The Caprock English Country Dancers practice the social dances of 19th century Europe, as popularized in the books and BBC films of Jane Austen and Charlotte & Emily Brontë. In 19th century England, dancing was both a social and political activity: not only entertainment but a very important social ritual between genders and classes. In the classic film realizations by the BBC of Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice, the elegant and refined, yet accessible, figures of English Country Dancing are often the focus of plot twists, turns, and symbolism. English Country Dancing is a relaxed and undemanding style, readily accessible to beginners yet satisfying and enjoyable for more accomplished dancers.
The Caprock English Country Dancers are sponsored by the TTU Vernacular Music Center and the Roots Music Institute (501c3), and include students, faculty, staff, and community members. They participate in the annual fund-raiser Dancing with Mr Darcy: A Jane Austen Evening with the Vernacular Music Center, as well as ECD gatherings across the Southwest, and local and regional arts initiatives. They c0-host the VMC/RMI "Soirees" series and, through the VMC, are a Affiliate with the Country Dance and Song Society.
With their supporting music ensemble The Playford Band, CECD create cooperative classes, workshops, performances and other arts events, for schools, community organizations, and the general public. These events, combining music, dance, and theater, embrace multiple skill and age levels, enhance local communities, and share this vernacular tradition’s own performance and pedagogical practices in a holistic, organic way.
The Caprock English Country Dancers are sponsored by the TTU Vernacular Music Center and the Roots Music Institute (501c3), and include students, faculty, staff, and community members. They participate in the annual fund-raiser Dancing with Mr Darcy: A Jane Austen Evening with the Vernacular Music Center, as well as ECD gatherings across the Southwest, and local and regional arts initiatives. They c0-host the VMC/RMI "Soirees" series and, through the VMC, are a Affiliate with the Country Dance and Song Society.
With their supporting music ensemble The Playford Band, CECD create cooperative classes, workshops, performances and other arts events, for schools, community organizations, and the general public. These events, combining music, dance, and theater, embrace multiple skill and age levels, enhance local communities, and share this vernacular tradition’s own performance and pedagogical practices in a holistic, organic way.