Lezione al Palazzo
(Lesson at the Palace)

March 15, 2003

From an early age, those of noble birth would be educated in all the aspects of courtly life, and high among these would be the gentle art of dance. Of course, most of us are not so fortunate as to have received such lofty tutelage, but fear not, for in one day you can go from a nearly complete beginner to an accomplished dancer.

Dance teacher and historical dance scholar Alejandra de Miera (Susan de Guardiola) will be traveling all the way from the Barony of Dragonship Haven in the East Kingdom (New Haven, CT) to hold a day-long workshop in the art of 16th Century Italian dance as described by Fabritio Caroso in Il Ballarino (1581). She promises that even beginners will leave with a comfortable repertoire of Caroso's dances, and be able to do them well! More accomplished dancers can refine and polish their technique and styling and learn some new dances.

The workshop will run from 10am SHARP to 6pm, and is garb-optional. Following the workshop will be a break to change, and the evening will be a relaxed party in the late Italian style, with food, socializing, and, of course, dancing! The evening's dance party is garb-required, and 16th C. garb (Italian or otherwise) is encouraged for ambiance, but is not required.

Food will be served throughout the day and evening, as Alejandra promises you'll work up a good appetite. There will be no single long break for meals, but instead short breaks throughout the day, with a longer one between the workshop and the evening's party.

Site: Charlottesville Waldorf School, 1408 Crozet Ave, Crozet, VA 22932. Note that Crozet Ave is also known as White Hall Rd. Site opens at 8:30am and closes when we leave. The site is dry.

Cost: $15 (includes food throughout the day and evening) - Non-members add $3. Make checks payable to Shire of Isenfir/SCA Inc.

Music: Musicians wishing to play for the dancing may want to download the sheet music (in PDF format) for several of the dances.

Directions

From North of Charlottesville: Take Rt 29 South into Charlottesville. Eventually you will see an overpass where you can exit to stay on Rt 29 heading south, or you can continue straight onto Rt 29 Business (Emmet St). Keep going straight onto Emmet St. You will pass through four lights and under a railroad underpass. At the fifth light you will be at the intersection of Emmet St and Ivy Rd/University Ave. There will be a Cavalier Inn/Best Western motel on your right and a Chevron station on your left. Turn right onto Ivy Rd (Rt. 250). Go approximately 8 miles to the Rt. 250/240 split. Follow directions below (*).

From East or West of Charlottesville: Take I-64 and get off at exit 118B (Rt 29 north). Go about 1.5 - 2 miles, and take the exit for Rt 250 west. Go to the top of the ramp and turn left. You'll be on Rt. 250. Go approximately 7 miles to the Rt. 250/240 split. Follow directions below (*).

From South of Charlottesville: Come up Rt 29 north until you pass the interchange with I-64, then follow the directions above for "From East or West of Charlottesville".

(*) Rt 250/240 Split: Rt. 240 will split off to the right while Rt. 250 will curve sharply to the left and under a trestle bridge; stay to the right onto Rt 240. Go approximately 3 miles to the stop sign and turn right. Go a few hundred yards and the school is on the left.

Lodging

The following hotels are recommended (in the order listed), being the closest to the event (approximately 10 minutes). These hotels are all on Emmet St. just before you turn onto Ivy Rd/Rt. 250 (see directions above under From North of Charlottesville). There are no special rates for these hotels, but their regular rates are generally quite reasonable. If you wish to look for different accomodations, visit the Charlottesville Tourism website and check out "Lodging".

Best Western Cavalier Inn at the University
105 Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (888) 882-2129
Fax: (434) 296-3523
Web Site: http://www.cavalierinn.com
Located adjacent to the University of Virginia grounds. Newly renovated rooms. Complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Data ports, business center, coffee makers, irons and ironing boards, hair dryers. AC, TV (HBO, ESPN, TBS, USA). Six meeting rooms with over 4,500 square feet. AAA/AARP discounts. Major credit cards.

Econo Lodge University
400 Emmet Street
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (800) 553-2666
Fax: (434) 977-5591
Email: va171@apluslodging.com
Web Site: http://www.econolodgeuniversity.com/
60 rooms. Complimentary morning coffee, restaurant adjacent. AC, TV, outdoor pool. Accepts small pets. $10 pet fee. Single/Double $42.99-56.99 (Nov.-Mar.); Single/Double $51.99-62.99 (Apr.-Oct.). Extra person $5. AAA/AARP discounts. Major credit cards.

Budget Inn
140 Emmet Street (Rt. 29 Business)
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Phone: (800) 293-5144
Fax: (434) 979-4529
Email: visitors@budgetinn-charlottesville.com
Web Site: http://www.budgetinn-charlottesville.com/
Located at the University. Central to all major attractions. Non-smoking rooms available, complimentary morning coffee, dining and shopping nearby. AC, TV (ESPN/CNN/FOX/TNT). No pets. Single/Double $42-$62. Special event / weekend rate may apply. Major credit cards.