Regency Workshops
Although we are mostly a performance side we do offer workshops where we teach the basics of Playford Dancing which has been popular in England since 1651 when John Playford published his first book of English Country Dances. We try to replicate the music and moves which have come down to us over the centuries. All our dancers and musicians are experienced, having performed at home and abroad for numerous functions over many years.
The majority of dances are made up of longways sets. Couples are either ‘ones’ or ‘twos’ and move either towards (up) or away (down) from the music. This is known as a duple minor and it is a key component of what we do, so it is important to come to terms with this pattern. We normally have a number of our own dancers on hand at a workshop to help you with this and to walk through the moves with you. Other dance patterns use 2, 3 or 4 couples as well as circles. Many steps are repeated throughout the different dances, which helps to reinforce them. You will hear calls such as ‘cast’, ‘two hand turn once and a half’, ‘half figure eight down’, ‘three changes’, ‘first corners cross’, ‘second corners cross’. These are often confusing for first-time dancers but with our own dancers there in a supporting role to help you, all will soon become clear.
We provide live music, three to four musicians and a dance master / mistress to explain the steps. A workshop would typically last two hours. We can also provide amplification if required.
Playford Balls
Maybe you are fairly comfortable with the above and would like to be more adventurous and organise a Playford Ball! Please consider carefully how many people you would invite as the room size and shape do matter. Ideally, the room would have a flat, wooden, uncluttered surface as dancers do need a bit of space to move around. It works well if we provide dancers to help out so you would need to think about this. Are there any fire regulations restricting numbers? We do choose dances to fit the level of dancers but do let us know if you are more experienced and would like some more challenging dances.
As for the workshops, the Regency Players will provide the music and there will be a caller who will explain all the dance moves, walking and talking you through every dance. With a minimum number of twelve (or possibly more) Regency ReJigged dancers attending in a supporting role and able to demonstrate certain moves and / or to act as dance partners if required, all will soon become clear.
Click on the link below to download a summary of all the Workshops and Evening Balls we have participated in or are planning for the near future.
If you decide you would like to book us for either a Workshop or a Ball, please do contact us to discuss our fees, the number of dancers who can attend your venue and to request a Regency ReJigged booking form.
Regency ReJigged 