Dances
Here’s the full list of dances, with linked examples of dance.
Mr. Beveridge's Maggot (simplified choreography by Jane Gibson)
English Country Dance Terms
Orientation Terms
Up / Down the Hall: “Up” means toward the music or stage; “Down” means toward the doors or away from the band. Dancers travel as a pair or as a whole line.
Set: A group of four dancers (first couple and second couple) forming the basic unit of the dance. Sets stack vertically up and down the hall.
Partner: The person standing beside you at the start. Traditionally “gentleman” on the left and “lady” on the right, though modern ECD is gender‑neutral and often uses positional terms.
Neighbor: The person next to you in your set.
Corner: The dancer diagonally across from you (your partner’s neighbor).
First Corner: First gentleman and the second lady.
Second Corner: Second gentleman and the first lady.
Basic Movement Figures
Lead: Partners join hands and walk forward together, usually up or down the hall.
Cast Off: Turning outward and walking down the outside of the set while others move up to make room.
Turn Single: A solo turn in place, usually clockwise, taking four steps.
Two‑Hand Turn: Partners (or neighbors) take both hands and turn once around.
Right‑Hand / Left‑Hand Turn: Take right or left hands and turn once around with your neighbor or partner.
Set (Step): A decorative step in place, often stepping right then left while facing your partner. Not the same as “set” meaning group of dancers.
Additional Movement Figures
Gypsy / Right Shoulder Walk: Walking around another dancer while maintaining eye contact. (Often renamed “right‑shoulder walk” in modern inclusive calling.)
Back‑to‑Back / Do‑si‑do: Dancers pass right shoulders, move back‑to‑back, and return to place.
Circle Left / Right: All four dancers join hands in a ring and walk left or right.