English Country Dancing at Marble Springs State Historic Site

About this event

Are you a fan of Pride & Prejudice? Have you always wanted to participate in the dances you see on screen when watching period dramas? Come by our Sevier Day open house for a chance to learn and dance in the same style! As a part of our Sevier Day festivities, we will be hosting our instructor Karena in our pavilion, teaching traditional English Country Dancing to our visitors starting at 1:00 PM.

Please RSVP so we can get a good headcount ahead of the event! RSVP only if you intend to participate!  We do need a minimum of 6 participants for the social dances to work and flow.

What is English Country Dancing? --
English country dancing (ECD) is a traditional form of dance that incorporates as many dancers as are willing to join in. It is very similar to American square or contra dancing, but with greater variety in both the figures and the character of the music. There is no fancy footwork needed and the steps are extremely easy: it’s essentially walking through space in patterns or “figures.”

Every dance is taught and prompted by a caller, and no prior knowledge is necessary. The dances most frequently involve long lines of couples—a “couple” being any two people dancing together as partners—interacting with other couples on the dance floor. It is not necessary to come with a partner; experienced dancers partner with newcomers, and partners change throughout the program. Everybody dances with everyone else, and all contribute to the fun.