English country dancing in Cattle Conference a “night of fun”
A group shot of the English country dancing event in the Cattle Conference Room.
Photo credit: Maximus Fritsche
By Maximus Fritsche
Dozens of students dressed in their Sunday best poured into Janzow’s Cattle Conference Room on Friday for a night of live music and English country dancing led by fellow students.
English country dancing. Photo: Grace Donnelly.
Freshman Matthias Knerl said he looked forward to participating in the social dances. Sophomore Simeon Armbrecht said he looked forward to the monthly event as a fun distraction from the monotony of everyday life.
“I’m looking forward to a night of fun with friends and music,” said Armbrecht.
Senior Grace Donnelly began leading English country dancing when she was a sophomore, and she has hosted monthly events this semester. She is in charge of teaching participants the dances and “calling” the steps as they practice.
Donnelly said she enjoys the camaraderie brought forth by the fun and music of the night, since anyone can learn the dances and spend time interacting with others.
“I love that anybody can participate and get to dance with anyone, and even more that you need no prior experience to be able to participate in the dance,” Donnelly said.
Student musicians led the dances with instruments like violin, cello, and accordion. Most of the songs were partner-style dances with fast-paced musical arrangements. Other “mixer” songs brought everyone together in a big circle.
English country dancing. Photo: Elizabeth Crawford.
Led by sophomore Elizabeth Crawford, sophomore Richard Peperkorn, junior Timothy Baker, and sophomore Walther Riebau, the night was filled with lively musical tunes such as “The Irish Washerwoman,” “Hasty Money” and more.
Crawford, who played violin, said she was “most excited to be able to make music with my fellow musicians, contributing to a night of fun at English country dancing.”
