English Country Dance Information and Details
A few have asked what this type of dance looks like, and do you have to have dance experience?
Although known in the Georgian period, English Country Dance fully developed and became popular between about 1780 and 1830, which is called the Regency period. It is the dance style seen in the popular Jane Austen movies, such as the PBS series of Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
Over the years ECD has gone in and out of fashion but is currently experiencing a return to favor with avid dance clubs found across the nation who enjoy both the dance and period re-enactment.
The dances are done by couples (Set to Music club requires ages 13 and up), generally in a line or circle formation. The caller announces the steps as the dance progresses, interweaving couples through the line or circle. The dances are done to English Country Dance music which includes the classical, baroque, and Celtic/English Country styles of the period.
No dance requires anything more intimate than a handshake or handclasp. In keeping with the spirit of ECD, a chivalrous attitude and genteel social grace are key components of any ball.
These are active dances, so we recommend modest, secure clothing and supportive, flexible, low-heeled shoes. (Many girls choose to wear a ball room slipper, true dance shoe, or Sketcher-type shoe.) For costume details, please go to our ECD Costume Ideas page.
These pictures give you an idea of what ECD looks like. Remember, NO dance experience is needed! The instructor Miss Laura Plett teaches as we dance!
Photo from the CHOC Board's Father-Daughter ECD Purity Ball August 4th, 2007.
ECD band, the Muse of McCamley
Tammy Arp, Jill Gambill, Steve Bissell, Hadley Yoder, Emily Sauble
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