English Country Dancing
English Country Dance Group (Tuesday Evenings)
Who was Mad Robin*? What is Barbarini’s Tambourine*? Where is St. Margaret’s Hill*? When was The Beginning of the World*? How do you do The Fandango*?
Come to the newly formed English Country Dance Group at UUFD to learn the answers to these questions and have fun at the same time. No prior dance experience is needed—you just have to be able to walk, skip, and follow directions. If you are a musician who is interested in playing late Renaissance and Baroque tunes and harmonies, please join us! If you’d prefer to simply watch and listen, you are also welcome to attend.
Admission is free; however, we do request a free-will donation to help offset building use costs. The group will meet in the UUFD sanctuary on Tuesday evenings from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. starting on January 12, 2016 as follows: 5 to 6 p.m. Advanced dancers/demo group and musicians’ practice session** 6 to 8 p.m. Beginning dancers with live music (as available) Please wear soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothing. You do not need to bring a partner. One important feature of this group is that the dance calling (i.e., instruction) is gender-free, thus making the entire experience more accessible and enjoyable for all. The group will be led by Diane Johns, who has been involved with country dancing for over forty years. Diane is the founder of the Eugene Country Dancers in Eugene, Oregon and has a teaching certificate from the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society (RSCDS). She has led country dance workshops at the UU Lake Geneva Summer Assembly and has taught English country dance classes at Kishwaukee College and Waubonsee Community College. For more information, call Diane at 815-758-6259. *Words in italics are all names of English country dances. Immigrants to the New World brought these dances, along with their Scottish, Irish, and Welsh counterparts, to America, where they developed over time into modern-day Appalachian square and New England contra dancing. ** Most English country dance music is from the 17th and 18th centuries. Typical modern instruments include but are not limited to recorder, flute, penny whistle, violin, piano, guitar, and percussion. All musicians are welcome! Sheet music will be provided.
