Why not join our very friendly u3a group and give it a try. There is no need to bring a partner and we cater for both beginners and those with some experience.
The Village Hall is no longer warmed up before our session so you're advised to bring an extra clothing layer and / or a warm drink
Some Historical Background
In 1651 the music publisher and book seller John Playford began to publish the music and notation for the “Country Dances” that were popular in the elite society of the time. When Playford died in 1686, his son Henry continued the collection and other publishers joined in. By the end of the eighteenth century country dancing was popular at balls, assemblies and private gatherings all over the country.
In the early 1900s, Cecil Sharp began to study the Playford collections, and he produced a number of Country Dance Books. Since then, other dances have been discovered and many new dances have been devised, using the traditional style. Now we have a wealth of material at our disposal, from fast and furious to slow and stately, and everything in between.
Our Country Dancing Photo Gallery
Click any pic to run the presentation:
Country Dancing
Comments from members of the u3a Country Dance Group:
“Lots of fun!”
“Exercise your brain and body.”
“Whatever the challenge we have in our dances, we always have fun”
“Great fun and nobody minds how often we get it wrong”
“As soon as you hear the catchy music you want to dance: This is exercise at its best for both body and mind with good company too – lots of fun!”
“Great teacher, very patient, exercise the body and the brain in good company”
We welcomed in the May by updating our Group photographs. Many thanks to Adrienne and Frank
today’s dances:-
The whim of the moment 1791
Let’s welcome in the May a June Jones dance.
Indian Queen 1701, an old favourite.
Lord Caernavon’s Jig, a 4 couple dance
Irish Lamentation, a 1735 longways dance. Waltz time.
The Maid peeped out (at) the window, a 1651 traditional dance with lively music.
The Otters Pool another June Jones choreographed dance. (NB The Liverpool connection)
13th. May Elfrida recording.
Pilgarlic 3 couple longways x2.
April’s Lady 3 couple in circle formation (last of my Birthday requests)
New Exchange 3 couple Playford style with simultaneous corner crosses!
Brighton Review longways -a bit tricky with limited dancers.
Indian Queen
20th. May Elfrida recording again.
St. Andrew’s gardens longways.
Which way now? A June Jones composition. 4 couple longways involved diagonals and stars, quite fun & easy, the music from Razzmatazz, tune Close Encounter.
Wibsey Roundabout – 5 couples in a circle, not done this for a while but we all managed.
Trip to Sheringham 4 couple square set x2
Auretti’s Dutch Skipper longways.
27th. May
Prince Regent a 3 couple dance, with pousettes. 1811-1820 the Prince Regent for King George IV.
Which way now. See last week.
Delia (the amorous Goddess) 3 couple dance by Ellen Taylor. Elegant!
Double Jubilee a 3 couple Gary Roodman choreographed dance with music by Dave Weisler.x2.
Those of us who have opted for ZOOM Solo Country Dancing are still dancing each Friday with June’s excellent guidance. Looking forward to seeing all of you that couldn’t join us, in June.
I am handing on the Group Author mantle, so look forward to a new slant on Posts from July onwards.
🎄Well here we are in December, no dancing since mid March 2020.
Some of us have managed to stay in touch with a WhatsApp group, cheering us up and covering diverse topics.
However GOOD NEWS. A few weeks ago June started solo Zoom English Country Dancing sessions, in our regular dance slot of Friday mornings at 11.00.
It’s not as scary as it may sound and is getting to be enjoyable. Seeing fellow dancers for a chat and a tea break, we never had one of those before. Hearing the familiar tunes, dancing the dances. No need to worry if you make a wrong turn or forget how to do a Grimstock Hey, you can’t upset anyone, there is only you to dance as freely as you wish.
June has posted details on the recent November u3a enews and she can be contactedif you would like to join us. (June’s email address is in the enews and her phone number is in the main Country Dancing Group Page.) 🎄
🎄Stay safe and hopefully Covid-19 vaccine will enable us to meet up in the Village Hall in 2021.
