Working and Communicating with the Band
A list of nine tips by Nan Evans and Fred Nussbaum for working with bands for English country dance.
From the CDSS News
Positional Calling Workshop for English Country Dance Callers
The video of this introductory workshop by Louise Siddons will help ECD callers discover how the calling skills they have already cultivated can be enhanced by positional thinking, teaching, and calling. It also teaches how to use those skills to create a more welcoming, inclusive atmosphere at dances.
From Friends of Cecil Sharp House
Get Into Position for Social Dancing
Louise Siddons explains how she uses positional calling for Playford and contra dances—and that positional calling has the potential to make dancing more fun for everyone. Includes choreography for three positionally-called dances.
From EFDSS
Six experienced English dance leaders present programming and hall management suggestions for a crowded hall.
This resource is free for CDSS members and is available for purchase through the CDSS Online Store.
A wealth of information on all aspects of calling for ECD, contras, squares, barn dances, and more.
From Colin Hume
Notes on Teaching Country Dance
These notes are distilled from Bruce Hamilton’s workshops on teaching country dances. If you can’t get to a camp or workshop to experience this respected dance leader’s teaching up close, this is the next best thing. Thoughtful, thought-provoking, and challenging to teachers at all levels.
This resource is free for CDSS members and is available for purchase through the CDSS Online Store.
Village Green English Country Dancers ECD Manual
This manual describes in detail figures, formations, and steps in English country dancing. It also includes descriptions of common difficulties in executing steps and figures.
From Village Green English Country Dancers
GEMS: The Best of The Country Dance and Song Society Diamond Jubilee Music, Dance and Song Contest
This online collection contains American (e.g., contra, mixer, triplet) dances, English dances (with music), tunes, and songs composed by the country dance and song community.
From CDSS
Childgrove Dance Video Archives
This website, hosted by the Childgrove Country Dancers, hold a wide range of videos of contra dances, English country dances, morris dances, and square dances. They are organized by dance title for easy reference by callers, musicians, and dance leaders.
City Folk: English Country Dance and the Politics of the Folk in Modern America
A book describing the history of English country dance, from its 18th century roots in the English cities and countryside to its transatlantic leap to the U.S. in the 20th century. Written by a renowned historian and folk dancer, immersed in the rich history of the folk tradition.
By Daniel Walkowitz
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.