Central Illinois English Country Dancers

What is ECD?

Who are we?

Our Schedule

Our Email List

Our Newsletter

Dances

Our Band

Useful Files

What is English Country Dance?

English Country Dance is the dance form that was popular in England and America in the 1600's, 1700's and early 1800's. It is one of the dance forms from which modern contra and square dance are descended. If you've seen any of the recent Jane Austen movies then you've seen this sort of dance. We also do some early American dances from the Colonial and Revolutionary War eras. Follow this link for more information.

Who are the CIECD?

The Central Illinois English Country Dancers are a group of local dancers who do English Country and Early American dances. We are affiliated with the Country Dance and Song Society and the the Urbana Park District and we hold monthly dances at the Phillips Recreation Center at 505 W. Stoughton in Urbana. (MAP) We also hold special dances twice a year, a Christmas Ball in December and a Playford Ball in June. In the summer we often have a pool party and dance in the water. Our dances are primarily social and recreational. All dances will be taught and we always have live music provided by our band, The Flatland Consort. Partners, costumes and experience are not necessary. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Some dancers like to dress in period costume at the balls. This can be fun and is encouraged, but is certainly not required. No admission will be charged at our regular monthly dances, but we do ask for a $2.00 donation to raise the fee for the use of the hall.

In the spring we will be holding a special English-American Dance and Music Weekend in cooperation with the Urbana Country Dancers and the International Folk Dance Society. This will be a great opportunity for dancers in our area and we hope that everyone will make plans to join us.

Pictures from past dance weekends

CIECD Email List

Go to https://mail.prairienet.org/mailman/listinfo/ciecd-l to subscribe to the CIECD email list. This will enable you to receive schedules and special dance announcements. You can also unsubscribe from the list using this same link.

CIECD Schedule For 2008

MONTH	DAY	EVENT	TIME	LOCATION
June	Saturday 7	Hangin' at the Hangar 1940's Style Community Barn Dance Fund raiser for the Chanute Air Museum	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.	Chanute Air Museum
July	Saturday 12	Couple Dancing Workshop - 7 p.m. Dancing - 8 to 11 p.m.	8:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Illini Union, Room 314
July	Saturday 19	CIECD Pool Party Swimming starts - 3 p.m. Dancing in the pool - 4 p.m. Potluck dinner - 5:30 p.m.	7:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Jane Hobgood's 328-1708 for directions
September	Friday 12	English Country Dance The first hour will feature an introduction to English Country Dance.	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.	Phillips Recreation Center
September	Sunday 21	Dancing in the Park Picnic - 1 p.m., meet at the Visitors Center In case of rain we will relocate to the Andersons' barn, 2206 N. Brownfield Rd., northeast of Urbana.	3:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Allerton Park
October	Saturday 11	Couple Dancing Polka Workshop - 7 p.m. Dancing - 8 to 11 p.m.	8:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Illini Union, Room 314
October	Friday 31	English Country Dance Halloween Dance - Costumes encouraged	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.	Phillips Recreation Center
November	Saturday 15	English Country Dance	7:00 - 10:00 p.m.	Phillips Recreation Center
November	Saturday 22	Lincoln Ball and Barndance Bands: Bloomington Calvary Brass Band & Chirps and Friends Callers: Deborah Hyland (St. Louis) & Paul Tyler (Chicago) 1-2:30 pm - Workshop on 19th century dance. Free. 7-11 pm - The Ball. Admission $15 adults, $5 children 11-17 and free for children 10 and under.		Alice Campbell Alumni Center
December	Sunday 7	English Country Dance	2:00 - 5:00 p.m.	Phillips Recreation Center
December	Saturday 20	14th Annual Christmas Ball Dance warmup 7:00 - 8:00 Suggested donation $7.00	8:00 - 11:00 p.m.	Illini Union, Room 314