The Dover English Country Dancers

Join us in one of the most popular social activities of colonial America.






Schedule of Events

Sunday, 15 December 2024 at 5 pm
Visitor's Center, 201 Main St., Odessa DE

Dover Country Dancers in partnership with the Historic Odessa Foundation host:
15th Annual Colonial Dance in Historic Odessa, DE
George Tolson will call a festive holiday English country dance.

Fee is $10 for regular admission, which goes directly to support the Historic Odessa Foundation.
Student admission is free.



2025 Schedule
6:30 pm Beginner Introduction / 7:00 pm Dance Commences
11 January 2025
8 February 2025
8 March 2025

2025 Spring Colonial Dance
5 April 2025 - caller Ann Fallon


Times and locations may be subject to change

Click here for MAP & DIRECTIONS to Ehinger Hall
Follow us HERE on Facebook

Please consider becoming a member
Annual membership for the January - December season is $10
Regular dance admission is $7 for members, $10 for non-members
Admission price may change for special dances

Snacks and Drinks.... Please feel free to bring a snack to share.
Sign up at a dance to host the snack table for a future dance. Hosting involves ensuring drinks (water, lemonade, etc.), cups, snacks, plates and napkins are set out for all to enjoy; and cleaning up at the end of the dance. We have several drink dispensers available (stored under the stage), feel free to fill them with ice and beverages, and clean and put them away after the dance.

If you have questions, please email doverecdinfo@gmail.com






We, the Executive Board and membership of the Dover English Country Dancers do not and will not limit admission or access to our events, programs, and activities on the basis of any characteristic protected by law, to include but not be limited to race, sex, gender identification, sexual orientation, national origin, native language, religion, age, disability, marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, or citizenship.








The style of dance was brought by the colonists from England mostly, where it was known as ''country dance''.
We now call it ''English Country Dance'' and include people of
all ages, couples and singles, who enjoy music and dance in a spirit of fun and friendship.
Newcomers are always welcome, and each dance is taught with a walk-through before it is danced.
Dress is casual except for balls when many of us dress in eighteenth century attire.
Special guest callers and bands are used several times a year.

Founded in 1979 by Winfried and Edith Mroz and Alex and Rosemary Apostolina.
These two Dover couples had been dancing at Pinewoods for years and wanted
to share the joy of English Country Dancing with the Dover community -
and dance more than once a year!

.
.
.
.





Dancing
"...adds to the accomplishment of Behaviour and Carriage
and Qualifies a person for Polite company."

Nicholas Ridgely 1750's Dover, Delaware

"Dancing is, of all the fine arts, that which seems peculiarly devoted to cheerfulness and joy.
It is the lively expression of these emotions by gestures and attitudes. It seems to have nothing but pleasure in view,
yet like music, its sweet accompaniment, it tends to refine the manners; and to give health, activity, and vigor,
as well as graceful ease and elegance to the human frame."

T. Hillgrove, Teacher of Dancing 1866





The mission of the Dover English Country Dancers is to provide opportunities to dance
and promote quality 18th c. dance experiences for all levels, across all ages, and for multiple personal dance interests
ranging from social, cultural, community, and fitness/wellness reasons.

How to Contact Us

If you have any specific questions you may telephone the officers listed or e-mail us

Name Telephone number E-mail
President Karen Smith 443-254-8841 doverecdinfo@gmail.com, ,
Vice President Charles Aldrich ** gentry_reenact_charles@yahoo.com
Music Master Marty Ersts 410-778-5120 MErsts85@gmail.com
Dance Mistress Ieva Ersts 410-778-5120 iersts@gmail.com
To request the public demonstration group perform at your event,
or learn more about the demonstration group please contact Ieva Ersts






Links to Other English Country Dance Sites
and information


This site is a great English Country Dance resource.
Videos of dances by groups from around the world.
(with some variations from village to village)

English Country Dances Videos

Country Dance and Song Society


Somerset Dancers


The Folklore Society of Greater Washington


Germantown Country Dancers


The Baltimore Folk Music Society


The Williamsburg Heritage Dancers


A great site and a couple of video links for those trying to dance learn the waltz.
New moves for old smoothies as well.

Waltzing video
A few more moves
www.colinhume.com/dtwaltz.htm

Events we have had the pleasure to be a part of



2018 Dover Colonial Market Fair in Dover, De.




Pemberton Plantation - Salisbury, MD          Poplar Hill Mansion, Salisbury, MD





Paca House - Annapolis, MD




George Washington Ball - Williamsburg, VA












Last updated 2/9/23

Views since 07/27/21 10129


<-- Register4less.com -->