Author Archives: Heather
A minuet at Government House – 18 January 1800
We spent the afternoon with the greatest pleasure & harmony being entertained with some beautiful songs by the ladies, after which the Governor having played on the violin, we had some minuets and country dances….[1] On 18 January 1800, a … Continue reading
Dancing cures epidemic
In 1832 an outbreak of cholera threatened the women in the prison of Cork, Ireland. No-one knew how to prevent the development or spread of cholera because the discovery of germs — the cause of cholera — did not happen … Continue reading
2020 Regency Ball Gallery
In 2020, our Jane Austen/Australian Regency Ball was held in the heritage-listed hall in the village of Dayboro. Covid restrictions meant the numbers were strictly limited to 40. Here’s a selection of photos taken by our dancers.
Video – James Cook-a culture of music and dance
We created this video for the Historical Dance Society (UK). Premiered 21st October 2020 Followed by a Q & A session.
Cook’s Death in equestrian drama
The Death of Captain Cook: a grand equestrian dramatic spectacle The Death of Captain Cook was first presented as a ‘grand serious ballet’ in Paris in 1788, with an English adaptation in London’s Covent Garden Theatre the following year. Although … Continue reading
Astley in Dublin 1789
Astley’s equestrian drama The Death of Captain Cook, Dublin 1789 …the grandest spectacle ever exhibited in this metropolis 1 The grand equestrian drama The Death of Captain Cook enthralled audiences in Dublin throughout the winter of 1789-90. Astley was keen … Continue reading
Convict Tune Book
A collection of 12 tunes known to be popular with Australian convicts between 1788 and 1840. Each tune includes sheet music and historical notes. Developed as part of the exhibition “Dancing in Fetters: The culture of convict dance” at the … Continue reading
Lord Morton’s hints
…they should not at first be alarmed with the report of Guns, Drums, or even a trumpet. – But if there are other Instruments of Music on board they should be first entertained near the Shore with a soft Air. … Continue reading
Dancing for sailors
Captain Cook wisely thought that dancing was of special use to sailors. This famous navigator, wishing to counteract disease on board his vessels as much as possible, took particular care, in calm weather, to make his sailors and marines dance … Continue reading
Captain Cook’s country dance
From our CD Captain Cook’s Country Dance. Corri, Dussek & Co. Twenty-Four New Country Dances For The Year 1797. London & Edinburgh. Country dance: Duple minor longways. A1 1-2 All cross right shoulder with partner. (½ gypsy and a sweeping … Continue reading
