Building on from the successes of our ‘Poldark Weekends’, we would like to invite dancers to an extended course of dancing, games and fun. Led by Stuart Marsden (Dancing Master & Choreographer of the acclaimed TV series) with music from the brilliant Warleggan Village Band, Matt Coatsworth, Richard Heacock & Chris Green (Musicians of the same TV series.)
The course will encompass the rich and varied dances and dance styles of the late 18th and early 19th Century, focusing on technique, dance patterns and musicality. Additionally, in the sessions we will explore how the manners of the day, fashion, culture and the wider historical context influenced the development of social dancing.
Costume is most welcome for class or evening entertainments but is not obligatory. The week will cumulate with a ball on the Thursday evening; the theme for the ball is ‘Spring and Flowers’.
Who’s it For?
This course is aimed at experienced / advanced dancers who would like to further develop their technique, interpretation and knowledge of dancing of this period.
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.” Previous Participant
The house band – known as ‘The Warleggan Band’ – 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!” Previous Participant
