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Capriole and A Companye of Strangers perform Early Dance in sumptuous costumes of silks and velvets. They transport you back to a bygone era, when dancing was a vital part of a gentleman's or lady's accomplishments. The ability to dance well was often a great asset at Court, and it was the main opportunity for gentlemen to make the acquaintance of ladies. Henry VIII was (in his younger days) reputed to be one of the best dancers in Europe; Queen Elizabeth I was particularly fond of the dance, and was by all accounts a very able performer herself.
The ensemble Capriole was formed in 1983; three women with a love of early music and period costume and a wish to bring their own brand of joie de vivre to the performance of Medival and Renaissance music.
Dressed as ladies of the court in fine silks and satins, they breathe life into ancient songs and tunes and bring the past into vivid focus. Their material ranges from lively 13th century dance tunes and secular songs, to the romantic love songs of the court composers of the 17th century. Capriole sing songs from the 14th to the 17th century, ranging from the earliest known round, 'Sumer Is I-Cumen In' , through court songs from Tudor times, to rounds and catches from the rumbustuous Restoration period. They play lively dance tunes and haunting ayres on Renaissance woodwind.
Capriole have costumes for the Renaissance and Civil War periods. They have performed at festivals in France and Germany, as well as various castles in Kent and Sussex. In 1996 they performed at a production of the Restoration play 'The Country Wife' at Groombridge Place.
Capriole provide entertainment for Medival Banquets, Re-enactment Events, Festivals, Ceilidhs, private parties and anything they think might be fun.
27 June 2010