In the 16th century the “bel danzare” inherited from the Italian dance masters of the 15th century was already widespread in the main courts where, in the dances of the nobility, the themes of love and celebration were interwoven with popular elements. This two-day meeting is dedicated to the refined repertoire of courtly dance, which will allow participants to approach a world that is only apparently distant, following a path that is divided into theoretical and practical parts in order to allow the assimilation of specific methods and knowledge linked to the taste and culture of an era in which dance was an integral part of culture.

The seminar, which is open to participants of all levels, will include an introductory study of the basic steps of the technique and the learning of some forms of circular and processional dances. More exquisitely theoretical moments, also illustrated by means of multimedia material, will alternate with practical parts. The topics will be ideally linked to the methods of transmission of the choreographic heritage adopted by the dance masters of the time in their treatises, primary sources for philological reconstruction and precious evidence of historical data. Consequently, the lessons will refer to the occasions of ballroom and spectacular dance, to the figure of the ballet master as an intermediary between popular and courtly culture and to the pedagogical and educational values of dance.