An absolutely fabulous weekend. Inspired teaching, humour, music that radiated energy. Thank you to Suart, the musicians and staff! 2017 Participant
Dancing and music in 18th Century England was at the centre of society and therefore essential to the plot of its novelists. Halsway Manor offers a weekend away to explore the dances and music of this ‘Georgeous’ period written about and captured on camera in BBC’s adaptation of the novels of Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’.
“It has to be historically correct!“ (to the directors) Stuart Marsden
We promise not recreate the 18th Century ‘baroque stage & court dances’ but do promise to bring the exquisite 18th century country dance steps, rhythms and sounds into our ballroom for all to enjoy – in the lovely setting of Halsway Manor!
Who’s it For?
This course is for all levels of experience and will be tailored to the abilities of each dancer. Costume of the period is welcome – and encouraged – but not necessary.
The Team
Stuart Marsden has worked as choreographer and dancing master for many historical TV dramas, documentaries & theatre productions including Poldark, ‘Pride & Prejudice Having a Ball’ (BBC2) and ‘The Georgians- Behind Closed Doors’ (BBC4). He is a respected researcher, caller and teacher of historical dance.
“Can there be anything more sublime than to dance in costume, to original music, in a room that evokes memories of the dance when it was originally performed? I can’t help it, there is something about the romance of a bygone era that is quite irresistible.”Stuart Marsden
Stuart trained at Rambert School of Classical & Contemporary Dance and loves teaching and getting the best out of every dancer. http://www.thedancingmaster.co.uk/
Stuart is excellent and made everyone feel lovely. 2017 Participant
The house band have all appeared in Series One and Two of ‘Poldark’. Matthew Coatsworth (violin) also plays in Boldwood. Chris Green (guitar) plays in The Playford Liberation Front and GreenMatthews. Richard Heacock (violin) recorded the dance music for ‘Poldark’, and is a regular tutor (with Paul Hutchinson and Karen Wimhurst) on the successful ‘Playing Playford’ courses at Halsway.
The musicians were amazing – I enjoyed all the arrangements! 2017 Participant
Pictured at the top (in fabulous Poldark-esque attire!): Chris Green, Matt Coatsworth, Stuart Marsden, Richard Heacock.