You will hear people refer to the performing arts as “bardic arts” or simply “bardic.” They include everything from music and dancing to juggling and acrobatics to poetry and theatre. They are a key part of many events, and we encourage everyone to participate!
Music, theatre and spoken word performances
From choral performances at formal occasions to songs around the campfire after a feast, music is woven through everything we do. Instrumentalists, singers, poets, storytellers, and actors all bring our events to life — whether that’s dancers in a great hall, plays under the open sky, or magicians and jugglers entertaining the crowd. If it was performed in the Middle Ages, you’ll likely find it at one of our events.
Company of Larks
The Company of Larks is a Guild for the performing arts within the Principality that aims to promote, encourage and champion all bardic and performance arts in the Principality, support bards and performers in their crafts, and provide kinship, camaraderie and mentorship. It is open to all who engage in the performing arts, regardless of skill level.
Dancing
Dance is a very popular, here, and is based on research into the actual dance steps of the day. Some are simple and easy to get started with, while some are more intricate and take a while to master. Dancing is taught at a some local events and demos, and it’s often an activity following a feast at events.
Common Dances
To help with introducing people into medieval and renaissance dancing within Insulae Draconis, there are five dances commonly performed, so – with a little research – people can more easily join in straight away.
- Double Bransle Suite (Double Bransle, Single Bransle, Burgundian and Gay)
- Ly Bens Dysonis (also works as token Gresley)
- Petit Vriens
- Idiots Pavane (Belle Qui tien) aka Knowne Worlde Pavane