Sam asked for some samples of less formal ECD: This is a demonstration team using lots of bits from different dances, together with some fun choreography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXzEy9qzeSQ
This is also a demo team, but they are doing a selection of dances that are often done over here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIIOMCz0jFc The sequence at 2:17 is a traditional "contra" dance called "Pins and Needles" - short sets which are joining across the hall for the waves. The sequence at 3:23 is "Dorset Four Hand Reel". We dance both of those regularly at our local club. This is some American dancers having fun doing 17th Century dances from Playford's "English Dancing Master": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ35ZkLkJJ4#t http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3uWRbXFBM4 I strongly believe that this is much more like the way the dances were danced in the 17th century, with lots of stepping and energy - anyway that is how I teach them! A three couple version of Portsmouth at Chippenham festival a couple of years ago in the Zesty Playford session: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=65xy_6XC1_Y (I'm in the middle during the first part of the video, tall guy with grey hair, white shirt, blue trousers (sorry, pants!)) The caller asked us to rant or step all the way through. Notice that in all these examples there is lots of stepping rather than walking. That is one of the reasons you will end up with a healthy glow! :-) Hope that helps. Happy dancing, John John Sweeney, Dancer, England [email protected] 01233 625 362 http://www.contrafusion.co.uk for Dancing in Kent
