What is English Country Dance?

English Country Dance is the dance form that was popular in England and America in the 1600’s, 1700’s and early 1800’s. It is one of the dance forms from which modern contra and square dance are descended. If you’ve seen any of the recent Jane Austen movies then you’ve seen this sort of dance. We also do some early American dances from the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras. Follow this link for more information.

12:30-1:30p  Favorite Dances of Folklore Village

• Leader: Martha Tyner
• Band: Rare Privilege
  A variety of dances done at festivals at Folklore Village in Wisconsin

1:45-3:15p Selections from a Caller’s In-Basket

• Leader: Nikki Herbst
• Band: Rare Privilege
  From new compositions to newly reconstructed dances written centuries ago, in this workshop we will learn a variety of dances that show the tremendous breadth of style, shape, and feel of English Country Dance.

3:30-4:30p Early American Dances

• Leader: Jonathan Sivier
• Band: The Flatland Consort
  American dances from the 18th and 19th centuries

Band: Rare Privilage (Wisconsin)

Leader: Nikki Herbst (Iowa City, IA)

Band: Rare Privilege (Wisconsin)

Leader: Nikki Herbst (Iowa City, IA)

The Central Illinois English Country Dancers

Invite You To An

English Country Dance

Playford Ball

The Central Illinois English Country Dancers will be holding their twenty-fourth annual Playford Ball on Sunday, June 9, 2019. The dance will be held at the Phillips Recreation Center, 505 West Stoughton, Urbana, IL. The Ball will run from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. There is a $7.00 suggested donation to help cover the cost of the Ball. Bring a snack or dessert to share at the break and get $1 off the admission price. Fans and finery are encouraged. All lovers of English Country dance and music are welcome.

• Dances Led By: Susan Burt, Jon Hanson, Scott Meyer, Jonathan Sivier
• Music Provided By: The Flatland Consort
• Doors Open: 1:30 p.m.
• Playford Ball: 2:00 to 5:30 p.m.
• Date: Sunday, June 9, 2019
• Location: Phillips Recreation Center, 505 West Stoughton, Urbana, IL
• Suggested Donation: $7.00 ($6.00 with a dessert to share)

There will be refreshments at the break, so bring some snacks to share.

The Central Illinois English Country Dancers will be holding a dance with live music provided by local musicians. Dancers of all ages are welcome. All dances will be taught. Partners, costumes and experience are not required, however we ask that soft-soled, non-marking, non-street shoes be worn so as not to damage the dance floor.

An extra dance with music by special guest band Olde Music

25th Annual Christmas Ball
The ball will include refreshments and carol singing
Suggested donation $7