English Country Dance Formations

These are brief descriptions of the different formations used in English Country Dances.


2 Couples Facing

Line up in sets of 2 couples scattered around the room. Stand with your partner with the lady on the right and facing the other couple.


Circle for 3 couples

Form up in a circle of 3 couples standing next to your partner with the lady on the right.


Longways for 3 Couples

Line up as a line of 3 couples with the ladies on the right as you face the top of the hall. The couples are numbered 1, 2 and 3. In some dances you keep your number and place in the line throughout the dance. Other dances are progressive and each couple gets to dance in each position.


3 Facing 3

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4 Couples in a Square

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Longways for 4 Couples

Line up as a line of 4 couples with the ladies on the right as you face the top of the hall. The couples are numbered 1, 2, 3 and 4. In some dances you keep your number and place in the line throughout the dance. Other dances are progressive and each couple gets to dance in each position.


4 facing 4

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Duple Proper Longways

Line up as a line of couples with the ladies on the right as you face the top of the hall. Take hands in groups of 4 (2 couples) starting at the top of the set. The couples in each minor set closest to the top are the 1's the other couples are the 2's.


Duple Improper Longways

Line up as a line of couples with the ladies on the right as you face the top of the hall. Take hands in groups of 4 (2 couples) starting at the top of the set. The couples in each minor set closest to the top are the 1's the other couples are the 2's. To get into improper formation the 1's trade places with their partners. This means you will need to remember to trade places with your partner when waiting out at either end.


Circle

Form up in a circle of couples standing next to your partner with the lady on the right.


Sicilian Circle

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Circle Mixer

The formation is a circle of couples. Stand next to your partner with the ladies on the right facing into the circle. Some dances then rearrange to a different initial formation (i.e. with gents on the inside facing their partners on the outside of the circle).


Triple Proper Longways

Line up as a line of couples with the women on the right as you face the top of the hall. Take hands in groups of 6 (3 couples) starting at the top of the set. The couples in each minor set closest to the top are the 1's, the next couple below them are the 2's and the remaining couples are the 3's.


Last updated on May 11, 2018