Learn English social folk dancing (country, ceilidh, and barn dancing) and related styles from further afield
This was my first time and I just wanted to comment how much I enjoyed this class - informal and lots of fun. A good mix of quite simple and quite complicated dances. And I loved the band!
Explore England's social folk dance heritage, from the past and present, in this friendly and inclusive class.
Develop dance skills, increase your fitness and gain the confidence to attend the dance or social occasion of your choice, whilst having fun!
If you can’t make the whole term no need to worry – just come along when you can. Each week’s programme of dances is adjusted to suit the numbers and experience of those who are there.
Thursdays, 7.30-9.30pm
Term dates
Summer 2020: CANCELLED
Autumn 2020: 1 October – 3 December (10 weeks)
It was with sadness that we have been unable to run English Country Dancing classes during the Summer term but do keep dancing and practicing at home. We have a number of free, downloadable resources you may find of interest on our Resource Bank.
We hope to our open our doors to offer dance classes once again from the Autumn term. We are carefully monitoring advice given by the government and will open up bookings as soon as it is safe to do so.
Who is it for?
These sociable classes are open to everyone over the age of 16 years. Young people aged 12 to 15 are welcome when accompanied by a responsible fee-paying adult.
There's no need to bring a partner.
The classes are suitable for dancers of all levels of experience, including absolute beginners.
The classes are accompanied by live music.
What can I learn?
Participants learn a diverse repertoire of dances and develop skills in English country and ceilidh dancing, and learn occasional dances from related traditions from further afield.
A key feature of English Country Dance is an emphasis on the various figures and patterns made by the dancers. This not only helps with spatial awareness but encourages social interaction, as referenced in the literature of Hogarth, Jane Austen and many others. All sorts of interesting historical nuggets are brought to light during the class to help put the dances into their social context.
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. Mike is the author of several popular folk dance teaching manuals and director of educational organisation Tradamis. He is also a musician playing the accordion with ceilidh band Quicksilver and singing with the music hall duo Allcock & Brown.
The live music is led by Ian Cutts. Ian started playing for country dancing during his final year of university and has over 30 years' experience of playing for classes, ceilidhs and club nights, both as solo player and bandleader. He has compiled the music books used by the band for this class. He is also an experienced dancer.
Terms and Conditions
Read full Terms and Conditions for classes and courses run by the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
For any other queries please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or call the Education department on 020 7241 8953.
