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More info

Been bitten by the baroque bug? Here are some more avenues for you to investigate (with a bit of a London bias)...

Websites

Painting of a man next to a globeGoogling 'baroque dance' will only get you so far, so have a browse of these sites too. Most cover early dance in general (15th-19th centuries), and despite their simple appearance, are stuffed with useful information. 

Matt's Baroque Dance Pages

A thorough explanation of what baroque dance is, translations of dance manuals from 1728 (Rameau/Essex) and 1735 (Tomlinson), and links to almost every baroque dance site on the web!

The Early Dance Circle

An organisation formed in 1984 to promote the performance and study of early dance, this site includes a superb resource centre, and a UK-wide directory of classes/groups.

The Dolmetsch Historical Dance Society

Founded in 1970 to promote the knowledge of historical dance, DHDS publishes instruction booklets based on its own research, which are listed on this site.

The Calendar of Early Dance

A site designed to bring lovers of early dance together, it includes facsimiles of Tomlinson and Feuillet choreography (1700-1724), as well as a handy diary of classes, workshops, balls, conferences and festivals taking place across Europe.

Démodé historical costume

Of course you don't quite get the full effect of early dance without the corresponding outfits; this excellent site contains research, examples and explanations of everything from brunswicks (hoodies) to hair poufs to underpinnings.

Happenings

Painting of a lady playing a harpThere are always 18th century-related events, festivals, plays, films, exhibitions or concerts going on; here are some that we've spotted (although we can't attest to how good they are until one of us goes to them!)

 

From November 2015 - "High Spirits" at the Queen's Gallery

A fabulous collection of keenly observant satires by English caricaturist Thomas Rowlandson comes to London for the winter.

The Royal Academy are hosting a "Masquerade" evening on Saturday 23rd January - sold out now, but worth checking for returns nearer the time perhaps..

If you can't manage the above masquerade, then console yourself with the Jean-Etienne Liotard exhibition, also at the RA and finishing on the 31st January.

Books

Painting of a man reading a bookBooks on the minuet tend to be either translations of original treatises, or guides to the development of dance over the centuries. Either way, you're more like to find them in a library (like the one at Cecil Sharp House) than on Amazon. 

The Minuet in the Late Eighteenth Century, Inglehearn, 1998

An excellent introduction that includes a reprint of Gardiner's A Dancing Master's Instruction Book (1786).

The Art of Dancing and Six Dances, Tomlinson, 2010

A fascimile of Tomlinson's treatise, The Art of Dancing, written in 1724. It contains detailed written descriptions of steps, including four methods of performing the minuet step.

Dance of Court and Theater, Hilton, 1997

An analysis of primary sources on dance of the baroque period, particularly the Beauchamp-Feuillet notation system, plus fascimilies of some 1700 and 1701 French dances.

Advanced Historical Dances, Wood, 2010

A study of characteristic dances from past ages, this volume covers 18th and 19th century dances, as well as the transition to ballet.

Historical Dances for the Theatre: The Pavan & Minuet, Guthrie, 1982

Detailed practical instructions on how to perform the minuet, along with music arranged for piano.

Groups

Painting of three people reading sheet musicLike banging on about the baroque? There are a number of groups around, whether you want to put your talents to good use or just mingle with like-minded people. No connection to us but they sound lovely.

All Things Baroque meetup group

Celebrate baroque culture with your fellow-Londoners! Led by the indefatigable Andrea, all forms of the era are explored, including music, art, architecture, theatre, dance and food.

Belsize Baroque

An amateur baroque orchestra that performs on period instruments in an historically informed style, collaborating with renowned early music directors and choral groups.

London Community Baroque Orchestra

This partnership between period-instrument ensemble L’Avventura London and the Foundling Museum provides training in historical performance practice to amateur adult musicians.

English Baroque Choir

A leading London amateur choir directed by Jeremy Jackman, with baroque music at the heart of their repertoire.

Bath Minuet Company

If London's too much of a commute, we can heartily recommend our sister organisation in Bath, and their fabulous annual ball.