It’s been 16 years since Atlantia recognized a Laurel in the art of European Dance, and we lost that dance leader to the Kingdom of the West many years ago.  While strong leadership has been demonstrated in the art of dance by members of the Atlantian Academy of Dance (http://dance.atlantia.sca.org/), the new Kingdom Deputy Ministers of A&S for Dance – North and South, and numerous dedicated dance practice leaders in local communities, the Order of the Laurel in Atlantia has had few internal resources to draw upon for dance. We were lucky to see Master Issac and Mistress Aidan, Laurels recognized for their expertise in 16th century Italian dance reconstruction, move to our lands in the Barony of Nottinghill Coill from the far reaches of Northshield many years ago, but Atlantia has not recognized one of her own in the art of dance in a very long time… until now.

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The arms of the soon to be Mistress Margherita Battistina

Our own Lady Margherita Battistina (aka: Margaret Roe) will be elevated to the Order of the Laurel at Pennsic in recognition of her excellent skill in the art of European Dance. Her vigil will take place across the street from the Dance Tent on Tuesday, August 4th starting at 9:00pm.  (If you wish to bring food, please do not include citrus, corn, soy, milk, pineapple or alcohol.)   Her elevation ceremony will take place during a special session of Atlantia Royal Court at the Dance Tent starting at 9:00pm on Thursday, August 6.

Lady Margherita has been directing the European Dance program at Pennsic for the past three years.  She has also created countless balls, workshops, demos, classes, and practices throughout Atlantia where people have learned to dance since 2008.  Her skills range from direct personal teaching to original writing and publication based on her research. She has taught SCA members, Renaissance Faire actors, and the general public. Her scope covers Italian, English, and French dance and the clothes to go with it.

Dance is not her only skill. Lady Margherita has also taught costuming and made clothes for many fellow Atlantians.  The fruits of her labor can be seen in the wardrobes of numerous Atlantian royalty and nobility.

Lady Margherita’s service also benefits her local community.  She has served as Deputy Chatelaine of her home Shire of Spiaggia Levantina since 2012, and she has served as an officer for the Atlantia Academy of Dance since 2009.

As a community of SCAdians, we are blessed to have such a gem as Margherita Battistina to teach us the art of dance with passion and scholarship.  She is a resource that creates a well-rounded nature to our arts community, and her elevation to the Order of the Laurel is an occasion to celebrate!

Many thanks go to Master Solvar Hammerson for organizing her vigil. For last minute vigil logistics coordination, Margherita asks that you contact her directly at margaretiroe@gmail.com or on site at the Pennsic Dance Tent nearly 100% of the time.  Master Stephan of Cambion is also assisting coordination of snack food for her vigil (If you wish to bring food, please do not include citrus, corn, soy, milk, pineapple or alcohol) and can be reached via lanhamlaw@att.net.

YEA DANCING!!!