In Georgian Edinburgh, women’s contributions to music and dance—whether as composers, performers, teachers or patrons were often overshadowed, yet their influence was undeniable.

Join Alena Shmakova and Frances Scott as they explore the pioneering women of Enlightenment Scotland’s performing arts scene—from the Lady Directresses of Dance Assemblies to the musicians and dancers who helped shape Edinburgh’s cultural landscape.

Discover the dances once performed and taught by Marianne Violante and Sofia Parker, as well as the music by talented amateurs like Magdalene Stirling or professionals as Sophia Dussek, whose compositions once filled the city’s salons and concert halls.

Through music and dance, this lecture-recital brings to light the often-overlooked women who helped shape Scotland’s artistic legacy.

The programme is made possible through funding by the University of the Highlands and Islands Student Development Fund, funded by REC, the Early Dance Circle and support by the European Association for Dance History.

Alena Shmakova has studied historical dance since 2006, training with the Historical Dance Society, Nordic Baroque Dancers, and other practitioners. Since 2013, she has taught historical dance in Edinburgh, performing at venues such as Holyrood Palace, Stirling Castle, and Early Dance Festivals. As a researcher, she has received funding to study female patronage in Scotland and the early 19th-century Strathspey style, presenting her work at major dance history conferences. Women in Dance in Scotland, 1500–1800 is part of her research for an MLitt in History at the University of the Highlands and Islands. Alena also teaches historical dance and dance history through the Edinburgh Adult Education programme.

Frances Scott was trained at the Royal Northern College of Music as a pianist before joining the music staff of Scottish Ballet. She then moved to Covent Garden as a pianist with the Royal Ballet Company. Fortunate enough to own a harpsichord, she also worked with groups such as Kist o’ Music and Bruntsfield Baroque, giving concerts in St Cecilia’s Hall and the Georgian House. Her interests include Scottish music in the 18th century and female composers and performers.