is a New Hampshire-based dance troupe performing dances from the late 15th to mid-17th centuries. Couples dressed in Renaissance costumes perform bransles, pavanes, and galliards, accompanied by period instruments. Pavane was featured in Concord's 1996 First Night program, and for First Night Portsmouth NH, 1999. In January 1997, members of Pavane traveled to Italy with members of the American Recorder Society, for four performances in Rome and Florence with members of the Italian lute ensemble, La Caracossa. Pavane has accepted an invitation to return to Italy for future performances.

was a land of opportunity in the Renaissance as it is still today: young adults met and admired one another under the eyes of their world-wise elders, manners and elegant deportment were displayed by gentlemen and ladies alike, courtships were conducted in public, and international diplomacy took on a different twist when the new ambassador presented the queen with his political credentials and his terpsichorean skills. PAVANE offers a glimpse into the rich and magnificent dances of our past which were used for such festive occasions as weddings, events of state, and even to celebrate the New Year. Through a program of bright instrumental music, charming dances, teasing stories and carols, we recreate the vibrant spirit of days gone by. The dances presented offer a survey of historical court dance from about 1470-1600, exemplars of the social dances performed in courts, castles, chateaux--even lawyers' offices (London's Inns of Court)--across western Europe. Some, like Arbeau's Bransle de la Torche, feature simple figures whose repeating patterns invite dancers of all ages and ability to take part while indulging in the most courtly of pastimes: flirtation and gossip. Others, like the complex Italianate steps in the intriguing peek into the dancing master's studio, Chi la Gagliarda, require greater exercise of not only the dancers' feet, but also memoria, to keep the complicated patterns in order.

worn by the Pavane Renaissance Dance Ensemble are the height of fashion for mid-16th century Italy--the object is display. Men wear fitted doublets trimmed with ribbons, embroidery, or jewels, and "pansied slops," whose fabric panes allow the stuffed lining to show through. Short cloaks swing from one shoulder and flare as the wearer moves. Women's bodices are boned and stiff (corsets are the rule), and their full skirts flare out over farthingales and several petticoats. The fabrics are rich and vibrant: velvets, brocades, and satins provide a feast for the eyes. In many cases based on portraits and surviving garments, these costumes reflect the opulence and ostentation of the Italian Renaissance, and form an elegant counterpoint to the motion of the dance. Pavane's costumes and armor were made by members of the company.

Sheila Beardslee Bosworth received a graduate degree in Performance of Early Music from the New England Conservatory, and directed the Tufts University Early Music Ensemble for 14 years. She has studied historical dance with Drs. Ingrid Brainard and Julia Sutton, and has taught at colleges, universities and workshop programs throughout the U.S. and in Italy. She teaches and coaches ensembles for the Boston Recorder Society.