What is ECD?
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English Country Dancing (ECD) is a style of social folk dance originating in the countrysides and courts of 17th century England. You may have seen these dances being done in films such as Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice and Emma, set in the Regency Era when community dances were a favorite pastime for people of all ages and social backgrounds.
ECD is closely related to contra dancing, a similar style favored in early American history. Both are currently enjoyed by adults, children, teenagers, dancers, musicians, history enthusiasts, readers, and countless others worldwide! English Country Dances are done with partners facing each other in longways sets. The dancers move in specific patterns with a walking step. These patterns are sequences of simple steps taught before the music begins, and the participants are prompted throughout the course of the dance by the caller. With each round of the music, the couples progress along the set to meet a new set of neighbors with whom they will continue the dance. |