Dancing - Regency Style

Since I’ve posted about my recent Tap Dancing moment of fame on my reading and writing blog, I thought it would be fun to take a short look at some of the dances that Regency society enjoyed.

The Cotillion became popular towards the end of the 18^th century and was a square dance with four couples. There were two main parts: a simple section known as ‘the change’ and a more complicated manoeuvre called ‘the figure’ – these would alternate with each other.

The Quadrille progressed from the figure sections of the Cotillion, which were joined in a sequence, and the changes were removed. Although they began with four couples, the sets eventually used only two couples. Different types of music was used for this dance, one of the most famous being the Lancers.

Longways country dances were popular from the 18^th century. The dancers formed one long set, but within this they danced in groups of two or three couples – some of these can be seen in the film versions of Jane Austen’s books. They are also progressive, as each couple gradually moves along the set.

The Allemande was a type of skipping step dance for a couple, where the man led and the couple make a few passes, turning in various ways beneath their joined hands.

I’ll talk about the scandalous waltz in another post!

Romy