English Country Dance Schedule

3dancers

Childgrove English Country Dancers
Present a Dance Series in Saint Louis, Missouri, usually (but not always - check below!) on First Mondays and Third Fridays*

What is English Country Dancing?

English Country Dancing is an easy, fun, social dance done to live classical music. Although it has a long history, it is a very alive tradition, with new dances and music being written all the time.

On First Mondays, we have a "Learn to Dance English" event from 7-9pm. This is perfect for folks who are curious and would like to try the sort of dancing you've seen in those Jane Austen movies. Experienced dancers are highly encouraged to come for the entire evening to help the new folks have a bunch of fun, then stay and enjoy a few more complex dances later in the evening.

We also have regular English Country dances with live music on third Fridays from 7:00-9:30pm with the occasional fancy dress ball (see the schedule) thrown in. Everyone is welcome; all dances are taught and prompted; no partner is required; come alone or bring a friend. First-timers are encouraged to come early for the simpler dances that are taught earlier in the evening.

Once a year we hold an English Country Dance Weekend called "HIGH TEA" - we bring in a national-level caller and band, and dance Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This year's weekend is August 31-September 2, 2018. It's sold out already (as of May 12, 2018) but you can read about it and think about signing up next year!

We dance in the Monday Club, a beautiful old building in Webster Groves (a most pleasant suburb of St. Louis, Missouri) with a wonderful dance space.

Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable (flat) shoes. We normally wear casual clothing at our regular dances, and dress up for the balls.

Upcoming Dances

Monday July 5, 2018 7pm Learn to Dance English (aka Plain and Fancy Dance) $5

music: recorded
callers: multiple

If you are new to English, or new to dancing, this is for you! Experienced dancers are encouraged to come to help the newer dancers - we'll do some more complex dances later in the evening.

Friday July 20, 2018 7pm MIDSUMMER NIGHT English Country Dance $10 (ask about discounts)

band: Tu'Penny Players
callers: Ladies' Night out (come dance to our wonderful local lady callers!)

Monday August 6, 2018 7pm Learn to Dance English (aka Plain and Fancy Dance) $5

music: recorded
callers: multiple

If you are new to English, or new to dancing, this is for you! Experienced dancers are encouraged to come to help the newer dancers - we'll do some more complex dances later in the evening.

Friday August 17, 2018 7pm English Country Dance $10 (ask about discounts)

band: Tu'Penny Players
caller: Nicholas Rockstroh from Louisville, KY

Friday, August 31 - Sunday, September 2, 2018 - High Tea English Country Dance Weekend (sold out!)

band: The Ladies at Play from Oklahoma City,
(Miranda Arana, Shanda Macdonald and Kathy Dagg, plus Martha Edwards from St Louis)
caller: Gene Murrow from New York City

Monday September 3, 2018 7pmLearn to Dance English (aka Plain and Fancy Dance) CANCELLED

This dance is cancelled because we're all tired and happy from the High Tea weekend

Friday September 21, 2018 7pm English Country Dance $10 (ask about discounts)

band: Tu'Penny Players
caller: Conner Quinn and Missy Reisenleiter

Monday October 1, 2018 7pm Learn to Dance English (aka Plain and Fancy Dance) $5