English Country Dance (ECD)
A graceful form of social, folk dance from the 1700 and 1800's, which is very much alive and evolving in the UK, USA and Canada. If you have seen any of the Jane Austen films you have had a glimpse of the dance form. (Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility)
English Country dancing is taught by the caller/ Instructor, so that the dancers learn the figures and patterns. Dance attire is informal. Light layers and skirts for the women are suggested, as well as " indoor" flat shoes. Regency Balls are held in many Ontario and US cities when everyone has fun creating a period costume.
The dance form is wonderfully musical, requires a level of attention to the figures and phrasing and is delightfully playful, with partners in the set. Most of the movements are a simple walking step. If you have done any other traditional dance (Square, Scottish or Irish) you will see familiar figures in English. English is less stressful on knees and hips than some other forms of folkdance.
Curious? ...drop by one of the local series. Attend the full series to learn the dances and be comfortable at the recital (The Ball)
English Country dancing is taught by the caller/ Instructor, so that the dancers learn the figures and patterns. Dance attire is informal. Light layers and skirts for the women are suggested, as well as " indoor" flat shoes. Regency Balls are held in many Ontario and US cities when everyone has fun creating a period costume.
The dance form is wonderfully musical, requires a level of attention to the figures and phrasing and is delightfully playful, with partners in the set. Most of the movements are a simple walking step. If you have done any other traditional dance (Square, Scottish or Irish) you will see familiar figures in English. English is less stressful on knees and hips than some other forms of folkdance.
Curious? ...drop by one of the local series. Attend the full series to learn the dances and be comfortable at the recital (The Ball)
Lord Grey's English Country Dance – Clarksburg, Grey County, Ontario
- A series running since 2013 in the wonderful Marsh Street Centre in Clarksburg, Ontario
- Third Sunday afternoon of each month ( 2:00p.m. - 4:30p.m.) and twice a month Jan - May -
- Please see the website for specific dates
- May - Regency Apple Blossom Ball (full costume, Saturday evening)
- No partner necessary
- Nominal admission fee
- Co-convenor: Arlene Terry Long
- Instructor: Lorraine Sutton
"I'm not sure if the happier I am, the more I dance, or the more I dance, the happier I am! Either way I love dancing. "
~ O.Fraser
~ O.Fraser
Credits: Photos by Robert Burcher; Website by Marianne Lepa
