The folklorist dance collectors of the early 20th century are sometimes accused of unintentionally inventing a false tradition of historical dance. There’s a risk of modern “historical” dancers doing the same type of thing. This paper will investigate some of the similar risks that exist for the Modern “Regency Dance” community, particularly those conventions that may be of more recent adoption than many hobbyists may realise
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Paul Cooper is a Regency Dancing enthusiast and researcher, a member of the Hampshire Regency Dancers and Treasurer of the Early Dance Circle. He shares his research papers through the RegencyDances.org website, and is a regular visitor to the British Library’s music collections.