What is an English style of dance?

Question

Many countries have their own style, but i can't think of an English one.

Answer 1

I would say morris dancing - but in answer to one of the answers already given - of course england is a country, just like scotland and wales are countries. (Im scottish), he obviously tried to be funny but failed as he got his facts wrong! Good question though as without others saying morris dancing I think I would have been stuck for a while.

Answer 2

Morris Dancing -

The origins of Morris dancing have been lost in history, but prevalent opinion is that Morris is based pre-Christian fertility or luck bringing ceremonies. Over time, these 'pagan' dances were assimilated by the church (first the Catholic, then the Protestant) and by the1500s Morris was being performed for Easter, May Day and other parish feasts to help rise funds for the local church.

However, even with strong church ties. Morris was still danced during spring fall planting to insure a good crop, or on any important times during the planting cycle. Today, Morris is still performed in England on days such as Plough Monday, Easter, and the start of spring. Some of the dances have not changed in over hundred years and because of this long tradition, Morris dancing is considered a living tradition.

The most common type of Morris performed is known as Cotswold. which is a region located in the western half of England. Cotswold dances typically consist of a series of show (or distinctive) and chorus figures (a figure is a particular maneuver). Show figures are generally very acrobatic and display the strength and still of the side, while chorus figures highlight the precision of the side. An interesting variant of Cotswold dance is the challenge dance. The chorus figure of the challenge dance are the same as other dances, however the distinctive figures are performed by two dancers at the same time, each one challenging the other to deliver the best performance of the figure.

There are several traditions of Cotswold dances, with each tradition named after the town of its origin. Such as Adderbury, Bampton, Ducklington and the oldest continuous tradition Headington. The difference between the traditions usually is in the style of the distinctive figures. Some use handkerchiefs, others clash sticks. Some tradition are precise, Adderbury for example, while traditions such as Border Morris are wild and unruly.

Answer 3

Here is an example of a type of traditional dance called English Country.

Hole in the Wall

A1 1-4 1's cast dwn around 2's lead back up to place
A2 1-4 2's cast up around 1's & lead down to place
B1 1-2 1st crnrs change
3-4 2nd crnrs change
5-8 circle 1/2; all TS
B2 1-4 2nd crnrs change; 1st crnrs change
5-8 Circle 1/2; 1's cast off & 2's move up

I have been teaching traditional English dance since I was 17.

There is also a long tradition of including various English dances (Almans, Pavannes, Galliards, Jigs, etc) at the ends of plays in Elizabethan England. Elizabeth I herself was notoroiusly fond of dance.

Answer 4

Morris Dancing, English Ballroom, Pavane, Veleta, Folk Dancing, Rapper Sword Dancing and Maypole Dancing to name a few.

And England is a country.

Answer 5

Modern or ? Back in the old days the quick step and during the reign of the Beatles the Liverpool Stomp was popular and fun to watch. Since that time they seem to have followed trendy styles. Most of the dancing seem to be more ballroom styles of dance.

Answer 6

There is maypole dancing on May Day, Country Dancing & Morris Dancing.
Scotland has the Jig and Highland Dancing.

Answer 7

Unfortunately Morris dancing

Answer 8

Good Question! :-)

Closely associated with song in folk tradition, folk dances have their origins in many of the same sources—mummers' dances, masques, and assorted ancient rituals of birth, courtship, war, death, and rebirth. In England remnants of early forms of sword dances, Morris dances, and country dances remain popular participatory entertainment. From the 14th to the 17th century, performance-oriented dances, including court dances and dances developed for the stage, were much in evidence in more sophisticated circles of society. Although dancing masters and ballet as such were in existence from the 18th century, a native impulse toward the ballet really began to take hold in England only in the early 20th century, when Irish-born Ninette de Valois and Lilian Baylis established the Vic-Wells Ballet (now the Royal Ballet) and Marie Rambert formed the Ballet Club (now Dance Rambert). These highly talented women fostered ballet and its offshoot, modern dance. With their leadership, England advanced to the forefront of dance in the 20th century, producing internationally known artists such as Frederick Ashton, Anton Dolin, Margot Fonteyn, Kenneth MacMillan, Alicia Markova, Bronislawa Nijinska, and Antony Tudor.

Answer 9

English country dancing. Dancing around a maypole is an example.

Answer 10

the English people do not have dancing style