William Dance
(1755-1840), Musician; founder of the Royal Philharmonic SocietyRegency Portraits Catalogue Entry
Sitter in 1 portrait
William Dance was the grandson of the architect George Dance, and his parents were the actors James and Elizabeth Dance. He studied the piano under Theodore Aylward and the violin under K. F. Baumgarten and later with the renowned Felice Giardini. Dance played in various orchestras including the Drury Lane Theatre and the King's Theatre orchestra. He later gave up performing in public and became a successful teacher in London. In 1813 Dance proposed a meeting that led to the foundation of the Philharmonic Society. He became a director and the treasurer of the society until his death.
by George Dance
pencil, 1800
NPG 3058
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