We were founded in 1988, initially as ‘Uppingham Early Dance’, by Maggie & Barry Roberts together with Heather & Ian Lovett, Gay Flower and others.
Our intention was to strive to become ever more proficient and historically accurate, initially by informing, later by performing and entertaining audiences with the dances, clothing, food and manners of the 15th, 16th & early 17th Centuries.
Over the years our repertoire has expanded, our name has changed, and we can now offer the Playford, Georgian, Regency and Victorian eras, as well as the original Medieval and Renaissance periods; all danced in period costumes.
The late Janet Houghton was a cherished student of Maggie’s, who started her own dance group, and ran it with Maggie’s continued support. Rutland Renaissance has lent it’s support ever since to Grantham Danserye.
We love to pass on what we have learned, and, our dance performances can include a short talk and demonstration of the clothing, food & manners of the period, together with teaching of the dances, as required.
Our performances are tailored to the specific requirements of each prospective audience. We were privileged to be invited to give a short performance for the BBC TV Production “Castle in the Country” filmed at Burghley House.
Otherwise, our bookings vary vastly from small groups in village halls to larger scale venues. We have performed in Peterborough Cathedral, Southwell Minster, Woolsthorpe Manor, Burghley House and Bolton Castle to name a few.
We are blessed to have our own musicians amongst our members, who have learned to play the original tunes on the appropriate musical instruments for each era, and they can be booked for each event to accompany our dancing.
