The Triumph of Anti-Fashion: how conservatism nurtured innovation in 18th century Spain
(Jane Gingell )
Spain under the Bourbon kings was exposed to a great influx of French influence, in all walks of life, including the Arts. There was a culture clash between French and Spanish styles from the moment Felipe V arrived in Spain in 1701. But Spain’s own determined conservatism was too ingrained to banish completely, and, despite the influence of the Bourbons, Spanish dance styles co-existed with French throughout the 18th century. This conservatism gave birth to a native Spanish style, which, in a later development, was to take the dance scene by storm in the form of the Bolero.
Jane Gingell’s lecture examines the development of Spanish dance in the 18th century, with reference to the dance manuals of Minguet and Ferriol y Boxeraus. We trace the arrival of castanets and seguidillas into the ballroom, foreshadowing the bolero, and explore the Spanish conservatism in the 1600’s which gave rise to the particular style of Spain. The lecture concludes with a short demonstration of dances.
Jane Gingell, London, Great Britain:
Jane Gingell studied English Literature at Cambridge University and History of Art at London University. She has been working professionally in the field of Period Dance, Drama and Opera since 1984 as a freelance director, choreographer, researcher, teacher and performer. She is director of the performing groups Timedance and Timedance Hansa, and has taught, performed and directed throughout Europe. Jane has given guest lectures for many colleges and institutes, including the Slade School of Art, the Courtauld Institute, and Basel's Schola Cantorum. She teaches at Malmö's Musikhögskolan, working on baroque gesture for singers, and at Stockholm's University College of Dance. She has also given Shakespeare workshops in Stratford upon Avon for the Open University; and is the author of “The Renaissance Dance Book”. Jane specialises in the dance and theatre of the period 1570 – 1740, and directs many period entertainments, including operas. A special activity is the reconstruction and staging of very rarely performed court entertainments; these have included two Stuart Masques, a 17th century Jesuit entertainment and a Swedish Court ballet. Jane’s latest production, “La Sallé”, was staged in May at Stockholm’s 18th century “Confidencen” Theatre.
