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What is Sequence Dancing?
Modern Sequence Dancing is an English activity based on the standard ballroom and latin dances, including waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, rumba etc. However everyone dances the same 16 bar routine together. The dance steps are all standardised and often at quite high standards, but because the same routine is being done by everyone they become quite easy and enjoyable. There are also some classical (or old time) dances but these are not very popular nowadays.
Sequence dances are enjoyable social events and there is no competition or exhibitionism. They do however provide gentle exercise and mental stimulation as well as good company. Beginners are welcomed and helped with the dances. Newcomers need to try several clubs to find the one most suited to their level of dancing and with company that they can enjoy.
Some clubs cater more for those who go dancing only occasionally or perhaps once a week, and who have a limited repertoire of social (or popular) sequence dances such as the Mayfair quickstep etc. Dancers at these clubs are happy with just a few different dances and plenty of social chatter!
Other clubs are for those dancers seeking a greater challenge who go dancing several times a week and new dances are regularly taught. These new dances are chosen at national competitions and the same dances are done at clubs all over the country. There are about 44 new dances each year and the competitions have to be authorised by the British Dance Council. The new dances stimulate many dancers but others would prefer rather less dances and a much more even spread throughout the year. Unfortunately the BDC seems to do little to promote social sequence dancing and do not publish any details of their deliberations.
Professional dance schools which are run as businesses are often quite out of touch with the social sequence dance scene, and many schools see adult sequence tuition as a dead loss - few adults want to take medal tests! However there are a few schools which do have social sequence dance classes for beginners and these are useful for those starting dancing or as an initial stage for those changing from standard ballroom dancing. Unfortunately these classes rarely keep up to date with the latest dances which are done in most clubs and on holidays. For these one needs to join a local sequence dance club, which is also much cheaper!
However most sequence dances are usually run as social clubs rather than as a business and charges are quite low (usually around £2). They particularly attract retired people and provide a friendly and social atmosphere. Ladies often dance together when there are insufficient gentlemen. Most of the clubs will teach one of the new dances during the session when they are available.
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