Saturday Schedule is:
8:30-9:00 am - Sign-in
9:00 am-12:30 pm (9-9:30 Warm-Up, 9:30-12:30 Class Begins)
The morning session will concentrate on the bourée and the minuet
12:30-2:00 pm Lunch: Not provided; there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance - or bring your own; coffee/tea etc. will be provided
2:00-5:30 pm - Class Resumes:
The afternoon session will concentrate on the sarabande and gigue
7:30-10:30 pm - Costumed Lecture-Demonstration and Country Dances for All:
The evening session will include a short costumed lecture-demonstration, given by Ms. Waite and advanced dancers, to highlight some of the dance rhythms found in a typical "classical suite". Everyone is then invited to get their dancing shoes on (and glad rags too) and join in some simple Baroque country dances (which will be taught) and those who attended the workshop may even like to try out some of the steps learned earlier in the day.
Spaces are limited - so early registration is encouraged! This session is hosted by San Francisco Renaissance Voices.