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by Kristin Vantrease

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English Country Dancing
Engages Frosh's Family

Alaina Arp, dressed in a historical costume, dances a two-hand turn at the
"Night at the Museum" ball on Oct. 13. --Sonia Arp, photo

Every Thursday evening, English country dancing enthusiasts gather in the McMinnville Ballroom to swish their skirts and dust off their suits. "It is a chivalrous time of social interaction, a family thing," freshman Alaina Arp said.

Arp's sister, Sonia, introduced her family to English dancing. While looking online at the home schooling alumni forum, she saw a posting for English country dancing and convinced the whole family to attend a practice.

At practice, Arp's family learned traditional English dances and also dances from movies such as "Emma" and "Pride and Prejudice."

Arp said she instantly fell in love with the dancing and has attended ever since. Aside from enjoying the "cordial atmosphere and the wholesome interaction," Arp said dancing has been an excellent way to meet other homeschool alumni and people from the community.

Arp was quick to mention that it is not a "girly" event. Her 16-year-old brother, Nathan, ended up loving English dancing partly because so many mathematical patterns are involved in the dances. "There is pattern and rhythm, but it is still artistic," Arp said.

The dances have specific patterns that dancers must follow for the dances to move along smoothly. In a fast-paced dance, one misstep or wrong turn could result in much confusion for the dancer.

Another element in the English country dancing package is the formal balls. The balls allow the participants to don the traditional clothing that many sew themselves and to whirl around the ballroom to the dances they have been rehearsing--the women and girls in their vibrant, elegant regency gowns and the men and boys in their suits.

Arp, who has attended several formal balls, said she was excited about the ball on Oct. 13. The theme was from the movie "A Night at the Museum." Attendees were encouraged to dress to the theme as historical characters from any time period.

Laura Plett is the woman who started the English country dancing lessons. While attending a camp for homeschoolers last July, Ms. Plett participated in an English country dance one evening and said she was amazed by the grace and beauty the dance showcased.

A typical English country dance begins with the gentleman asking the lady for a dance, and everyone forming two lines with men on one side and women on the other. The couples then perform the various steps that the caller announces.

These steps may include a pousette, which involves weaving around the other dancers. When the music ends, the man is required to lead the woman off the floor.

After returning home from the camp, Ms. Plett said bringing English dancing to the community pervaded her thoughts. She told herself, "If I really want this, I have to make it happen myself." Ms. Plett eventually started English country dancing Thursdays, which now boasts about 20 members.

The caller in English country dancing is similar to the caller in square dancing. The caller announces the next move, directing the dance.

"English dancing," Arp said, "is more fun than square dancing."

Ms. Plett said English dancing offers a "non-threatening way to get to know new people" and is an excellent way to "do something beautiful, productive and lovely." New dancers are welcome to attend the practices.

Arp's dance group, "Set to Music," will resume practices in January.

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