Theatrical elements in the country dances of Thomas Bray, 1699
(Philippe Callens)

In 1699 the London based dancing master Thomas Bray published a collection of twenty country dances. That collection is unique for several reasons one of which is the unusual character of the patterns. Indeed, these dances are very effective as performance pieces. Bray was the choreographer at Lincoln Inn Fields theatre and it is certainly possible that his dances incorporated aspects of his theatrical dance choreographies.

This workshop will explore the more unusual patterns that are Bray hallmarks; some of the more challenging dances will also be taught. It is intended for those familiar with the basic elements of longways English country dance.

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.