Welcome to DanceFlorida's English Country Dance Page

Welcome to the English Country Dance page of the Jacksonville, Florida Country Dance and Song Society. We run a monthly English country dance for "experienced" dancers in Jacksonville, usually on the 4th Friday from 8:00 PM to 10:30 PM at a private home. We no longer dance at All Saints Episcopal Church, 4171 Hendricks Avenue. Please visit the Dance Calendar for the current schedule of dances.

NOTE: I have decided to make the 4th Friday English dance one for "experienced" dancers only.

This was not an easy decision to make for a number of reasons- first, I never want to exclude any one; certainly, no one who comes to dance will ever be asked to leave or sit out. Participating in any dance will be YOUR personal choice at YOUR comfort level. Always err on the side of COMING to dance versus staying away.

Second, it is very hard to define "experienced". If you have ever come to just one of my English dances, please count yourself "experienced". Otherwise, my definition of "experienced" is that you can do a hey (or reel) for 3 or 4 without further teaching. If you can do a hey for 3, I assume you will know or can readily learn more basic moves such as set and turn single; cast up or down; lead; and so forth. As always, all dances are walked through at least once, sometimes more; and are called/prompted as needed.

Third, I regret I currently don't have a forum for teaching new dancers- but I will be contacting the Community Education program and will try to start a weekly beginner session- perhaps doing a 6 week session, twice a year. If you want to learn English dance (or contra), and HAVE A LOCATION and 2 or 3 other couples, please contact me; I am glad at any time to teach English dance.

Some other thoughts, one way to get experience is by attending the regular contra dances. Once you are comfortable with contra dance heys, you should consider yourself experienced enough to try this English dance.

Thanks for your understanding; contact me if you have any questions.