Galop at Rocca Albornoziana

Throwback to my galop days!

Performing the Triplet Galop Quadrille at Rocca Albornoziana in Spoleto, Italy. I had a lovely evening dancing, dining, and then dancing more at this magnificent 14th century castle until the wee hours.

This quadrille is reconstructed and choreographed by Richard Powers to reflect the original galop as danced in London in the 1850s.

The Prague Vintage Dance Week started this weekend, and I sadly have to miss the event this year. Here’s to an amazing week of dancing and many wonderful balls for everyone in Prague.

“Triplet Galop Quadrille”
Choreographer: Richard Powers
Dancers: Alums of the Stanford Vintage Dance Ensemble, Academy of Danse Libre, and Roma 800
Video: Jason Anderson

Full video on YouTube

Russian Mazurka Quadrilles

Throwback to my mazurka days!

Performing the Russian Mazurka Quadrilles with the Academy of Danse Libre.

The mazurka (or mazur) is a fast, strong, and spirited dance that originated in Poland. The “mazur” was brought to Germany and Russia, and introduced to England in the 1820s under its Russian name “mazurka,” before it swept across western Europe and America alongside the 1844 Polkamania.

The high-energy mazurka was the ultimate challenge in the 19th century ballroom, and often danced by the strongest dancers at the break of dawn after all-night balls to show they weren’t tired.

The Saint Petersburg Vintage Dance Week started this past weekend. I had to miss the event due to work. Here’s to an amazing White Ball for everyone attending the event.

“Russian Mazurka Quadrilles”
Choreographer: Richard Powers
Dancers: The Academy of Danse Libre
Video: John Beale

More about the mazurka

Full video on YouTube