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What is an English Country Dance?
What is an English Country Dance?
English Country Dancing (ECD), also known as Colonial Dancing, dates back to the Elizabethan Era, and new dances are still being written today. It is a partner-social dance. Historically it was for our represented age groups—High School, over eighteen, and a few dancing parents. It is often featured in Jane Austen's books and movies representing that time period. Our Dance Masters (a caller) often includes barn, Ceilidh (Scottish Country), circle dances, and many others--all of which have their origins in English Country Dance. There are fast dances and slow waltz dances. We dance in lines and circles! The Dance Master walks everyone through the dance steps before starting the music. Over 200 dancers return time and time again—it is a very good time!
These videos will give you a good idea of what we do at our English Country Dances :
Heel Toe Polka:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/fYeY7T9WskGZb5Gx9
Circassian Circle:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/dJgwFtBAzMNht1fF7
The Waterfall Waltz:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/Gp5fBcAfAzgBGA2fA
The Mountain Circle Dance:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/SB1bg7gCYtF4hidTA
The Virginia Reel:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/3RxUyKuppnEwvHhv7
How can I help?
How can I help?
We are thankful for the many dancers and parents who help to set up, decorate, and stay after to clean up after each dance and for our parent chaperones. We are also grateful for all who sign up to bring refreshments. The Sign Up for food is typically sent 2-3 weeks before each dance.
Can parents stay to observe?
Can parents stay to observe?
Our space is limited to dancers, dancing parents and parent chaperones . We do invite parents to come in during our registration period and exit when the dance begins. We also offer the last hour of the dance for parents to observe.
Where do you dance?
Where do you dance?
We are always looking for large affordable spaces to hold our dances. We have been very blessed to use Knightdale Baptist's Gym many times. We have also danced at The Ledford Center at SEBTS, New Life Camp, First Flight Archery, Nick's Gym in Clayton, and Resurrection Lutheran in Cary.
If your church or a community center near you is open to renting to our group, please email Emily Lyon:
Do you accommodate those with food allergies?
Do you accommodate those with food allergies?
No, we can not guarantee our food will be allergy free as almost all of it is contributed by the dancers. Please feel free to bring your own snack for the evening if you are concerned about any cross contamination.
Do you allow non-homeschooled students to attend?
Do you allow non-homeschooled students to attend?
Yes, we do. The majority of our dancers are or were homeschooled, but we are glad to welcome friends of our community.
Is Period Costume required?
Is Period Costume required?
No, but it is always admired! We also love to see groups come in a coordinated theme!
Safety and security?
Safety and security?
We are always reviewing our safety and security policies.
Everyone is required to check-in and check-out if leaving the dance early, all must have a signed waiver on file, wear a name badge the entire evening, and store their belongings in the designated space for personal items.The doors are locked to outside entrants shortly after the dance begins and unlocked only at the end of the evening. There is a chaperone at the door at all times to let any late arrivals into the dance.
We do NOT accept walk-ins and reserve the right to inspect any bag.
Who attends? Do all ages dance together?
Who attends? Do all ages dance together?
All of our dances are designed for High School ages, college and post college ages as well as a few parents. English Country Dance is traditionally a dance for this very age group and all ages dance together. Many of the dances have multiple changes of partners within a dance.
At Ballroom & Swing Lessons and Dance we keep our age groups separate. Each age group stays together changing dance partners every dance. Spouses remain together and do not change partners.
The 4 Monday night lessons you rotate partners frequently. At the final Saturday Dance, the gentlemen are given dance cards with pre-assigned partners.
Do you offer refunds?
Do you offer refunds?
Yes, we are happy to refund your ticket (up to the week before the dance). If you are unable to attend a dance, please let us know as soon as possible so we can let someone in from the waitlist to fill your spot. We will refund your ticket via the same platform you used to buy your ticket. It expedites the process if you tell us the date and which platform you used to pay.
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