36th Annual Summer School, Hengrave Hall, 25th July - 1st August 2003
The course celebrated a golden age of English dancing when the virtuosity of the passomezzo and the galliard was enjoyed alongside the sociable measures and country dances. At the same time, dance as a spectacle was presented at court in masques and on the public stage in plays. Each class learnt a selection of dances from the Jacobean repertoire, plus an example of a theatre dance and balletti from the Italian sources. The emphasis was on developing individual skill and confidence in the style, through a selection of dances and steps from the sources of the period. The programme culminated in the revels, accompanied by a consort of instrumentalists on the last night.
During the morning and late afternoon sessions, classes were with the class tutor. Keyboard accompaniment was provided during classes by Jeremy Barlow. In the afternoon, various options were offered to allow all to experience different teaching styles and different aspects of dance of this period.
To honour patronage of the masque by James I, lectures and practical projects explored theatre dance. An optional afternoon activity result in the presentation of a masque based on shows presented to James when visiting country estates like Hengrave Hall.