English Folk Dance Music- A Guide

If you want to get started in the wonderful world of English Folk Dance Music, this guide is for you. Learn about the different types of dances and music, where to find events, and how to get started.

What is English Folk Dance Music?

English Folk Dance Music is the traditional music of the English people. It is usually played on acoustic instruments, and often features elements of traditional British folk music, such as jigs, reels and hornpipes.

Many of the dances associated with English Folk Dance Music date back to the medieval period, when they were performed at country fairs and village celebrations. In more recent times, these dances have been adapted for use in Morris dancing and other forms of English Folk Dancing.

The most common type of English Folk Dance Music is known as ‘ceilidh’ music, which comes from the Gaelic word for ‘party’. This upbeat style of music is perfect for dancing, and often features lively percussion and fiddle tunes.

If you’re interested in learning more about English Folk Dance Music, why not check out our guide to the best ceilidh bands?

The Origins of English Folk Dance Music

Most folk music scholars believe that English folk music has its origins in the music of the people who lived in Britain before the Romans arrived in 55 BC. These people, known as the Celts, were originally from Central Europe and they brought with them their own unique form of music. This music was largely vocal with accompanying instruments such as the harp, flute, and bagpipe.

As the Celts began to settle in different parts of Britain, their music began to evolve and take on different characteristics. In the north and west of England, where the Celts had less contact with other cultures, their music remained true to its original form. However, in the south and east of England, where the Celts came into contact with other cultures, such as the Romans and Anglo-Saxons, their music began to change.

One of the most significant changes was the introduction of new instruments, such as the violin and fiddle. These instruments were not only adopted by the Celts, but also by the Anglo-Saxons and Normans who began to settle in England after 1066. As a result, English folk music began to incorporate a wide variety of different instrumentation.

Another significant change was the addition of new melody types from abroad. The most notable of these was scale degree 6-melodies which were introduced by troubadours from Northern Italy during the 12th century. These new melodies had a profound effect on English folk music and can still be heard in many traditional songs today.

In addition to new instrumentation and melody types, English folk music also began to adopt new rhythms from other cultures. The most notable of these was compound meter which was introduced by French minstrels during the 13th century. This new meter greatly influenced English folk dance music and can still be heard in many traditional dances today.

The Instruments Used in English Folk Dance Music

The bagpipe is one of the most commonly used instruments in English folk dance music, and is thought to have originated in the Middle East. The instrument consists of a bag usually made from animal skin, into which air is pumped by the player using a bellows. The player then uses two or three pipes called drones, which produce a continuous note, to create the melody.

The fiddle is another popular instrument used in English folk dance music, and is thought to have originated in medieval Europe. The fiddle is a stringed instrument that is played with a bow, and produces a high-pitched, nasal sound.

The accordion is also often used in English folk dance music. The accordion is a portable keyboard instrument that consists of two metal plates attached to bellows. The player presses the plates together to force air through the reeds, which produces sound.

Finally, the melodeon is an instrument that consists of one or more rows of keys that are pressed to produce sound. Melodeons are often used in English folk dance music, as they are portable and easy to play.

The Characteristics of English Folk Dance Music

There are many characteristics of English Folk Dance Music which make it unique from other types of dance music. One of the most distinguishing features is its use of traditional instrumentation. Folk dance music is typically played on acoustic instruments such as guitars, fiddles, accordions, and bodhrans.

In addition to its traditional instrumentation, English Folk Dance Music is also known for its often-simple melodies and catchy rhythms. These elements make the music easy to listen to and dance to. Folk dances themselves often reflect the simple, country lifestyle of the people who created them.

Another distinguishing feature of English Folk Dance Music is that it is largely improvised. This means that there is no set arrangement or structure to most folk songs; instead, they are usually created spontaneously by the musicians playing them. This spontaneity gives folk music its energy and liveliness.

Finally, English Folk Dance Music often has a strong sense of community. This is because it was originally created by and for ordinary people, rather than professional musicians. As a result, folk music has always had an important social function: it has been used as a way for people to come together and share their culture and traditions.

The Popularity of English Folk Dance Music

The popularity of English folk dance music can be traced back to the early days of the country’s history. Folk dances were originally created by the working class people as a way to express themselves and their culture. These dances were often performed at festivals and other special occasions.

Over time, these folk dances became more popular with the upper class and eventually became a form of entertainment for them as well. This led to the development of more sophisticated and choreographed versions of these dances. Today, English folk dance music is enjoyed by people of all classes and is often performed at weddings, parties, and other special events.

How to Get Started With English Folk Dance Music

Although English Folk Dance Music is often thought of as a traditional and somewhat dated genre, it is actually enjoying something of a resurgence in popularity in recent years. If you are keen to get started with this type of music, then there are a few things that you will need to bear in mind. Read on for our quick guide to getting started with English Folk Dance Music.

One of the first things to do if you want to get started with English Folk Dance Music is to find out what dances are popular in your area. If you live in England, then there is a good chance that your local pub or village hall will have a regular folk dance night. Attend one of these events and you will be able to pick up some tips on the different dances that are commonly performed. Alternatively, there are also many online resources which can provide you with information on the most popular folk dances.

Once you have an idea of the kind of dances that are popular, you will then need to find some music to go along with them. There are a number of ways in which you can do this. Firstly, many folk dance groups will have their own CDs which they sell or hire out. Alternatively, there are also many websites which offer free downloads of traditional English Folk Dance Music. Finally, if you know anyone who plays an instrument such as the fiddle or accordion, then they may be able to provide you with some tunes to get started with.