“What’s new, Henry?“ Countrydances aus Henry Playfords Sammlungen um 1690
(Philippe Callens)
The dance evening will feature English country dances from the last quarter of the 17th century, a period of transition and change. Most of the period is dominated by Henry Playford who having taken over his father’s business published the 8th till the 12th edition of The Dancing Master (1690-1703). Those editions contain several new stylistic features which we will explore during the evening.
Philippe Callens (Antwerp, Belgium):
Philippe Callens is known internationally as a leader of English country dance which he has been teaching for 25 years. In 1988 he started a monthly country dance series in Mortsel (near Antwerp). That series is now in its sixteenth season. Over the past fifteen years he has also frequently taught in the Netherlands and at dance weekends in England, Denmark, Germany, Switserland and the Czech Republic. Especially in the United States he has gained a reputation as a very competent leader of English country dance; he has been on staff at week long courses at Pinewoods, Mendocino, Brasstown and Buffalo Gap. Philippe is also a choreographer of modern English country dances. He has published two volumes of them and an accompanying CD called Red Star Line.
