The Baroque Project

Yes, truly amazing it was. My first time to attend this international Summer school organized by Philippa Waite and the Consort de Danse Baroque, now in its 18th edition, that took place in Cardiff on August 21-31 (http://www.ukbaroquedance.com/summer/course.html). Divided in three 3-day modules, all of them open to all levels—from the complete beginner to the advanced and professional performer—it ended with a party open to the general public on the 10th day, which unfortunately I could not attend, where Baroque country and court dances (including Purcell’s beautiful Chaconne from The Fairy Queen that I so much enjoyed dancing at the school) were performed in period costume. Extremely well organized, very knowledgeable, welcoming and enthusiastic teaching staff, very friendly atmosphere, every student received personalized attention and the right training and amount of “challenge” for their level. I definitely look forward to next year’s edition and, in the meantime, to Philippa’s regular Baroque dance classes in London (http://www.ukbaroquedance.com/classes). She also teaches in other locations in the UK (as well as in the US and occasionally in other countries), and styles from the 12th to the early 20th century (which I haven’t tried but I would expect to be just as good). I strongly recommend her classes.