English Country Dance
Stately group partner dance from Jane Austen's era — graceful walking patterns to live music. Originated in England · 16th–17th c.. Typically danced around 100-130 BPM (medium).
About English Country Dance
- Folk & Traditional
- England
- 16th–17th c.
- 100-130 BPM (Medium)
- Partner
- Approachable
First documented by John Playford, 1651. Couples in sets or longways formations; figures include do-si-do, promenade, cast down.
What to expect: Long-ways sets, a caller, baroque or English folk music. Less athletic than Contra; more elegant.
Lineage
Where to find English Country Dance events
Going for the first time
Folk and traditional dance nights vary widely - Scandinavian, English country, square dance, contra. Most are caller-led so you're walked through every figure in real time. No partner needed; the format rotates everyone through the set.
Listen for the caller. Thank your partner and the band. If live music is playing, applaud between tunes.
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