English Country Dance
English Country Dancing was exclusively popular in the Regency Era (~1775-1825). Jane Austen's books, and the movies of them, depict wonderful conversations had while enjoying these dances, one of the only social activities at the time.
Each dance consists of a line of partners facing each other, the gentlemen on one side and the ladies on the other, doing a series of simple "figures" which they perform in a square of two couples. After each stanza of the music each couple moves to a new foursome and repeats the figures.
They are wonderful for exercising the body, stretching the memory, practicing elegance, and spending a delightful evening with friends and family. Get ready for the next Barn Dance by practicing the dances below!
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Glossary of Terms: http://round.soc.srcf.net/dances/elements
The Indian Queen
Music: The Indian Queen - Eclectic Regency
Tutorial:
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Steps:
(4) First corners set
(4) Turn single
(8) Right hand turn
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(4) Second corners set
(4) Turn single
(8) Right hand turn
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(8) Right hand Star
(8) Left hand Star
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(8) Back to back with your partner
(8) Three changes in a circular hey
The Duke of Kent's Waltz
Music: The Duke of Kent's Waltz - Valse Cafe Orchestra
Tutorial:
Steps:
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(4) Right hand star
(4) Left hand star
(4) Basket hold, down and up centre
(4) First couple casts down / Second couple leads up
(4) Right hand Balancé
(4) Left hand Balancé
(4) Right hand turn with your Right corner
(4) Left hand turn with your Partner
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The Haymaker's Jig
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Music: The Haymaker's Jig - Donegore Tradition
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Steps:
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(8) First corners cast
(8) Left hand turn
(8) Second corners cast
(8) Right hand turn
(4) Fall back
(4) Skip forward
(8) First couple two-hand turn, Second couple cast up
(8) Half-Right Hand Star
(8) Two changes
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Mr. Beverage's Maggot
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Music: Mr. Beverage's Maggot - Rosa Metilly
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Tutorial:
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Steps:
(6) First Couple half Gypsy Stare
(6) Neighbours Back to back
(3) First Couple turn single
(6) Neighbours Right hand turn
(3) First Couple comes together
(6) First Couple casts down / Second Couple leads up
(6) First Couple Back to back / Second Couple casts down
(6) Three steps forward (small lift), Fall back three steps
(6) First Couple crosses (Ladies first) and cast down / Second Couple leads up
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The Spaniard
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Music: The Spaniard - Old Dominion Dance
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Tutorial:
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Steps:
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(4) Man 1 sets to Lady 2 (First corners)
(4) First corner turn single
(8) First Couple two hand turn
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(4) Man 2 sets to Lady 1 (Second corners)
(4) Second corner turn single
(8) Second Couple two hand turn
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(8) First Couple walks down the set
(4) First Couple skips up the set
(4) First Couple casts down / Second Couple leads up
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(8) Circle Left
(8) Circle Right
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Hole in the Wall
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Music: Hole in the Wall - Eclectic Regency
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Tutorial:
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Steps:
(4) First couple casts down and leads up the centre
(4) Second couple casts up and leads down the centre
(2) First corners “Hole in the Wall” crossing
(2) Second corners “Hole in the Wall” crossing
(2) Half circle Left (clockwise)
(2) First couple casts down / Second couple leads up
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Mad Robin
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Music: Mad Robin - KGB
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Steps:
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(8) 1st Corners Right Hand Turn
(8) 1st Couple Left Hand Turn, Gentlemen Switch
(8) 1st Couple Left Hand Turn
(8) 2nd Corners Right Hand Turn, Ladies Switch
(8) 1st Couple Mad Robin
(8) 1st Couple Two Hand Turn
(8) 2nd Couple Mad Robin
(8) 2nd Couple Two Hand Turn