English Country Dance is social, community dancing. Dancers take a different partner for each dance of the evening, and join a "set" of couples. Each couple dances a series of figures with another couple, then repeats the same figures with each couple in the set. There's minimal footwork: If you can walk you can dance! If you've seen Jane Austen movies, then you've seen English Country Dancing.  One of the pleasures of this kind of dancing is that you interact with everyone in the room. Dancers are encouraged to be attentive to each other as well as to the dance patterns.

The repertoire includes dances popular in 1650 all the way up to dances written in 1997. Some are elegant, some rowdy, some romantic, some playful. Each dance has its own tune. Often the first thing that attracts people to English Country Dance is the splendid live music.

New people are welcome any time--usually a local dance group will offer a brief orientation to basic dance figures at the beginning of the evening.

You don't need to bring a partner. Wear loose, comfortable clothes, and sturdy, flat shoes that won't skid or stick on a wood floor.

The Country Dance and Song Society website may help you find a dance nearby. If you live in the Philadelphia area or are traveling through, we hope you will come enjoy dancing with us.