If you are looking for an alternative to dance exercise classes like Zumba then it could be worth checking out traditional English country dancing, as in the photo above, as a fun way of getting your regular exercise. It’s also a great way to involve your other half in your dancing exercise because it’s very couple friendly. Alternatively, it is fine for single individuals because dance partners are easily found at the dance.
Traditional English country dancing is something that many of us did at school but haven’t enjoyed since but there are many clubs that still meet regularly to dance to traditional English tunes that have been delighting generations of dancers for hundreds of years. Very often the music is provided by one or more live musicians which is ideal to get the feet tapping.
So what exercise can traditional English dancing provide? Well, there’s galloping sideways down between lines of other dancers as they clap. There’s circling left in a group and circling right. There’s leading your line of dancers around the set. There’s ducking and diving which involves going under arches made by the other dancers. There are lots of fun dance exercise routines that make up the huge traditional English country dance repertoire so your mind is kept active as well.
Is it easy to get started? Yes it is. Traditional English country dancing is led by a dance caller who explains the dance before it starts with a walk through of the different bits of the dance. The caller then starts the dance and keeps explaining it for as much as is needed during the dance. Dances can be really easy or more complex to get the brain working and the dance caller will adapt the choice of the dances to what is best for those present.
Are the steps complicated or too strenuous for the less fit? If you can walk then you can country dance! Skipping is a fun alternative and for the really adventurous and able then there is the hop step which is appropriate for certain dances. I’ve even seen people enjoying English country dances in wheelchairs. English country dancing is very community orientated and hugely inclusive.
So where in Devon and Somerset can you find your local country dancing club? Simply check out the phrase ‘English country dance ceilidh or barn dance’, or variations, with your local Devon or Somerset town included and you might be surprised at what you will find. For example, in Devon you could try Willand folk dance club in mid-Devon, or Gittisham folk dance club in East Devon.
If you live in the Minehead area of West Somerset, we at Barnbuskers ceilidh barn dance band can notify you of dances that are open to the public – to sign up for this, join the Barnbuskers mailing list
English country dancing is also ideal for family get togethers to mark those special birthdays, anniversaries or weddings. Barnbuskers ceilidh barndance band will be happy to provide details of how we can help you hold your own ceilidh barn dance in Somerset or Devon to celebrate your special family event. Simply follow the link to Barnbuskers contact page.
So English country dancing can provide a real alternative to Zumba as a way of getting dancing exercise. There are English country dance clubs that meet regularly throughout Devon and Somerset and an English country dance is a great way to celebrate a special family event for family members of all ages. Check it out, it’s fun!
Barnbuskers 