The Parts of the Suite

Introducing musicians and dancers to a dozen Baroque dance forms--precursor to ballet--The Parts of the Suite illustrates the relationship between the dance movements and the music, providing viewers with a broader understanding of how the two are inseparably connected in regard to phrasing, tempo, and ornamentation. Touching on how classical ballet originally evolved from the court dances of France's “Sun” King, Louis XIV, the program also looks at key dance masters who shaped the art, famous dancers of the period, and offers examples of 18th-century dance and music notation. All of this serves as excellent background to the main attraction: the performance of these historic dances by professional dancers in period costume with period music. Created by Luisa Meshekoff, this well-researched, scholarly title is essential for all serious dance collections. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (L. Stevens)