Drawing the Line, Dancing the Line
(Hazel Dennison)

This workshop focuses on dances and dancing "a la fila"(in a single file) in Ferrara c.1450, initiating from a choreographic perspective.
Working on dances from 15thc.Italian sources I am curious to understand how the dances were created, using as they do the choreographic factors of space, line, time, energy and bodies, common to us all in time and place. So in this workshop I would like to share dancing and ideas with specific reference to Domenico da Piacenza as a maker of dances and master of dancing at the d'Este court.
To begin we will tune in and warm up with piva. Patterns of a la fila will be traced in Belfiore, Giove and Verceppe. At this point we will identify the varied choreographic devices used by Domenico in his balli and bassadanze in conjunction with his rules for dance practice and performance, also common to all then and now.
The main body of work will be on Mignotta Nova a bassadanza "in quanti si vole" for as many as will, building steps, timing and sequences whilst noting challenges and contradictions posed when dancing bassadanza in a single file. Finally consideration will be given to Cornazano's vision of both form and execution of bassadanza a la fila as an especial vehicle for a renaissance elite.

Hazel Dennison, Bedford, Grossbritannien:

Hazel Dennison draws on a diverse practice of dance, drama and theatre studies through production and performance, research and conference. Inspired by early dance whilst training at the Central School of Speech and Drama and later gaining the DHDS teaching certificate, Hazel continues teaching and choreographing at all levels of education and for summer schools, workshops and heritage programmes. On behalf of DHDS she collaborated with Ann Allen and Mediva to produce the 15thC.CD Ballare et Danzare and its accompanying booklet. Focussing primarily on the Italian and English Renaissance c.1400-1610 she seeks to ensure a tangible dance heritage for the future.