Heading 1
Using the dances from history to teach, to train, and entertain
Professional performers, attired in period costume, begin the workshop with a theatrical and entertaining presentation of the dances . This leads into an exercise in dance that directly involves the children. Our experienced team provide instruction, with resources, in the dress, manners, and culture of this historical period and we explore how dance can give interesting insights into the wider context of social history.
We actively encourage a cross curriculum approach and imaginative integration of ideas with the children’s wider experience, which means that the workshops can also support learning experiences in other subjects such as literature, citizenship, dance and drama. The day culminates with a presentation giving the children an opportunity to demonstrate what they’ve learned.
In addition to the day-long workshop described above, we can also tailor-make a programme for your school incorporating the historical period that you are studying.
“I liked the combination of taught dances and pupil involvement, I hope we will be able to have you back on a future occasion so that many more children can benefit from your enthusiasm and expertise”
Mrs A Bowskill, Ashford CE School
If you would like further information, please complete the form below and click 'Send'
Our repertoire currently includes the dances of the Medieval, Tudor, Stuart, and Victorian periods, and we are constantly developing sessions that tie in with key topic areas within the curriculum. We are experienced in working with a range of age groups, and are pleased to arrange shorter sessions, or a longer residency.
Our previous work includes: a celebration of the 400th anniversary of Chipping Norton’s 1607 Charter, a week long residency that involved schools and other sectors of the community, concluding with costumed ball; a “Living as a Tudor Week” for a Year 9 group in Doncaster, and other projects connected to the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4.
“Nonsuch were a joy to work with. They went above and beyond what was required throughout the project and behaved with creativity, enthusiasm and professionalism at all times. Thank you”
Ms D Christmas, Croydon Council Arts Development Officer
This year we have run a residency in Hampton Hill working with locals schools culminating in a children’s performance of George & the Dragon, held a week long residency in Chipping Norton teaching tudor dancing and social history to more than 400 KS1, 2 & 3 in West Oxfordshire and run our popular “Srtictly Tudor Dancing” workshops in conjunction with Surrey County Council at the Surrey History Centre.
The workshops can be delivered within the school environment, or in partnership with your local heritage sites. We can also use local history, where appropriate, to engage more specifically with community based projects and foster the concepts of identity on a local and national level.
For further details or to discuss your requirements please contact us. We have found that schools can keep costs down by partnering with other schools or heritage organisations to host workshops, and many schools have secured special funding through programmes such as Creative Partnerships to fund our work.
“Their effect on children is electric.”
The Times Educational Supplement
“The children loved it. You could see from their faces, they were fully involved the whole time”
Liz Griffiths, Deputy Headmistress, Brockham Primary School
Nonsuch in Schools
“The value in terms of an experience that is highly educational can not have a figure put on it”
Mrs F Dawkins, Chipping Norton Community Arts Coordinator
Nonsuch History and Dance Company provides unique presentation and workshop experiences for children, immersing them in the historical world through theatrical performance, dance, and practical exercises.