Dressing for the Dance

I love the elegance, simplicity, and yes, nobility of the ethereal movements of Court Dance. At the suggestion of Wendy Hilton, the doyenne of this world, I took dance lessons from Thomas Baird, a dancer, choreographer, dance scholar and friend who choreographed the dance segments of Dressing for the Dance. Writing this piece was an exercise in putting together my accumulated knowledge of 17th c. dance. This piece showcases its importance at Court. Remember that Louis XIV was not only an excellent dancer but promoted art of French dance throughout Europe. The story is of two young aristocrats, Charlotte and Tibault, and their pleasures and foibles in excelling in dance. Tom taught and rehearsed the dancers, while I created the costumes and minimal set with lots of props. Barbara Tober remarked, . . . “A feast for the eyes . . .” Thank you Katherine Marshall, Tricorne Productions, and your workroom for your attention to detail on these elaborate costumes.

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In 2014 Dressing for the Dance was performed in New York City at the Tony Bennett Theater at the Frank Sinatra School for Performing Arts in Queens and at the Grollier Club in Manhattan. I adapted the piece in 2015 as a part of the 43rd season of Aston Magna, America’s oldest annual summer festival devoted to baroque music performed on period instru­ments. Music under the direction of Artistic Director Daniel Stepner at the Slosberg Recital Hall, Brandeis University, Waltham Massachusetts; Olin Concert Hall, Bard College, Dutchess County, New York; and Saint James Place for Performing Arts, Great Barrington, Massachusetts.