Dancers enjoying our open band. Photo by Rachel Winslow.
We've changed web hosts (new site live 11/22/2020), so all links may not be connected yet. If you discover something wrong (or outdated information), please let Susan Lee Barton know where you find the problem. Thank you for your help!
When can we dance again?? The Germantown Country Dancers board has regretfully decided to cancel its dances through the winter including the annual Playford Ball. Watch for a November announcement about an online Ballternative instead of a dance on December 5th. We continue to monitor the situation and recommendations from health organizations as well as CDSS (Country Dance & Song Society) and will return to our regular dance schedule as soon as we can safely do so. We are not going away!
- --The Germantown Country Dancers Board
From our parent organization, CDSS:
Our dance, song, and music traditions will not go away if we need to hit the pause button for a while. They've made it through population migrations, world wars, and the rise of digital entertainment. Dancing and singing together will continue with gusto after the initial virus has run its course. Be kind and understanding with the dancers, singers, musicians, callers, and organizers around you.
Check out CDSS updates and resources for dancers, musicians, and organizers.
Missing the music while we're taking a break from dancing? Check out this webpage for online concerts and classes.
Dances and Events
| When? | What? | Where? |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd Wednesday of each month |
GCD Socials 8:00 pm – 9:00 pm Free, but registration is required. |
Zoom Online Event |
| Wednesdays (Cancelled through winter 2021. We will let you know when we resume our normal schedule.) |
7:30 pm – Arrive for beginners' orientation to basic figures 8:00 pm – 10:15 pm English Country Dancing Members $7, non-members $8, under 30 years old $4. |
Merion |
| First Saturdays (Normally October – May, for intermediate and experienced dancers. Saturday dances are cancelled through winter 2021. Check this website for news in January.) |
3:00–5:30 pm – Afternoon Workshop (see schedule) 7:30–10:30 pm – English Country Dance Afternoon $9, Evening $10, Both $16. GCD and CDSS Members: Afternoon $7, Evening $8, Both $12. Under 30: Afternoon $4, Evening $4, Both $8. |
Mt. Airy |
| Barn Dance First Sundays (Normally November – April, cancelled through winter 2021. Check website for information in January.) |
2:00–3:30 pm – Old time fun for all ages. Adults $5, kids 4–18 $2 ($15 max.) |
Mt. Airy |
| Teen Dance Second Fridays (Normally September – May, cancelled through winter 2021) |
7:30–10:00 pm – Contra and Barn Dances for teens (ages 12-19). Admission: $5 |
Mt. Airy |
Details
English Country Dancing is social, community dancing, where one of the pleasures is interacting with everyone in the room. New people are welcome any time, and you don't need to bring a partner.
Dance to live music every evening! No partners needed, friendly folk will ask you to dance. On Wednesdays and at Barn dances, each dance is taught.
First Saturday events: Please wear flat-soled shoes. Saturday dance programs are more difficult than on most Wednesdays (especially the afternoon workshops). The programs are intended for dancers who know standard figures, such as casts and leads, siding, single and double figures of eight, and all manner of heys.
For more information on the teen dances see the teen website.
Venues
Germantown Country Dancers holds dances in two locations:
Merion Friends Activities Building
615 Montgomery Ave, Merion, PA 19066 (on the Main Line)
Summit Presbyterian Church, Westview & Greene Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19119 (in Mt. Airy)
Maps & directions
Join us!
Benefits of membership:
- Discounts to most GCD-sponsored dances and workshops and to the ball
- Guaranteed admission to the December Playford Ball, if you (re)join by October 15, and register by November 2.