Dance, Dancing and Dancing Masters in Jane Austen's Day - Friday 7 May 2010

Friday, May 07, 2010 from 5:45 PM - 6:45 PM
CIVIC LIBRARY, CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA
Cost: Free

Explore the rich history of western European dance from the 16th century to the 19th century. Enjoy learning how the institution of the ball, ballroom etiquette, dances, dance music, dancing technique and the role of the dancing master evolved over this 400 year period.

Period illustrations, literature and instruction manuals (including rare antique originals that will be on display) will make the story come alive.

Sessions and topics covered will be:

• Friday 12 March - In Shakespeare's Day
• Friday 9 April - In the Baroque Era
• Friday 7 May - In Jane Austen's Day
• Friday 11 June - In Charles Dickens' Day

About the presenter:
Dr John Gardiner-Garden is a dance historian, researcher and book collector, who is also a dancer, choreographer, musician and composer. He has written several books and has several more on the way. John is the director of the Earthly Delights Historic Dance Academy, the only academy in Australia where participants can learn about and revel in the music, dance and costumes from the Renaissance to Victoria eras, through weekly classes and monthly balls. He can also be caught around the country displaying anything from a galliard to a galop, a minuet to a mazurka, or with his band Earhtly Delights playing anything from pavans to tangos at anything from garden weddings to grand concerts.
Visit the Earthly Delights website at www.earthlydelights.com.au.

Post - Jane Austen Festival 2010

We are now recovering from an amazing festival. Curls are being straightened, clothes washed and bonnets packed away for another year. Many of us are so inspired we are looking for dance groups locally to continue learning the range of regency dances that dancing master John Garden taught over the weekend. How many of us are dusting off Northanger Abbey in preparation for next year?

Yes, Northanger Abbey is the novel focus for 2011, together with a focus on Jane Austen and the Garden. Many new topics will be added to the program, and a new venue is already booked for an exciting opening night. New presenters are coming forward, keen to offer new topics and to share their skills with others. If you would like to be part of the program please contact the festival office.

We also want to thank the amazing volunteers who worked for the festival. Without their help we would not have had the event you so enjoyed, and we would like to welcome others who wish to volunteer next year. As a thank you to those who volunteer, for each day that you volunteer at the 2011 festival you will receive a 25% discount off your ticket price - so those volunteering over four days will end up with a free ticket!