English Country Dance

About this event

Larry Boyer is calling, with live music from Rodney Sauer and Mara Kim, a visiting fiddler from Seattle. New-dancer and refresher lesson at 7pm; dance 7:30–9:30pm. English Country Dance is one of the main ancestors of Contra Dance, and is similar in many ways; dancers follow the instructions of a caller and interact both with their partners and with the other dancers they encounter along the way. Compared with contra, the figures are sometimes more complex and varied. The pace is a bit more relaxed on average, and many dancers enjoy the opportunity to move with extra elegance and grace, but the atmosphere is still sprightly, informal, and fun. English Country Dance has deep historical roots, but it is a living dance form as well, and we dance to many modern dances as well period ones from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. Our evenings feature live music and the sprung wooden floor of the Tango Studio at the Avalon in Boulder. No partner or experience is necessary; all dances are taught. We recommend bringing a water bottle and wearing comfortable, non-marking shoes along with whatever clothing is comfortable to move in. (Occasionally somebody even shows up in period costume!)