How to Learn the "Pride & Prejudice" Dances

"Pride and Prejudice" is set in the period of English country and regency dance.

Jane Austen's novel "Pride and Prejudice" was published in 1813 and was set in that period. Over the years it has been adapted for film, television and theater. One of the key scenes is the dance scene, where Mr. Darcy rejects Elizabeth Bennett. Popular dances of the early 19th century were formation dances of the English country style, such as the triple minor, the triple minor longways and the cotillion as seen in the 1995 BBC production and 2005 Focus Features motion picture. Learning these dances is part history lesson and part physical activity. Does this Spark an idea?

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Instructions

- 1
  
  Research English country dance and English regency dances of the early 19th century. For a period from the late 18th to early 19th century, Charles and Samuel Thompson published an annual collection of 24 dances, which were commonly used at dances at that time.
- 2
  
  Watch the video "How To Dance Through Time, Volume VI: A 19th Century Ball -- The Charm of Group Dances"
  
  This is an instructional dance video that features professional dancers giving step-by-step explanations of dances including the grand march, the cotillion and the quadrille.
- 3
  
  Find a rehearsal space and gather a group of friends, dance or drama students to practice these dances. Repetition and practice will help you to perfect the dances. Particularly, if you are producing a theatrical production of "Pride and Prejudice," customize the dances for your stage space.
- 4
  
  Locate a choreographer who will work with you on English country dance style. In addition to the actual steps of specific dances, you will need to learn grace, attitude, elegance and posture, and these are all elements a choreographer can help you with.
- 5
  
  Join a local folk dancing group that meets regularly to enjoy the art of folk dancing, and, particularly, English country dancing. If no such group exists locally, form your own, and you can all learn as you go.

"Dancing Through Time": Allison Thompson: 1998

Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images

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