English County Dance

Hi I’m Alice, your dance teacher and caller.  I run a monthly English Country Dance in Indianapolis, Indiana, which has been ongoing for about 11 years.  I call and teach dance at small and large festivals, birthdays, library programs, and weddings. I have also organized Regency, Civil War, and Medieval balls. My specialty is beginners! I always teach at your groups level. 

Ready to Dance? No experience necessary.

Click For Indianapolis Dance Schedule

Thinking about having dance at your next event? Send me a message so we can talk about your special event. Email Me!  I love to work with live musicians, such as Entwyned Celtic Duo, but I can also bring recorded music.  Media Kit

What is English Country Dance?

Join me caller Alice Smith-Goeke for a twirl through time, as we dance like the characters from Jane Austen’s novels to the Knights of the round table. Kick up your heels and experience English Country Dance. It’s easy enough for beginners and can be tailored to your own energy level.  There is no fancy footwork needed. English Country Dance is characterized by simple sets and patterns that can be enjoyed by the entire family. Singles, Couples and Families welcomed. You don’t need to bring a partner. All dances taught. No experience necessary.   Fancy Dress/ Costumes are admired, but not required.  
 

English Country Dancing was the precursor of contra and square dancing and was popular in England and America in the 1600’s, 1700’s and early 1800’s. If you’ve seen any of the recent Jane Austen movies (Pride and Prejudice, Emma) you’ve seen this form of dance. Civil War re-enactment dances also are English Country Dances.  Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) events sometimes include English Country Dancing. It’s similar enough to contra dance to be familiar, but different enough to be interesting.

Thinking about having dance at your next event? Send me a message so we can talk about your special event. Email Me!