If you are wondering what all this is about, then you have a delight waiting for you as you discover the wonderful world of English country dancing, ceilidhs and barn dances. Because do-si-dos, left hand stars, right hand stars, circling left, circling right and galloping between the lines as everyone claps are all English country dance moves to traditional music that has been thrilling people of all ages for hundreds of years.
Country dancing is incredibly social. Most of the dancing is done in groups which can be made up of almost any number of people. For example, the Circassian circle is a dance that often begins and ends an evening of English country dancing. The dancers, among other moves, form a massive circle around the room and take it in turns to gallop into the centre and whoop! It’s a bit silly but lots of fun. There is usually a lot of giggling and laughter too. So much so that the band can hardly hear themselves playing sometimes even with the benefit of up to date amplification.
Country dancing is also incredibly easy to get into. You can come along with a partner or find one on the dance floor. Your dance steps are for you to decide. You can walk, skip or gallop as you like, depending on your physical prowess, inclination and the amount of exercise you want to get. Every English country dance has a dance caller who will lead the dancers through the dance beforehand and then keep calling the moves for as long as is needed during the dance. The dance caller is there to ensure that everyone has a good time and joins in with the fun.
Country dancing is incredibly good for families to join in to which is why it’s so good for special birthdays, anniversaries and weddings. From granny and grandpa to the smallest of children, everyone can join in. I’ve seen mums and dads dancing with babies in their arms and people dancing with wheelchairs. The expert dance caller will choose the dances that are right for those there at the time for the maximum fun.
Country dance music is very bouncy and has been getting people on the dance floor for centuries. Fiddles, guitars, accordions and wind instruments are all generally involved making a great musical atmosphere that no single generation owns so is great for everyone’s enjoyment.
By now, you’ll be wondering where you can enjoy your first English country dance! Well, you are in luck, if you are in the Taunton area, because Somerset Council have booked Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band to host free English country dancing in Vivary Park, Taunton, Somerset, UK on the 18th May 2025. The music and dancing is outdoors in the best English Summer tradition. It starts at 3pm and continues until 5pm. Bridget, the dance caller, is one of the best so it will be lots of fun!
If you are not near the Taunton area, Barnbuskers host lots of ceilidh barn dances for English country music throughout Somerset and Devon. If you join our Barnbuskers mailing list, we’ll let you know when we are doing one near you. We are also on Facebook. Just search for Barnbuskers and follow us or join our group.
If you are thinking about holding a gathering to celebrate a special birthday, anniversary or wedding, a ceilidh barn dance in your local village or public hall is ideal for bringing family and friends together in a way that everyone can join in and enjoy. Judy, who is Barnbuskers band leader and hard working organiser, would love to hear from you and discuss our availability. Simply visit our Barnbuskers contact page.
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