English Country Dance: The Social Dance of “The Long Eighteenth Century” (ca. 1660 to 1830)

IN THE early modern period, a dance form arose that came from the dignified medieval court dances, and which would later give rise to the social dances such as quadrilles, square dance, line dance, and contra-dancing. Despite being enjoyed in many countries, and by many classes of people, it is commonly known as English Country Dancing. Popularized in movies and books such as Pride & Prejudice, it has experienced a modern revival as people look for ways to connect in our increasingly-fragmented contemporary world.

These “primer” classes are taught every first and third Thursday of the month by longtime dancing master, Brett Walker, and his capable assistants at the Rosslyn Farms Community Center in the Borough of Rosslyn Farms, PA (near Carnegie, south of Pittsburgh). This is an activity for all ages, and we always welcome new people, giving them a chance to initially experience several simpler dances in a “building-block” learning style.  Why not give it a whirl?

Please contact The Fellowship of Arts & Mysteries for details and to make known your desire to attend classes.