The art of dance was a universal one in the Europe of the SCA period, practiced by all from north to south, east to west, young to old, noble to commoner. People danced in celebration at weddings and triumphs. They danced for amusement in salons and halls, on town greens and at fairs. Dance was a integral part of medieval and Renaissance life. Even tournaments ended with a dance! Dance expressed one's vitality, grace, and ability. In some areas it was a social barometer, used to determine the dancer's breeding and standing in society. Sometimes it was courtly. Sometimes it was rowdy. Sometimes it was scandalous - Queen Elizabeth sent tongues wagging all over Europe with her favourite La Volta. And sometimes it was downright sensuous. Dance was a reflection of the ideals of the society which performed it, played out to the sound of pipe and tabour.

Dance in the SCA has been around since that first gathering. Today, we dance everything from 15th century Burgundian to 17th century English Country. We perform bransles, pavanes, galliards, cascarde, balli and bassadanzas. We dance at the coronations of new kings and for our own amusement in smaller halls. Sometimes it is courtly. Sometimes it is rowdy (don't even ask about "Fling a Wench"!). Sometimes it is scandalous. And sometimes it is downright sensuous. Dance is still a reflection of the ideals of our Society, even if it's often to the sound of a boombox!

In Service,

Mistress Julian ferch Rhys
Minister of Dance
Kingdom of Atenveldt
kgarner1@ix.netcom.com