NEDG researcher Maggie Marsh, has drawn on local newspapers, directories and archives, to piece together the story of how they ran their practices and competed with one another from the late 17th century to the Regency. We are now pleased to publish her Norfolk Dancing Masters 1690 –1815 for the first time.

It makes an entertaining backdrop for her account of the most famous and successful of them all, Francis Noverre, who set up his academy at the Assembly House, the most select establishment in the city. Mr Noverre’s Academy was published by NEDG in 2005, with the support of grants from Norwich City Council and the Assembly House Trustees. View Details and purchase information for Mr Noverre’s Academy.

Since then, Maggie has continued research on the Norwich dynasty of the Noverre family which was established in the city by Francis’ father, Augustin, younger brother of Jean-Georges Noverre, the ‘father of modern dance’. The Noverre family and Norwich, which tells the story of how, thanks to Francis’ shrewd commercial judgment, he and his descendants became part of the city’s establishment, will be published later this year on our website.

Meantime, she will be happy to hear from interested readers – especially Noverre descendants. To get in touch with Maggie, go to our Contact Us page; we shall be pleased to pass on messages to her.