[MR] Dance #1 - Washerwoman's Branle (previously, Calling Musicians & Dancers for Winter Solstice . . .)

[Lady Alexandra Scott]

Good evening ~


The answer to Lady Murienne's question is yes.  There are many comprehensive 
dance resources online.  We are currently filming examples and plan to put them 
online linked with corresponding music (MP3, sheet, etc.) and written 
steps.  Please keep in mind that dancers, including me, hail from different 
parts of the world and the interpretation may be slightly different.  This does 
not make it wrong, just a different interpretation.  In Ansteorra, we did things 
a bit differently than in Drachenwald.  We have discovered some minor 
adaptations were needed with the move to Atlantia, as well.  Consider 
it colloquialism.  


This first dance is commonly referred to as The Washerwoman's Bransle.  It is a 
circle dance that is very simple.  So, let's practice it.  


Helpful hint:  Don't try to learn several dances in a day.  Listen to the music, 
practice the simple steps, retain the tune in your mind and dance around your 
house.  If your knees do not permit the turn, then "step in time."  Dancing 
should be fun!  All you Squires should brush up on your steps and invite your 
Knights to join you on the dance floor.  It's been known to happen.

The video clip shows only 2 dancers and 2 repeats, but I am sure it will do 
quite nicely for those of you who wish to practice at home or in limited space.  
Here is a video clip:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUkwLeNi_YQ, followed by 
written instructions below.

Resource for more:  http://sca.uwaterloo.ca/Music/

Washerwomen's Bransle (Branle des Lauandieres)
Source: Arbeau. 
Setting: A line or circle of dancers 
A:  1- 4  Double left, double right.     5- 8  Repeat 1-4.  B:  9-10  Face 
partner, single left, right, men shake fingers.    11-12  Repeat with women 
shaking fingers.  C: 13-14  Face in, double left, clapping hands,    15-16  
double right,    17-18  double left, clapping hands,    19-20  individually turn 
around to left using 4 kicks. 

 
Discussion: 
This is a mimed bransle. Arbeau says (Evans/Sutton translation): 
``... is thus designated because by clapping their hands the dancers make a 
noise like the women beating the washing on the banks of the Seine.'' 

Arbeau specifies the finger shaking in the tabulation. When one gender is 
shaking their fingers at the other, the other gender should place their hands on 
their hips. 


Stay tuned for more.

Alexandra
 
_________________________________

 
Alexandra Scott de Northumberland

Argent, a stag statant and on a chief azure an increscent between two mullets of 
six points Or

Haus Von Rothenburg
Aire Faucon, Sacred Stone, ATLANTIA