Rochester Freedom Dance
English

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English country dance is a traditional social dance. Dancers form long lines facing each other and each pair of dancers gets a chance to dance up and down the line, sharing smiles and laughter with all the other dancers as they go. Dances are taught and led by a caller. Dancers usually change partners after each dance, and have no need to come with one.  Talented local musicians perform dynamic and lively tunes that add to the vibrant atmosphere.

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Get ready for our next English dance!

Stay tuned for details in your inbox;
in the meantime, here's what our English country dance is all about.

 

WHO

All ages welcome!
English is for everyone -- if you can walk you can do English!
Please supervise any kids young enough to need supervision.  There are chairs and tables adjacent to the dance area where non-dancers can watch and do quiet activities.

We value the face-to-face experience as a curative to a cyber-centric world, and we do not allow masks to conceal people's expressions. There are other local dance groups that allow masks.

Your medical information is none of our business. If you're not feeling well, we expect you'll stay home, rest, and recover. (We look forward to seeing you next time!)

 

WHEN

Stay tuned for upcoming dates!


WHERE
Stay tuned for location!

DETAILS

Wear comfortable clothing. Bring a pair of clean, dry shoes to protect the dance floor, or dance in stocking feet.

Please bring a simple snack or sweet treat to share at the break!

No alcoholic beverages, please.

ABOUT ENGLISH

  • All dances are called -- you don't need to know them ahead of time.
  • Each time the caller announces that it's time for a new dance you'll find a new partner -- we mix it up throughout the evening!
  • We'll start out with very simple dances to help you learn the terms and moves.
  • The experienced dancers are friendly and happy to help!
  • Your smile muscles could be sore by the end of the night!
  • We'll have a waltz right before the break and at the very end.
  • English country dance is like contra dancing, but generally more subdued & graceful.  It's the kind you see in Jane Austen movies, such as in this scene from Pride & Prejudice (and this more boisterous one).
  • Why do people love English Country Dance (ECD) so much?
    For many, it's the music -- hauntingly beautiful tunes that make the heart swell. Some dance tunes are taken from old ballads and political satire; others come from classical music and operas. This gives ECD music tremendous variety; sometimes sweet and melodic, sometimes melancholy, and sometimes absolutely driven with a pulsating beat. All local dances feature live music, played by many of the area's most accomplished musicians. Others love ECD for the grace and elegance with which you glide as you dance. At times, you simply get swept away as you become one with the music. Many people love the beautiful patterns that you create as you dance and weave. Through it all, there's an indefinable quality to ECD that makes it energizing, mesmerizing, and just plain fun. (attribution)

Questions?
Contact us at:  r o c c o n t r a @ r o c c o n t r a . c o m !

 

About us

Rochester Freedom Dance was born during the social discord of Covid-19.  We objected to the forced masking and tracking of vax status that other dance groups were doing. We believe in medical freedom, and trust you to manage your health as you best see fit. If you are sick, we want you stay home, rest, and recover. If you are feeling well, we hope you'll join us for fun, smiles, and laughter in a mask-free environment.  We started with a handful of experienced dancers and dozens of friends who were willing to give it a try. After humble beginnings, with the addition of faithful, experienced, and enthusiastic musicians and callers, we've got ourselves a dance we can be proud of. We're building a whole new dance community of freedom-focused people, with talented local musicians! We hope you will join us and give English a try!

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Looking forward to seeing you at our next dance!
~ Jeanie