All-involving dances of late 16th- and early 17th-century Italy
(John Gardiner-Garden)

In several late 16th- and early 17th-century Italian dance manuals there are dances that were described as able to involve as many participants as were willing. Most of these dances appear to have been particularly popular, well-known, much-varied and long-lived. Most appear to have been enjoyed in the later less formal part of a ball (just as less formal country dances were enjoyed after minuets, cotillions and allemandes in the late 18th century, and dance games or a promiscuous 'finishing dance' were enjoyed after the more formal polonaises, quadrilles andcouples dances in the mid-19th century). Some were dances for fixed numbers that were so popular as to warrant being danced by multiple couples or sets at the same time (for example Barriera and Furioso). Some were for as-many-couples-as-will in a single or double circle (e.g. Contrapasso, Villanico and Fedeltà). Some were collections of figures in longways sets for as many-as-will (e.g. Chiaranzana, Catena d'Amore, and Cacciad'Amore). Some were 'relay-mixers' that would draw dancers on and off the floor (e.g. Piantone and Ballo del Fiore). We will enjoy versions of nearly all the dances here named in a quick moving playful evening.

John Gardiner-Garden, Yarralumla, Australien:

Dr John Gardiner-Garden has studied/researched/performed and taught historical dancingof all eras for more than 25 years. He has led and played for dancing at over 1000 events, produced 12 dance books and 8 dance CDs. He is the director of the Earthly Delights Historical Dance Academy that runs regular classes, balls and festivals in Canberra, Australia. He has guest taught around Australia, North America and Europe, and will shortly before this symposium release a new multi-volume study of historical dance from 1400 to 1900. He's accompanied by his wife Aylwen, a respected historical costumer.