A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF CLASSES OFFERED
(ALL CLASSES ARE R.U.M. ACCREDITED)
Mistress Jadi Fatima al-Ishfahani al Samarkandiyya - Persian Dance: This class briefly covers the history of Persian dance as a medieval courtly dance form and it's connection with Sufi poetry and storytelling. Basic technique is taught and then the class continues with exercises designed to help the dancers connect to and express the eternal themes of Persian Sufi poetry; love, madness and longing. Please wear smooth-soled shoes (sneakers or stocking feet will only hinder you) and comfortable clothing. Bring a veil if you have one. The dance can be as athletic or as gentle as you would like. If you have mobility issues or old injuries, please speak with me at the beginning of class so we can insure that I make adaptations to the technique if necessary and that you have a great time. 2 Hr.
Honorable Lord Eoin an Eich Ghil mac Cionaodha - European Dance – “You Can (Renaissance) Dance If You Want To" - Learn & review fun and easy dances for everyone from peers to peasants. Fighters and school-age children welcome. Bring pen and paper for a game with prizes. 2 Hr.
Misstress Signy - "Dining in the Current Middle Ages, or, What's That [Weird] Stuff on My Plate?": An overview of period foods, cooking and serving techniques, modern versions usually encountered at SCA feasts, etc. Period food is not (usually) weird and many period recipes are familiar to modern people. This class is intended for SCA participants with an interest in eating at SCA events, from newcomers to oldtimers. Handout available at no charge. 1 Hr.
Mistress Signy - "500 Years of Music in One Hour: 1100-1600 or Thereabouts": Class is a quick listening survey of some highlights of SCA period music, supplemented by an extensive handout of useful websites, a discography and where to buy or legally download recordings, on-line listening, radio programs, sheet music sources (including free sources), early music organizations and workshops, live performance opportunities, bibliographies, period instruments and where to get them, etc. Intended for SCA participants with an interest in listening to or performing music, from newcomers to oldtimers. No charge for handout. 1 Hr.
Baron Charles O’Connor – “History of Italian Crossbow”: A quick summary of the development of the Italian crossbow from its early use as a naval weapon to the point where it is the dominant missile weapon in Europe. The class will trace the arms race between crossbow makers and admirers, and the final replacement of the crossbow in military use by gunpowder hand-carried weapons. 1 Hr.
Sir Robert FitzHugh of Bannockburn – “Battle of Hastings”: A discussion of the strategic setting of the battle, the respective forces, tactics, and alternative interpatations. 1 Hr.
Sir Robert FitzHugh of Bannockburn – “Florentine Fighting”: A practicum on fighting heavy weapons in the two sword style and defence against it. 2 Hr.
Viscount Raim e Hinthal – “Pole Arm”: A practicum on fighting heavy weapons using a Pole Arm to include is uses and limitations. 2 Hr.
Viscount Raim e Hinthal – “Banner Making”: Discussion and demonstration on how to make painted silk banners. 2 Hr.
Mistress Graidhne ni Ruaidh – “Illumination and Calligraphy Resources” – Discussion and examination of sources and resources available to the scribe to recreate the style of the different periods we study. 1 Hr.
Baron Michael de Moulton – “Crossbow Strings” – Discussion and demonstration on the making of strings for a crossbow. 1 Hr.
Sukayna Abdul-Barri – Kumihimo and Chinese Braiding Techniques: This will be a hands-on class. Discussion and practicum on eastern methods of string braiding (in red and white to go with the theme of the event). 1 Hr.
Lady Cigan Oszinte – “Medieval Gaming” - Discussion and demonstration of several games popular in the Middle Ages. 1 Hr.
Lord Domingos – “Instruction on the Nobel Art of Archery”: An in depth look at what happens once nock is put to string. Class will include two hours of instruction covering everything from the physics of the bent stick to proper handling and care of your equipment. Expect a lot of information, a notebook and pen is recommended. Loaner gear is available. Children 12 years old and up are welcome but must be accompanied by mindful parents, as this is the use of a live weapon that can be potentially deadly. 2 Hr.
Meistres Bronwen o Gydweli - "Basic Name Research": Discussion about where to look, and not to look, when researching an SCA name, what to look for, and what sorts of information one needs to provide the heralds. 1 Hr.