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Presentation
Informal sessions can be
arranged for small groups. Larger groups could be treated to more of
a show with 2 performers and costumes. Individual performances can last
between 45 minutes and an hour but with the possibility of 2 or 3 sessions
in a day. A solo show presented by a jester (late medieval/early tudor
costume) is another option.
Music
Tunes on recorders
and mandolin (backed up by less authentic accordion and tapes/CDs):
The
Beginning of the World (for the dance Sellinger's Round)
Arbeau's Pavane
The Horses Branle (Brawl)
Many of these can be played later by pupils.
Information on the instruments and music theory can be included.
Dance
Everyone gets a chance to try dancing
graceful Pavanes and Measures, energetic Galliards and rumbustious
Branles (also known as Brawls and often danced that way!) The dances were collected for the early editions of "The English Dancing
Master" published by John Playford in 1651.
Pavane: A stately court
dance made up of "Single" and "Double" steps in different directions. It
can be done with couples (lady usually on man's right) facing forwards to
the top of the room ("to the presence") or with couples moving
anti-clockwise around the room.
Galliard: An energetic dance with
leaps, often done after a pavane as a contrast.
Branle: Originally from the French Courts, the
dances were adopted by the lower classes. Danced in circles or broken circles
i.e. horseshoe shape as in "The Horses Branle"
History
Between dance and music there
can be discussion on the impact of costume and space on the dancing. Major
events and historical details are included with illustrative quotations,
pictures, poems and literature.
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