"Dancing Day": Students in Jane Austen Class Try Out Some New Steps

by Sara Glennon, Associate Professor of English

This summer, 11 students in Landmark College's Bachelor's Degree program in Liberal Studies are taking EN3102, Studies in the Novel: Jane Austen in Print and Film. As we read the novels of Jane Austen and study contemporary film adaptations of her work, we note that dancing is a central part of the Regency England social scene. In 1800, dancing was one of the few socially acceptable ways for young people to spend time together, have conversation, and get to know potential marital partners. Dancing is also used by Austen as both plot device and metaphor to propel her narratives and illustrate her themes about courtship, marriage, and the complexities of social interaction.

Local musician and country dance caller Fred Breunig  visited the class last week to talk about English country dances and teach the students a few dances, so they could experience for themselves the patterns of the dances and gain insight into the role that dancing plays in Jane Austen’s work. He accompanied us on the fiddle for several dances.

Students came to this activity with a mix of curiosity and trepidation, but no toes were trampled, and everyone participated actively and supported each other.