What is minuet dancing?

Minuet dancing is an unusual past-time, but it has connections to all sorts of disciplines - and has much to offer, whether you're looking to engage body, mind or spirit! It's a lot of fun and even people who have never done dance classes before manage to pick it up. Although it does take practice to perform it with elegance.

History

The minuet was an important aspect of the 18th century (and popular across Europe for around 100 years!) – people were judged on their elegant dancing at court! It's fascinating to see the original dance instructions and appreciate first-hand how the clothes affect the movements. Not to mention the privileged access to wonderful old buildings...

Logic

Spatial awareness and a knack for patterns are key to this style of dance and certainly keep the little grey cells ticking over - the continually shifting shapes can seem like a cross between a human kaleidoscope and a game of chess!

Music

It's difficult not to feel uplifted by baroque melodies, and our steps add another layer which can echo the rhythms of the music or form syncopations with it. And as much as we love Handel, we like the more obscure composers too.

Dance

Although baroque dance evolved into ballet, a lot of the techniques are pretty unique, so there's plenty to learn even if you're familiar with other styles; some dances require balance and control, others need lots of energy.

Costumes

For events we usually wear recreations of 1760s-1770s ballroom outfits:

Ladies wear a silk dress over a chemise and stays (corset), along with an extra hoop-like structure around the hips to puff the skirt out at the sides. It takes a little getting used to but it's much more flattering than modern fashions!
Gentlemen have it easy with a military or silk/velvet suit comprising breeches, chemise, cravat, waistcoat and coat. A tricorn hat and a flash pair of buckles complete the ensemble.

We perform in Regency costumes if requested.

Some costumes can be borrowed from the company, although many members find they prefer to make their own or have their own made.