February 2019 Baroque Dance Workshop

A Baroque Dance Workshop took place on February 16, 2019. Catherine Lee, the Artistic Director of Historical Performance Ensemble, engaged us all in the history and influences of this period. We learned the rhythm and steps of the Minuet, Bourree and other dances. A discussion about the various instruments, ornaments and performance styles of the French Baroque followed. Several examples of historical dance steps’ notation were shown, as well as books and musical instruments. The final portion of the afternoon was a costume demonstration where Catherine Lee dressed her assistant Selina in all the layers worn during this period including replica shoes and wigs.