Playford Plus

Country dances from 17th and 18th century ballrooms with Jackie Marshall-Ward

Dance tuition - Jackie Marshall-Ward

Musical accompaniment - Lizzie Gutteridge

Learn dances from Playford's Dancing Master and other 17th & 18th century collections in a relaxed and welcoming environment, with experienced Historical Dance Tutor Jackie-Marshall-Ward.

John Playfordwas born in Norwich and served an apprenticeship as a publisher in London. During the civil war he worked as a war correspondent, until he was captured by Cromwell's men who strongly recommended a change of career. His music publishing business and shop in the porch of Temple Church were famous, as was his “English Dancing Master”, and he also published Catches (rounds), Divisions (variations on a ground), psalms and tutor books for various instruments. He wrote very little of the music he published, instead gathering together popular tunes that were well known to many already, and hits from the best known composers of the time.

The Dancing Master was first published in 1651 and was then republished and updated with new dances added in the latest style every few years until the 1720s, by which time John Playford's son had taken over the family bussiness.

These are social dances, to be danced for the pleasure and health of the participants rather than as a performance, and as such they provide much enjoyment to dancers of all ages and abilities today.

The workshop will be accompanied with live music from Lizzie Gutteridge on fiddle as well as bagpipes and pipe & tabor.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided, donations appreciated.