About English Country Dancing

In 1812, the social event to attend be it in London, Montreal or Johnstown, Upper Canada was a dance. Dancing formats might have varied, from a formal occasion to entertainment with guests after a dinner. They might have been accompanied by a flute or a violin or a larger orchestra. At all times and places, however, country dancing was an occasion of social interaction and flirting, with partners and with other people’s partners. You may have seen the movie Pride and Prejudice. That’s the kind of dancing we’ll be indulging in. There will be giggling.

ECD in Spencerville

A number of novice dancers got together in 2012 to prepare themselves for the first ECD Ball organized alongside the Spencerville Mill's Heritage Fair. The Ball was intended as a one-time event, but the dancing immediately became a staple Tuesday night event for all involved. Since then the ECD club members meet Tuesdays from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm upstairs at Spencerville's Town Hall (from October to May). We take a short break at 8:00.

All are welcome to join at any time. In advance of our annual Regency Ball, we will learn a new slate of dances so we’ll all be at the beginner level. There are few actual steps to learn, just patterns, as each piece of music has its own prescribed movements (check our Facebook page for videos). We find it is a gentle exercise for brain and body, and fun. The hardest part of this dancing is climbing the stairs of the town hall.

You don’t need to bring a partner. Many of our members come alone, and we switch partners every song. You don’t need to come every week, although the more you attend, the more secure you will get with the dances.

Our callers explain each piece, and we walk through it until we feel comfortable. Then the music starts and the caller continues to call out the moves, so you are never thrown to the wolves.

Wear whatever you happen to have on at the time. Running shoes and dress shoes both work well on the hardwood floors. Ballet slippers do not, as they are too slippery.

Please come and dance with us. You will be glad you did.