English Country Dance Formations
These are brief descriptions of the different formations used in English
Country Dances.
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.
Form up in a circle of 3 couples standing next to your partner with the
lady on the right.
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.
Page under construction. Check back later for more info.
Page under construction. Check back later for more info.
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.
Page under construction. Check back later for more info.
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.
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.
Form up in a circle of couples standing next to your partner with the
lady on the right.
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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).
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