Learn English social folk dancing - country, ceilidh, and barn dancing - and related styles from further afield! Whatever style of dancing you want to pursue, English Country Dancing can help you to master it and give you confidence when you go to the dance or social occasion of your choice!

Who is it for?

Everyone over the age of 16 is welcome to take part. No previous experience of folk dance or music is necessary. Suitable for absolute beginners as well as dancers with more experience.

Dancers – our dancers are as diverse as our dances; ages have ranged from 20 to 80 years+ and we tend to have about equal numbers of men and women. There is no need to bring a partner.

Musicians – players of any portable, acoustic instrument are welcome to join the resident band! Newcomers who want to experience the art of playing for dancing are always welcome. Sheet music is provided.

What can I learn?

English Country Dancing focuses mainly on traditional English social folk dances - ie the family of dance styles referred to as country, ceilidh and barn dancing from England, occasionally complemented by similar dances from the wider British Isles and beyond. We highlight the similarities and differences between these dances and, most importantly, the music which accompanies them!

If you wish to try out calling dances then this is also the ideal environment to do so. We regularly have aspiring callers who gain the confidence to move on to calling for clubs, ceilidhs etc.

Who leads the class?

The dances are led by tutor and caller Mike Ruff. Mike Ruff is an experienced folk dance educator and caller and has worked for over 40 years with people of all ages in many settings including schools, festivals and folk dance clubs. He is known for his enthusiastic and inclusive teaching, his wide and deep knowledge of English country dancing, and his ongoing research into the history and background of traditional dance. The live band is led by resident musician Ian Cutts.

Find out more on our website: https://www.cecilsharphouse.org/csh-learning/adults/english-country-dancing