What is English country dance?

What it is

English Country Dance (ECD) is a social folk dance with roots in 17th- and 18th-century England. If you've seen a Jane Austen film like Pride and Prejudice, you've seen it. The tradition was revived in the 20th century and is still growing — new dances are being choreographed and new music composed in this style today.

Most dances are done in two long facing lines. Two couples dance together through a sequence of figures, then move up or down the line to dance with the next couple. By the end of the dance, you've interacted with everyone in the set. Other formations include circles and small groups.

The steps are simple — mostly walking, occasionally skipping. No fancy footwork, no ballroom hold. If you can walk, skip, and slip sideways, you can do these dances. Every dance is taught by a caller before it starts, then prompted throughout.

Why you'll love it

The music is one of ECD's most distinctive features — tunes drawn from old ballads, classical composers like Handel, Irish and Celtic airs, opera, and original compositions. Lively jigs, elegant marches, romantic waltzes, and driving reels: the mood shifts from dance to dance.

“What I love about it is the variety. Different keys, time signatures, and character — I love playing something new with every song. Being able to dance to live music really is the best.” — Laurel, musician

“I've always been a fan of history and the Regency period in particular. It's a blast to transport oneself so easily into another time. The music is intoxicating and the figures have such potential for drama.” — Aniela

“It's ageless — dancers from 9 to 90 get in the set every week. Our kids love to spin about in the turns, and my husband and I flirt like young sweethearts.” — Cheryl

“I'm mainly here for the food.” — Larry

What to expect

• No partner needed. It's the custom in Rochester to change partners after each dance, so you'll dance with many different people over the evening. Come alone or with friends — you will be asked to dance, and you're welcome to sit out any dance you choose.
• What to wear: casual, comfortable clothes you can move in. Comfortable low or flat shoes — sneakers are fine; please avoid spike heels, which can damage the floor. Skip fragrance — some dancers have allergies.
• Dance roles: Rochester ECD tends to use traditional terminology (“men's line,” “women's line”), and uneven numbers of men and women are fine — everyone dances with everyone. Some callers are moving toward positional terms, another way to reduce gendered language.
• Getting started: arrive early for the free introductory lesson (6:10 pm, or 2:10 pm in winter), ask an experienced dancer to partner your first few dances, and don't worry about mistakes — everyone makes them. If you'd like to watch first, you're welcome to drop in at no charge.
• Good to know: alcohol- and smoke-free, and open to all ages and backgrounds. Kids are welcome, and non-dancing children may play quietly at the tables in the back. Refreshments are provided at the break.