Next English Dance:

Sunday, May 19, 2012

Douglas County Senior Center
745 Vermont St, Lawrence, KS 66044

English Country Dance is often flirty, often stately, sometimes fast and furious and occasionally just silly. We always strive to keep it fun.

English Country Dance is most familiar from period movies such as Pride & Prejudice, but it is still being danced today, and new dances are being written to join a tradition stretching back to the 1690s.

Our Dance History

Here is a mostly accurate listing of all the dances we've done over the past three-plus years. If you have a favorite dance, feel free to request it by contacting one of the callers.

We began in Jill's living room in January 2009 and outgrew it that day. We moved to a hall just north of South Park on Massachusetts. In 2011 we moved briefly to Signs of Life Bookstore, then to the Unitarian Fellowship. And in 2012 we moved again, due to our growing attendance, to the second-floor ballroom of the Douglas County Senior Center.

Directions to our Dance

Directions to our usual location: The Douglas County Senior Center is located at 745 Vermont St in Lawrence, just south of the library. The dance hall is located on the second floor. The building enterance is on the east, facing Vermont. There is plenty of parking in the lot north of the building or on any of the surrounding streets. You do NOT have to feed the meters on Sundays.

Many English Country Dances are relatively easy, but some figures require the ability to negotiate patterns without direct physical help from a partner or neighbor. Most people can learn these patterns without much difficulty -- your learning curve may seem steep at first but fellow dancers are very friendly and patient. You may soon find yourself hooked by the achingly beautiful music, the elegant movements and the interaction with smiling people.

No partner is required. Wear comfortable clothes and clean shoes.

We hold a new dancer workshop/orientation at 1:30 pm, and dance from 2:00 - 4:30. All dances are taught and prompted.

If you have ever visited a foreign country, you may have experienced a slight disorientation mixed with a growing sense of wonder and joy. We now welcome you to a new foreign experience: English Country Dance.

Some basic English figures explained.

Just the Facts, Ma'am

Related Dancing in the Region

Scottish Country Dance is happening in Kansas City. This is a cousin of English Country Dance and worth a visit.

Second and Fourth Fridays: 7:00 pm at Willow Creek Friends Church 9700 Wornall Road.

Cost is free will donation.

For more info: Phone David Bailey at 913-384-3314, or email David.

Directions to Willow Creek Friends Church:
Take I-435 to the Wornal exit and north on Wornall to 97th Street. The church (on the Southwest corner) looks like a house. There is a lighted sign in the front yard. Parking is in the back (off of 97th Street).

English Dance in Kansas City. This is organized by one of our regular dancers, Martine Rousel. See http://kcenglishdance.weebly.com/ for details.

An Invitation

The Regency Guild invites you to a...
Mayflower Dance
From 6 to 10 in the evening on Sunday, the Fifth of May
At the Carnegie Building, 200 West Ninth Street, Lawrence

Guests are asked to bring light refreshments to share, if convenient.
A donation of $7 per person will be asked to cover rental costs.
(Not to exceed $30 per family)

With any questions, R.S.V.P. to
785.554.2069 or hannah.by.wellman@gmail.com

All are welcome! Dances are taught in community, simple forms set to lovely music.

"May... is the month of promise and of hope." - Blessed John Henry Cardinal Newman