32nd Annual Summer School, Hengrave Hall, 23rd-30th July 1999
Report by Karen Morgan
And verily, as they say, the sun shone once more on the hallowed halls of Hengrave and all was right with the world. Well, pretty much so, if the numbers of returning regulars and seasoned summer school goers were to be accounted for. And there were new faces too, from many parts of the world and varied walks of life; some even came courtesy of that strange new universe, the Internet. We ranged from sprightly pensioners to young dance graduates, newly sprung from their studies, and we represented many stages of historical dance development and baroque know-how. Yet the eclectic mix - one of the pleasures of these occasions - became a cohesive and, for the most part, harmonious whole under the skilful guidance of our tutors and the Dolmetsch elders.
The course structure, following the fairly familiar pattern of morning and late afternoon classes, with afternoon options and a variety of evening events, worked well. Those with the energy and enthusiasm to do so could be active more or less continually from breakfast to bed-time, whilst the possibility of designing your own rest periods was there for those that wanted. Teaching space, or the lack of it, was a problem generally acknowledged but seemingly an unsolvable one, short of moving out of Hengrave - not an option to be favoured. What is the answer - a marquee on the lawn? Probably not, so I guess it is just a question of continuing to rotate class groups, with the odd bit of judicious juggling thrown in when required.
The teaching quality was excellent, all three tutors - Dorothée Wortelboer, Jørgen Schou-Pedersen and Anne Daye, boasting impressive pedigrees as academics/researchers and teachers/performers in their chosen field. As a member of Dorothée's class, I found myself motivated, challenged and encouraged. She achieved an atmosphere that was both demanding and supportive, balancing the disciplines of technique with the artistry and joy of performance. Her own vitality, dedication and spirit were tangible, creating, I think in all of us, a sense of energy and finally exhilaration as Pécour's beautiful Sarabande d'Yssé and Feuillet's rollicking Entrée de Matelot began to come alive.
Option sessions offered an interesting mixture of practical and theoretical slants on the dance world at the end of the 17th century. A pity, although apparently inevitable, given her busy schedule, that Jennifer Thorp's offerings were at the very end of the course, particularly on the final afternoon when many were satiated and when space was at a premium for rehearsing offerings for the evening Assembly. And what a splendid evening it was, as costumed figures began to walk the ancient corridors and staircases of Hengrave, finally assembling in glorious profusion outside on the terrace to be assailed by the 20th century as cameras caught image after image for archive, family album and happy memories. Then to the dance. The Hengrave Assembly opened in grand and proper style with the Minuet, danced by Dorothée and Jørgen. The proceedings were hosted by Anne and accompanied by the indefatigable Jeremy Barlow, who had managed single-handedly to supply everyone's musical demands all week. On this occasion, he was joined by the violinist, Ilana Gravitz. The amount of material which had been covered in a week was truly staggering, a credit to the drive and energy of our tutors and to our own capacities of memory and stamina. However, the desire to include more or less everyone in more or less every thing they'd done on the course, made for a very long programme and, whilst understandable perhaps, it was eventually wearying for the watchers whose numbers gradually dwindled as the evening progressed. Selection, though not always an easy process, is to be recommended. However, the final chanting procession to Hengrave's inner court-yard, was a haunting and unifying culmination to the evening's events.
So, grumbles are few, I had a splendid time and my expectations were pleasantly fulfilled. The Hengrave community were charming hosts, the ambience suitably historic and stately, the accommodation most comfortable, and I only had to queue for a bathroom once! The food, too, was fine, despite rumours to the contrary. Only one real disaster and many successes - some lovely puddings and local Suffolk chard - definitely on my hit-list. The course ran smoothly and many thanks are due to those who put in a lot of hard work behind the scenes. The provision of a course booklet and accompanying tapes is a real bonus, again the result of much enterprise and labour, again thank you. And the presence of a course Bookshop - what a welcome temptation.
Summer schools are usually blessed with that unique blend of holiday spirit, purposeful study and the kinship of common interest, and this was no exception. But in the end, it is the tutors that "make or break" and so it is finally to Dorothée, Jørgen and Anne that I say thanks for a wonderful week, for your knowledge, skills and generosity.
There are a few pictures in the gallery.