What is English Country Dancing?
A dance at the Jewel Box
English Country Dancing is a dance form that was popular in England and America from the 1600’s though the early 1800's. It is one of the dances from which modern contra and square dance are descended. If you've ever watched any Jane Austen film, such as Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility, you have seen English Country Dancing.
ECD features a wonderful diversity of music: Some dance tunes are taken from old ballads and political satire, others come from classical music and operas, and some from old English folk songs. This gives ECD music tremendous variety; sometimes sweet and melodic, sometimes melancholy, sometimes hauntingly beautiful, and sometimes absolutely driven with a pulsating beat.
The tunes, in turn, give variety to the types of dances. Some are lively and boisterous, others are stately and graceful, allowing you to be swept away as you become one with the music.
The First Annual Jane Austen Dance
If you can walk and know the difference between left and right, you already have many of the basic skill you'll need. Most of the movements are based simply on walking - dancers move in a number of specific figures, sometimes holding hands, sometimes by themselves. Each dance is prompted by a caller, so that each figure and movement is called in time to the music; you don't need to rely on your memory alone to know what to do.
Partners are not necessary; you can come by yourself and be assured of dancing throughout the evening, since the tradition is to change partners for each dance. Local dances are social and friendly, and the atmosphere is informal. No special clothing is needed, other than soft-soled shoes or sneakers.
On May 2nd, 2009 SNOCD held its First Annual Jane Austen Dance - the first Regency dance of its kind in Las Vegas. Nearly 50 guests attended, many of them in period attire. The Second Annual Jane Austen Dance will be held on May 15th, 2010. Details can be found on the Jane Austen Dance website.
Dates
Dances are generally held twice a month on Tuesdays. Check our schedule here.
Time
Dance 6:30pm-8:45pm - all dances are taught and called.
Location
English Country Dances are located in the Jewel Box Theatre, inside the Clark County Library - 1401 E. Flamingo Road Las Vegas, NV 89119. Click here for directions.
Admission
Free!
What to wear
Wear casual attire and soft soled shoes.
More info
To learn more about our dances, check out the schedule or links page. You can also watch a few video examples of English Country Dancing here.