The dance took Europe by storm.
Fast, vigorous and — to some eyes, at least — disconcertingly lustful, the sarabande originated in Mexico or Central America, possibly derived from native dances. Though banned by Phillip II of Spain in 1583, its popularity continued to spread across the continent. Within a few decades, a slowed and somewhat tamed version of the sarabande had emerged as a popular court dance in France and Italy.
At 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, The Kingsbury Ensemble, one of the Midwest’s premier early music groups, will present Shall We Dance? The concert, which will take place in the 560 Music Center’s Ballroom Theater, celebrates the sarabande, the gavotte, the minuet and other baroque forms.
Led by harpsichordist Maryse Carlin, teacher of applied music in Arts & Sciences, The Kingsbury Ensemble includes flutist Douglas Worthen, cellist Ken Kulosa and violinists Rochelle Skolnick and Elizabeth Ramos.
Joining the group will be two visiting dancers, both from New York:
Carlos Fittante is artistic director of BALAM Dance Theatre and a specialist in Balinese and baroque dance. He has been featured in numerous period operas, including the New York City Opera’s production of Rinaldo and Boston Early Music Festival productions of Ariadne and Thésée.
Robin Gilbert-Campos has credits spanning musical theater, film, television and opera. She also serves as drummer for the rock band The Generators.
The program will feature historical choreography — performed in costume and adapted from reconstructed 18th-century ballet notation — as well as works created by Fittante to accompany baroque music in the French and Spanish style. Instrumental pieces will round out the program.
Shall We Dance? begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 28, in The Ballroom Theater of WUSTL’s 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave. Tickets are $20, or $15 for seniors and WUSTL faculty and staff; and $5 for students.
Tickets are available at the door or by calling (314) 862-2675.
For more information, visit The Kingsbury Ensemble website..