Contributed by: Tim
Welcome to the first ever Baroque Blog! As I write this I am sitting in the Catskill Mountains after having hiked a waterfall, seen an expansive view of the Hudson River Valley from the site of the old Catskill Mountain House, and spent two weeks rehearsing. The Company has been in residence, dividing our time between the Catskill Mountain Foundation’s “Red Barn” and the River Theatre at the Lexington Center for the Arts, rehearsing during the day and discussing wildlife and dance history by night. We take turns cooking, breaking bread each day at a large round table as the fireflies light up the hillside. And as I sit here looking out at the gentle rise of the Catskills, I find myself amazed that we are taking the material we have learned in a barn to the Neues Palais of Fredrick the Great at Sanssouci Potsdam, Germany. Yes, it is amazing yet somehow appropriate since historical sources indicate that inhabitants of both places used remarkably similar bathing practices…seems there are some advantages to living in the twenty-first century!
We are introducing this blog as part of our website for several reasons: to show a bit of what is going on behind the scenes through-out the year, as a venue to discuss any early music and dance questions that might arise during our research, and as a way to communicate on other aspects of our lives as dancers outside of the realm of the Company. We hope that you feel welcome to respond to anything that piques your interest, to ask questions relating to the work that we do, and to share as you feel inspired.
I am extremely grateful this blog exists. I live in New York City and I am interested in taking Minuet lessons (either private or in group) and I’ve searched online and haven’t had much luck. I’ve been able to view some “lessons” from Kennedy Center’s Millenium Stage with the NYBDC; unfortunately, some of them are difficult to view. If anyone knows of prrvate lessons or in a group that would be greattly appreciated. Also, if anyone can give me suggestions on music to dance the minuet at my wedding that would be great. I’ve always been interested in the 18th century from dance to architecture and culture, for this reason I have made the theme of my wedding about this era and that’s why I would like to dance the minuet. Thank you so much in advance!
Dear Baroque Bride (I’m fantasizing that I’m an advicecolumnist and couldn’t resist giving you one of thosealliterated nommes de plumes) –As for wedding music, Bach’s Minuet in G is a popular(and deservingly so) choice, I also think Purcell’sminuet from The Gordion Knot Untied is very tender andsweet. If you felt like being very comic, you couldplay the minuet from Purcell’s The Virtuous Wife. Thecompany doesn’t offer any regular classes in NYC andmostly teaches on the road and at our sumer workshopsout of state. But several of us in the company teacha lot and would be happy to arrange for specialprivate or group lessons if desired. You may call oremail us at the contact info given on the companywebsite, clarifying your plans and interest, andsomething can surely be arranged. I’m sure we allcollectively commend your taste in wedding themes.
Dear Seth,Thank you so much for thoughtful reply and of course, for taking the time to reply to my message. I really appreciate all your advice on music–I can’t wait to check them out! I’m so thrilled that it is going to be possible for us to take a class from one of you. I am truly happy to have learned about your company, and I look forward to seeing your performance at the Alliance Francaise in September. Thank you also for your sweet comment about the wedding theme. For some reason, it’s been my dream since I was young. My dress is going to be antique gold silk brocade reminiscent of that period. I even had period shoes made from Menkes. And now I’m making masks for everyone so that we can have a Venetian Masquerade.! :+) Luckily it won’t be a big wedding so it won’t be that many. Okay, I guess that’s more than you wanted to know ;+)… I look forward to calling you all. Thank you so very much! Katherinep.s. My apologies for not posting my name last time. I was so thrilled to learn that I could post a message that I forgot…
Dear Katherine, Good Luck! Beaumarchais
Hello! I am a student at Indiana University and an arts reporter for my school newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student. I understand that the NYBDC is coming to Bloomington, Indiana on April 2nd to perform in conjunction with the IU Institute of Early Music. I would like to write a story about this. If anyone has any information concerning this event, would you please email me at lalandis@gmail.com? Thank you very much and good luck with the performance!
Hello! I am a student at Indiana University and an arts reporter for my school newspaper, the Indiana Daily Student. I understand that the NYBDC is coming to Bloomington, Indiana on April 2nd to perform in conjunction with the IU Institute of Early Music. I would like to write a story about this. If anyone has any information concerning this event, would you please email me at lalandis@gmail.com? Thank you very much and good luck with the performance!
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