As is common with most folk dance, English Country Dancing is a standard form of jollity and entertainment for the village, from ancient times to the present day. In addition to keeping rustic farm folk fit and agile, the dance helps reinforce a sense of community between villagers. Equally important is the historic role the dance plays in matchmaking; all of the dancers encounter each other as the couples mix and return home, and along the way learning about one another’s personality and attributes.
As found in other forms of “set dancing” English Country Dancing can combine lively steps and swirling patterns with an emphasis on visual communication with a partner as well as the other dancers in the set. In this workshop all steps and dances are taught with accommodation for various levels of experience, low to high.