How to Dance to Folk Music in England

A detailed guide on how to dance to folk music in England, complete with easy to follow instructions and videos.

Introduction

Folk music has been a part of English culture for centuries, and dancing to folk music is a great way to get involved in the tradition. Whether you’re at a festival or just enjoying a local band at a pub, there are a few things you should know before you start dancing. Read on for some tips on how to dance to folk music in England.

What is Folk Music?

Folk music is a genre of music that typically uses traditional instruments and explores the influences of the culture from which it originates. The term “folk music” can be used to describe both traditional songs that have been passed down through generations, as well as more modern compositions that have been influenced by folk traditions.

Folk music is often associated with dances, and there are a variety of traditional dances that are associated with different styles of folk music. In England, there are many different regional styles of folk music and dance, so if you’re planning on attending a folk festival or dancing at a ceilidh (a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering), it’s important to familiarize yourself with the style of folk music and dance that will be common in that area.

One of the most popular folk dances in England is Morris dancing. Morris dancers often dress in brightly-colored clothing and wear bells on their legs to create a tinkling sound as they dance. The steps of the Morris dance vary depending on the region, but they typically involve a lot of stamping and kicking, and sometimes even leaping into the air. If you’re attending a Morris dancing event, it’s best to watch the dancers for a while before joining in, so you can get a feel for the steps and rhythms.

Another popular form of English folk dance is step dancing, which is similar to square dancing in the United States. Step dancing also originated in rural areas, and it was often danced at social gatherings such as weddings and fairs. The steps of the dance vary depending on the region, but they typically involve moving around in formation with your partner and making intricate footwork patterns. Step dancing is usually done to upbeat tunes, so it’s easy to get carried away and start having fun!

The Origins of Folk Music in England

While the folk music of England is sometimes thought to be synonymous with Celtic music, the reality is that there are many different types and styles of folk music that have arisen in England over the centuries. The term “folk music” itself is somewhat nebulous, encompassing everything from traditional ballads to sea shanties to more modern, contemporary songs. And while Celtic music does have a significant presence in English folk music, it is by no means the only influence.

The origins of English folk music can be traced back to the medieval period, when troubadours and minstrels would travel from town to town, performing songs about current events or popular tales. This tradition continued throughout the Renaissance and into the Industrial Revolution, when new technologies allowed for a wider dissemination of folk songs. It was during this time that many of the most famous and well-loved English folk songs were first written and performed, including “The Lincolnshire Poacher” and “The Bold Grenadier”.

As the 20th century progressed, folk music in England began to take on a new form. Influenced by American jazz and blues, as well as traditional Celtic music, a new generation of English musicians began creating their own unique style of folk music. This new sound was typified by performers like Ewan MacColl and A.L. Lloyd, who helped usher in a golden age of English folk music in the 1950s and 1960s.

Today, English folk music is as diverse as ever, with traditional ballads sitting alongside more modernised versions, as well as brand new songs being written all the time. Whether you’re looking to tap your toes to an old favorite or discover something new, there’s sure to be an English folk song that will fit your taste.

Folk Music Today

The folk music of England is traditionally based around the music of the UK, specifically the countries of England, Scotland and Wales. The music has been heavily influenced by the music of Ireland and other Celtic nations, as well as by the music of the United States and other immigrant groups. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in English folk music, with a number of new bands and artist emerging on the scene.

How to Dance to Folk Music

Dancing is a great way to get involved in the music and to meet people at events. It can also be a lot of fun! Folk dances are usually danced in pairs or small groups, and often everyone dances together in a large circle or line.

There are many different folk dances from all over the world, so you’re sure to find one that you enjoy. If you’re attending a folk music event in England, here are some popular dances that you might see:

Morris dancing is a traditional English dance where dancers wear bells on their legs and wave handkerchiefs or sticks. The dance is often accompanied by music played on an accordion or fiddle.

The Maypole Dance is a traditional English dance that involves dancers weaving in and out of a tall pole decorated with ribbons. The Maypole Dance is usually performed on May Day (1st May), which is a national holiday in England.

The Cheshire Ring Morris Dance is another traditional English dance which involves dancers linking arms and forming a ring. The dance originated in the county of Cheshire, which is in the North West of England.

The Virginia Reel is an American folk dance which was brought to England by settlers from the US state of Virginia. The dance involves couples dancing around each other and then joining hands to form a line or ‘snake’.

contra dancingis another American folk dance which was brought over by settlers from New England (in the North East of the USA). It involves couples dancing together in lines, circles or gangs (groups). At the end of each sequence of figures, the couples change partners so that everyone gets to dance with everyone else.

Conclusion

Overall, dancing to folk music in England is a very enjoyable experience. There is a wide variety of music to choose from, and the dancing itself is relatively easy to learn. If you are looking for a fun way to spend an evening, or if you simply want to experience English culture in a unique way, then folk dancing is definitely something you should try!