About Histoire de bal

What will you find on Histoire de bal?

Histoire de bal brings together the results of my research into ballroom dancing from the 15th century to the Roaring Twenties. You will find :

  • Descriptions of historical dances;
  • Portraits of emblematic personalities and works;
  • Analyses of art pieces, books and poems to put old dances into context;
  • Reviews of contemporary films, shows, books and CDs evoking historical dance;
  • Practical advices and tips for dancers and dance teachers:
  • NEW: a recording project and reconstructions of previously unpublished dances!

I also offer you instructions for five historic choreographies. In this clear and precise ebook, you’ll have all the information you need to teach these dances: steps, formation, music, style, and even links to quality recordings!

How can I help you?

  • Dancers: Improve your dancing and your style, understand what you’re doing and why;
  • Dance teachers and researchers: broaden your repertoire and learn from other ideas;
  • Event organisers and dance groups: let me lead your conferences (face-to-face or online), balls, introductory or advanced courses.

Why should you read my blog?

Sandra Stevens conférence

My name is Sandra Stevens. I’ve been practising ancient and traditional dance since I was very young. For over fifteen years I have been teaching dance and leading balls and workshops. I also create choreography for performance groups.

As a trained historian, I carry out my own research into the history of dance. I reconstruct the choreographies scrupulously, based on the original sources. I try to place the dance in its historical and social context.

  • History Master’s degree from the Université Libre de Bruxelles (2012);
  • Certified ‘dance instructor’ by the Dapo BC-BW (2009);
  • Choreographer and teacher with Compagnie Aliquam Amentis since 2011;
  • Trained by renowned choreographers:
    • Philippe Callens
    • Carla Fabris
    • Christine Grimaldi
    • Susan de Guardiola (USA)
    • Mône Guilcher (Atelier de la Danse Populaire)
    • Yvon Guilcher (Atelier de la Danse Populaire)
    • Cécile Laye
    • Andrew Shaw (UK)
    • Naïk Raviart (Atelier de la Danse Populaire)
    • Yvonne Vart
    • Régine Warlop
    • Etc.

I don’t publish much, but I do publish quality articles based on my own research.

Sandra Stevens en costume

How do I subscribe, and why?

By subscribing:

  • You will receive a free ebook, with explanations of five historical dances ready to be re-teached.
  • You will receive an email (maximum once a month) when a new article is published
  • You support the blog, free of charge!

To subscribe, enter your e-mail address here:

Acknowledgements

First of all, thank you, reader. Without you, there would be no blog, no dialogue!

Thank you also to all the dancers, choreographers, researchers, musicians, and organisers who have placed their trust in me.