A Dance Through History — Mike Ruff
Classification: Dance, History
Reviews
Sub-titled “The Story of English Country Dance”, Mike Ruff’s book aims to re-establish country dancing’s place in English history’s consciousness. Over many centuries but, formally, for some 600 years, this form of dancing has found fans and exponents in all levels of English society – from village greens and community halls to Royal Courts. Tracing the history of this dance form over those six centuries, the book places the dances into their historical as well as their sartorial contexts.
Unsurprisingly, this means including many illustrations – of dances and contemporary costumes – which, on one level, ably qualifies the book as a “coffee table book”. However, to classify it as a “mere” coffee table book would be to do it an injustice, since the book includes step-by-step instructions for 18 traditional dances, providing a hands-on introduction to styles that are still danced today.
In seven chapters, Mike Ruff traces English country dance from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, via “The Tudors”, “The Stuarts” (as well as the English Civil War), “The Georgians”, the 19th and 20th centuries. There’s also a dance glossary, an illustration glossary, a bibliography and index. The author is also at pains to point out that, while Country Dancing is similar to Morris Dancing, the key difference is that Morris Dancing is “performed”, while Country Dancing is a social and participatory activity for all.
The dance glossary allows readers to quickly distinguish between a “longways duple minor” and a “longways triple minor”, as well as brush up on their understanding of “cotillions”, “estampies” and “galliards”. Those of a more practical persuasion can use the book to try out dances from almost the entire span of Country Dancing history – from “Clog Brawle” and “Old Almain” of the Tudor period to “Blaydon Races” and “Clopton Bridge” which were devised in the late 20th century.
Visually appealing and impressively produced by The Endless Bookcase, this book contains much of Mike Ruff’s many years of expertise as a dancer, musician and teacher of English Country Dancing. This makes it a most attractive and authoritative contribution to the history, context and execution of this dance form. It will also grace any coffee table – but it’s so much more than that.
This book is a must for anyone who loves dance, it’s a fascinating and insightful journey through the history of dance , filled with beautiful illustrations. It would make a great gift.
It’s a generous hard back and definitely something to treasure.
I’m delighted with it.
Lynn
This really is a beautifully set-out and illustrated book. It was a joy to read for its historical content as much as the well researched
Information on country dancing through the centuries. I was recommended the book and it surpassed my expectations
An ideal gift for anyone interested in dance and history with excellent colour plates to illustrate
Click to Share Links
Hardback Paperback eBook
Description
A Dance Through History: The Story of English Country Dancing
Step into the rich and lively world of English Country Dancing, a beloved tradition that has captivated dancers for nearly 600 years. From the grandeur of royal courts and elegant ballroom dances to the warmth of village halls, barn dances, and ceilidhs, this enduring dance form has united people across all levels of society.
In A Dance Through History, you’ll explore the fascinating evolution of English folk dance, discovering how it has adapted through centuries of social change while remaining a vibrant part of Britain’s cultural heritage. This beautifully illustrated book places dance within its wider historical context—revealing what life was like in different eras, including the clothing, customs, and events that shaped the way people danced.
Perfect for beginners, dance enthusiasts, and history lovers alike, this book also includes step-by-step instructions for 18 traditional dances, offering a hands-on introduction to styles that are still enjoyed today at folk festivals, ceilidhs, and social gatherings.
Inside this book, you’ll discover:
- The history and origins of English Country Dancing
- The evolution of folk dance from the 16th century to modern times
- Insights into historical fashion, music, and society
- Easy-to-follow dance instructions for classic routines
- A deeper appreciation of England’s traditional dance heritage
Whether you’re interested in folk dancing, social dance history, British traditions, or cultural heritage, A Dance Through History is an engaging and accessible guide to one of England’s most enduring art forms.
Perfect for readers searching for:
English Country Dancing books, folk dance history, ceilidh dance guides, traditional English dances, barn dance instruction, historical dance books, British cultural history, beginner dance manuals, and illustrated dance guides.
Further details
We also publish on Amazon in their proprietary Kindle format.
Reviews
Sub-titled “The Story of English Country Dance”, Mike Ruff’s book aims to re-establish country dancing’s place in English history’s consciousness. Over many centuries but, formally, for some 600 years, this form of dancing has found fans and exponents in all levels of English society – from village greens and community halls to Royal Courts. Tracing the history of this dance form over those six centuries, the book places the dances into their historical as well as their sartorial contexts.
Unsurprisingly, this means including many illustrations – of dances and contemporary costumes – which, on one level, ably qualifies the book as a “coffee table book”. However, to classify it as a “mere” coffee table book would be to do it an injustice, since the book includes step-by-step instructions for 18 traditional dances, providing a hands-on introduction to styles that are still danced today.
In seven chapters, Mike Ruff traces English country dance from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, via “The Tudors”, “The Stuarts” (as well as the English Civil War), “The Georgians”, the 19th and 20th centuries. There’s also a dance glossary, an illustration glossary, a bibliography and index. The author is also at pains to point out that, while Country Dancing is similar to Morris Dancing, the key difference is that Morris Dancing is “performed”, while Country Dancing is a social and participatory activity for all.
The dance glossary allows readers to quickly distinguish between a “longways duple minor” and a “longways triple minor”, as well as brush up on their understanding of “cotillions”, “estampies” and “galliards”. Those of a more practical persuasion can use the book to try out dances from almost the entire span of Country Dancing history – from “Clog Brawle” and “Old Almain” of the Tudor period to “Blaydon Races” and “Clopton Bridge” which were devised in the late 20th century.
Visually appealing and impressively produced by The Endless Bookcase, this book contains much of Mike Ruff’s many years of expertise as a dancer, musician and teacher of English Country Dancing. This makes it a most attractive and authoritative contribution to the history, context and execution of this dance form. It will also grace any coffee table – but it’s so much more than that.
This book is a must for anyone who loves dance, it’s a fascinating and insightful journey through the history of dance , filled with beautiful illustrations. It would make a great gift.
It’s a generous hard back and definitely something to treasure.
I’m delighted with it.
Lynn
This really is a beautifully set-out and illustrated book. It was a joy to read for its historical content as much as the well researched
Information on country dancing through the centuries. I was recommended the book and it surpassed my expectations
An ideal gift for anyone interested in dance and history with excellent colour plates to illustrate