Modern English Country Dance is highly social and offers an amazing variety of music and styles. The dynamic between the dancers is very different from other forms of modern dance because one of the goals is to have fun with everyone in the room.

English Country Dance Sydney is held at Church By The Bridge on Broughton Street in Kirribilli for the benefit of the community and is, informally, part of the international dance community continuing and enjoying traditional dance in modern ways. We do dances that were written recently and some from long ago. The pace and style varies a lot. The people vary a lot too, the main thing they have in common is a love of moving to music. Another common characteristic is a pleasant attitude.

What do you need to participate? First, you don’t need to bring a partner or to know complicated footwork. You can wear comfortable casual clothes.

If you have physical limitations, you will need to decide which dances or aspects to participate in and which may need to be modified or perhaps left out.

Is it hard to learn? There is a bit of a learning curve but we all help one another to get to know the dances. The best way to learn is by doing it. The dances are taught and called. One of the best things to do as you learn is to listen to the music. Recordings by The Assembly Players, Bare Necessities, English Echoes, The Pemberly Players, and others are available through  The Country Dance & Song Society.

Is there a fee? We put out a jar for donations and ask that dancers give what they can afford to help with the expenses.

How do I get there? The church is a short walk from the Milsons Point Train Station. Exit the station on the Kirribilli side and head down towards the harbour. The church is on the left about one block away. There is an abundance of coffee shops and restaurants in the area.