English Country Dance - Yesterday and Today 

Perhaps you’ve been inspired by scenes from a Jane Austen movie or the Bridgerton series that showcase this dance form and thought that it looked like fun? English country dancing started on country estates and villages in England more than five hundred years ago and is one of the ancestors of American contra and square dance. Beautiful tunes were written for each of these historic dances and are still enjoyed today.   In 1651, the London publisher John Playford produced the first printed collection of country dances for sale, titled "The English Dancing Master" which was a big success.  Subsequent editions were added by Playford and his son through 1728.  English country dancing reached its peak in popularity in the late 18th century.  

During the 19th century couple dances such as the waltz and polka became popular and the country dance form was almost forgotten.  In the early 20th century a revival movement led by Cecil Sharp and others sought to preserve the song and dance heritage of England and colonial America.  Thankfully, the early country dances have been recorded and preserved and are still danced today.  In addition, modern dances and tunes are being written and added to the repertoire to keep the english country dance tradition alive. The figures of the dance are flowing and gentle, either walked or skipped, and are accessible to most people. Dancers today across England, the U.S., and around the world enjoy this tradition in their local communities. Many dancers travel to special ECD balls, workshops, and week long camps where they can enjoy this art form and grow as dancers, musicians, and callers. 

The dancers below traveled to "CDSS Camp Cavell" to participate in their favorite  hobby.   The dance below is "Smithy Hill" with Carol Ormand calling and music by Rare Privilege (Amy Mcfarland, piano and Maria Terres, violin) with guest musicians. 

Resources for English Country Dancing

Country Dance and Song Society: https://www.cdss.org/

English Folk Dance and Song Society: https://www.efdss.org/learning/adults/dance/english-country-dancing

Lambertville Country Dancers: https://lambertvillecountrydancers.org

Playford's Dancing Masters - how to learn English Country Dances: https://visit.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/playford-english-country-dances