Movimento! Early Dance and Theatre Ensemble

Movimento! re-creates the beauty and magic of dance and theatrical spectacle in Europe’s princely courts in order to present fragments of our mediaeval, renaissance and baroque heritage.

What is a Masque?

Recent research has revealed documentary evidence, ignored and mouldering for over four centuries, of court masques during the reign of the Stuart kings of England, 1603-49.

At the very threshold of the baroque era, these masques mixed and matched the intricate new dances brought by top Italian dancing masters to the English court with the latest Italian music and brilliant and bizarre costume and set designs from Marie de Médicis’ Ballet du Cour in France. They incorporated the stylized movements of commedia dell’arte players newly arrived in London, and music and poetry by England’s own musicians and writers such as Dowland and Jonson.

Court masques at King James’ palace in London might take a year to prepare and be performed just once for the eyes of a very select audience of courtiers. The costs were enormous.

Movimento! preformed King James Revels in 2005. This evening of entertainment was a simpler masque such as might have been presented to the King by the lords and ladies of one of England’s great country houses during a tour of the realm.

How has a Stuart Masque been reconstructed?

Research — the discovery of early dance treatises and theatrical designs.
Translation from 16th century English, French and Italian to modern English.
Analysis and reconstruction of dance and commedia dell’arte movements by dance historians and performing artists to provide dance directions that can be understood by today’s dancers.
Actualization — interpretation of the dance directions; year-round training of performers in the techniques of early dance and commedia dell’arte movement; selection and arrangement of music to accompany the dances and interludes.
Structural analysis and invention of an Anti-Masque and a Masque Proper.
Construction of costumes and sets, based on designs of the period.

Find out more about the reconstructed Masque King James Revels

Movimento! is a non-profit society, registered in British Columbia, Canada, that promotes the study and performance of dance and theatre from our past.

For more information about activities, performances, and classes, please contact Movimento!

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