Binghamton ECD

If you have seen Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, or Emma, you have seen English Country Dance. Bridgerton displays a theatrical modernization of English Country Dance which keeps some of the feeling of it, but we practice a more historically accurate, yet still fun, version. ECD is graceful, energetic, stately, boisterous, silly, and serious-all accompanied by beautiful music.

Location

We meet in the upper room at Christ Episcopal Church located at 10 Henry Street in Binghamton, NY. You can click here to see the google map. Once you arrive, you can park in the Metro Center lot on Henry Street located adjacent to the church. We will give you a slip that will allow you to exit the lot without paying-just don't forget to ask for it. To find us, head around to the side door accessible from the small lot off Water Street (though parking is not allowed in this lot.) The stairs will be just inside the door to your left. At the top of the stairs, go through the hall and turn left. You will probably hear the musicians tuning up. The sign in sheet is just inside the door.

Calendar/Schedule

We meet every Fall and Spring on the first Saturday of the month as follows below. Please be sure to sign up for class notifications at leeshepherd609@gmail.com in case class is cancelled. You can RSVP to that email address as well to help us get an idea of how many people are coming. If you are looking to carpool, email Lee or post to our Facebook page to see if anyone is coming from your location.There will be information about each specific date on our Facebook Events page so please look there for details.

• Sat., September 7 from 2PM - 5PM
• Sat., October 5 from 2PM - 5PM
• Sat., November 2 from 2PM - 5PM
• Sat., December 7 from 2PM - 5PM

FAQs

Please read over these FAQs and don't hestitate to contact us if you have further questions.

What is English Country Dance?

This traditional form of dance has been around for several hundred years, and evolved into square and contra dancing, but English country dance still thrives today in its own right. English Country Dancing (ECD) is done all over the US, Canada, England and on the Continent. Typically the entire group is doing the same dance, and it is repeated as sets of couples make their way down or up the line. You can visit us on Youtube soon to learn more about English country dance to see examples, learn some basic terms, and more.

When and Where do the dances take place?

We meet the first Saturday of the month from 2pm-5pm at Christ Episcopal Church at 10 Henry Street in Binghamton. Click here to see a map. We don't meet every month of the year-click here to see our schedule.

Do I Need A Partner?

Nope! We all trade partners and newbies are encouraged to dance with more experienced dancers as they learn. We change partners with each dance. We may do up to 6 dances per session.

Do I Need Any Dance Experience?

Nope! All dances are taught before we do them all the way through with music. The dances are mostly the same set of steps repeated as you move down or up the set. And dances tend to use the same steps over and over again in different configurations so before you know it, you know what you are doing. Mostly. And if not, don't worry. We're friendly people who are happy to help. Here are some videos of our classes from last spring. Most dances are a series of walking steps, sometimes a little faster.

How Much Does It Cost? Do I have to commit to a certain number of classes?

We meet once a week on the first Saturday of the month in the Fall and Spring. You can attend any or all classes. There is a suggested donation of $10 per class paid at the door on the honor system. Be sure to sign up for our email newsletter (just email Lee at LeeShepherd609@gmail.com) so you get notified if a class is cancelled due to weather. RSVPing helps us know if there are enough people to actually have class.

What do I wear? Do I need a Costume?

Just wear comfortable clothing. You do need to please bring a clean pair of shoes that are comfortable for dancing in and we ask that you change into these shoes once you arrive. People wear sneakers, or any comfortable soft-soled shoes. You see us dressed in costume in some of the photos and videos but those are from the balls that are held once a year.

What should I expect?

Expect to have fun, learn, and enjoy yourself! If you like, you can bring a snack to share during break but it isn't required.

 

Are there other dance groups in the area?

Yes! The Scottish Dancers in the area meet Tuesdays at a church in Vestal- address will be posted soon and for more information you can email David Wasson at dwasson1955 at gmail.com. Be advised: Scottish and English share similar figures like rights and lefts and hays, but Scottish steps--they use five different steps--are danced on the balls of your feet with the energy and exhilaration of skipping to music. Therefore, it is more physically demanding than English dance.

Looking for Contra, Scottish, International, or other Binghamton Area Dance groups?

Many groups did not reconvene after COVID. If you are interested in trying to get these groups started again, you can email Hilton Baxter at HiltonB@Binghamton.edu for more information.

Contact Us

You can email our coordinator at leeshepherd609@gmail.com, call Lee at (607) 206-1437, or message us on Facebook.