English Country Dancing

ECD

English Country Dancing

2nd Fridays - Elks Lodge (2nd floor)
112 N. Pattee St

October 12, 2026
Dearest Gentle Reader,
The first English Country dance of the season was graced with the presence of some 26 enthusiastic dancers and non pareil music from the seven piece band, "More the Merrier." It seems it's not too early to be thinking about one's special attire for this spring's ball, "Jane Austen's Night Out" as the Missoula Senior Center has a 50% off sale all October.
Yours truly,
Lord Thistledown

2nd Friday Dances

Details:
Day: 2nd Fridays, Oct - May
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Location: Elks Lodge
Suggested Donation: $10
Live Music by "More The Merrier"

On second Fridays at the Elks Lodge, Bev Young, Mark Matthews, and Christa Torrens will teach fun, easy-to-learn, English country dances to live Renaissance music.

Everyone welcome. No experience necessary. No partner required. All dances taught and "called." Come join us!

Classes

Two Continuing Englas Dance Classes - November & December! (click)

English country dancing, as the name implies, was the social dance of country folk in England and the Colonies. Dances ran the gamut from elegant to rowdy, stately to silly, simple to complex, and had fun, varied tunes to accompany them. But country dancing wasn’t only for farmers and milkmaids. Henry VIII enjoyed country dances, as did George Washington more than 200 years later.

"Bridgerton" and the movie adaptations of Jane Austen's popular novels, Pride & Prejudice and Sense & Sensibility, showcase the intrigue, romance, liveliness and sheer fun of English Country Dancing as well as the majestic sound of Baroque orchestras.

Beautiful music. One of the many joys of English country dance is the variety of melodic music. Each dance has its own tune. As an example, here's the dance and tune, "Juice of Barley." Live music for Missoula dances are provided by the band "More the Merrier".

"More the Merrier"
Bridgette Hendrix, violin; Loretta Strong, violin; Katherine Skinner, piano;
Phil Carlos, concertina; Jo Ellen Carlos, recorder;
Mike Sweet, accordion; and Robert Logan, hammered dulcimer.