Il Torneo Amoroso (Love’s Tournament), Negri 1602

Il Torneo Amoroso or Love's Tournament by Cesare Negri from 'Le Gratie d'Amore', published in Milan in 1602. Tournaments and jousts were popular noble sporting entertainments in the 16th and early 17th centuries. Henry VIII was very keen on jousting until he was seriously injured during a tournament in 1536. In James I’s reign tournaments became popular theatrical entertainments. This dance takes you through the stages of a tournament - the Parade, the Challenge, the Joust on horseback, hand-to-hand Combat and Reconciliation. Here Grantham Danserye dancers and musicians are performing at St Wulfram’s Church, Grantham, for the Heritage Open Day on 12 September 2026. Choreography adapted from The Historical Dance Society.