English Country Dance
Also known as: Country Dance, Contredanse
History & Cultural Context
English Country Dances emerged in England during the early 17th century as accessible social dances for all classes. Unlike formal court dances, country dances featured group formations (lines, squares, circles) where dancers executed figures like dos-à-dos, allemandes, and hands-across with various partners. The style was documented comprehensively by John Playford in his 'The English Dancing Master' (1651), which preserved hundreds of country dance figures. The dances' social nature and accessibility made them enormously popular in England, and they spread to America where they became foundational to colonial dancing traditions. Country dances influenced the development of American contra dances and remained popular through the 19th century.
Cultural Significance
English Country Dances democratized ballroom dancing by making it accessible to all social classes. Playford's collection preserved these dances and spread them throughout England and America. Country dances became the foundation of American colonial and folk dance traditions. The modern country dance revival has restored these dances to contemporary practice.
Peak Popularity
Key Historical Figures
- Dos-à-dos
- Allemande
- Hands-Across
- Cast
- Lead
Notable Codifiers
- John Playford
- Fabrizio Caroso
- Thoinot Arbeau
Dance Lineage
Related Dances
More in Historic Regency Country
Longways Set Dance
Longways set dances were English line dances performed in two parallel lines, featuring partner exchanges and figures typical of Regency-era dancing.
Cotillion
The Cotillion was a square dance (four couples) developed in 18th-century France, featuring various figures led by a caller and remaining popular through the 19th century.
Quadrille
The Quadrille was a highly structured square dance for four couples, systematized with five figures and remaining popular throughout the 19th century in aristocratic society.
Scottish Reel
The Reel was a rapid Scottish couple or group dance featuring continuous turning and was related to English country dances. It became popular throughout the UK and influenced American square dance.
Round Dance
Round dances were circle-formation couple dances popular from the Renaissance through 19th centuries, featuring rotating movement and partner exchanges.