Thanks to the wonderful people who joined us from near and far for the Summer Course in early January. Despite something of a heatwave, we worked hard and completed a number of lively, elegant and sociable dances from the Baroque repertoire, and enjoyed the great company of our fellow baroque aficionados (it is a special niche). Well done to all!
* Early-bird enrolment for Summer Course ends December 19
Just a reminder that, as the year races by and we all get caught up in Christmas and holiday preparations , early-bird enrolment for the Summer Course (January 7-9) will close on Friday, December 19.
2026 Summer Course 7-9 January, North Sydney
Baroque & beyond
An invitation to our 16th Summer Course in Early Dance. By popular demand, we are returning to the Baroque era of the early 18th century, and a little beyond, for a taste of some of the exquisite and vivacious dances of the court.
Wednesday 7 to Friday 9 January, 2026, in North Sydney.
Course details Brochure Enrolment
Happy New Year!
Hope you’ve had a lovely Christmas, and are enjoying the Summer holiday.
Suddenly it’s 2025, and our Summer Course is just 1 week away, on January 8. Please let us know if you’d like to come along, as it’s not too late to enrol. https://earlydanceconsort.com.au/EDC_Archives/EDC-2025/Summer-2025.htm
Meanwhile, if you can’t make the course, our evening class schedule is up for the New year, at https://earlydanceconsort.com.au/classes/schedule.htm
2025 Summer Course in Early Dance
beautiful & … bizarre baroque
Wednesday 8 to Friday 10 January, 2025
in North Sydney
An invitation to our 15th Summer Course in Early Dance.
The Baroque era of the late 17th & early 18th century is our focus again, as we explore both the beautiful and bizarre.
Noble dance technique was common to both ballroom and stage. It could be elegant and charming, flattering the noble dancer with grace and apparent ease. On stage it could also be majestic, dramatic or comic, as the occasion demanded, and as records show.
Why learn baroque dance?
18th-Century dance notation provides a rare window into some favourite choreographies of the era, for the ballroom, and for the theatre. They allow the possibility of embodying the experience of the courtier: the posture, gesture & dance forms forgotten over the centuries. This is invaluable physical insight for musicians, actors, dancers & historians: into musical rhythms and forms, into manners, deportment, gesture, performance & aesthetics.
The Summer Course provides an opportunity to develop an appreciation of this distinctive dance heritage.
Over three days, students will learn movements, steps & sequences in preparation for excerpts & whole dances in different rhythms. Fundamental technique will be introduced for newcomers, while experienced students will refine technique & style, and build repertoire.
No previous dance experience required. No need to bring a partner.
Go to https://earlydanceconsort.com.au/EDC_Archives/EDC-2025/Summer-2025.htm
Summer 2024 – January 3-5, North Sydney
Our 14th SUMMER COURSE 2024 is planned for Wednesday 3 January to Friday 5 January, 9.15am to 3.45pm, in North Sydney. More details in preparation, but we know many of you like to plan!
Summer Course is over …
Summer Course 2019
In 2019 we celebrate our 10th Summer
Course, first held in 2010. New and returning
students are invited to explore and enjoy a
selection of dances from the Renaissance,
Baroque, and 18th Century eras, in all their
elegance and vigour. They can tell us much
about society, fashion, and music of the past, and provide a context for more recent dance forms, all part of the universal human desire to express joy through music and movement.
The course runs from Wednesday 9th to Friday 11th January, between 9.15am and 3.45pm each day. The venue is 181 Blues Point Road, North Sydney (close to trains and buses at North Sydney Station).
For more information see Summer 2019 or download a PDF brochure and enrolment form.
- Please note that there is an early-bird enrolment period ending on Friday 21st December, so don’t miss out.
Early Bird enrolment closes December 15
Please note that early-bird enrolment for the 2018 Summer Course closes on December 15. See below or go to Summer 2018 page for enrolment details.
2018 Summer Course in Early Dance 10-12 January
Our 9th Summer Course will be held from 10 – 12 January (Wednesday to Friday) at the usual venue in North Sydney. Follow links for full details or see 2018 Summer Brochure and enrolment form.