Baroque Dance for Musicians

Have you ever come across a Menuet in your repertoire and wondered: 'What tempo should this be played at?' Or chanced upon a Sarabande and wondered 'What could the phrasing be?'

If yes, then this workshop is for you! I'm a strong believer in physically doing something in order to learn. There are only so many sources we can read or words we can follow from our teachers or conductors. This workshop aims to give you the tools to understand baroque dance music from a dance perspective. 

This workshop is specifically designed to introduce musicians to basic baroque dance movements. Dance styles were such an integral part of baroque music composition and it is important for musicians to understand how dance can influence music. The workshop is open to musicians and dancers of all levels but those with an interest in French baroque music will find it most beneficial. 

This 1.5 hour workshop will cover accented and unaccented movements, basic step patterns, the bouree and the menuet. 

What to wear:

Comfortable and flexible clothing and if you have jazz or ballet flats please bring them, otherwise comfortable shoes with a light grip. 

The workshop is an introductory session to weekly sessions hosted on Tuesday nights in 2023 where musicians will have a chance to become intimately acquainted with baroque dance movement. For those who are particularly keen, intermediate baroque ballet will also be hosted on Tuesday nights in 2023.