The Chicagoland English Country Dancers (an affiliate of CDSS, the Country Dance and Song Society) is a group devoted to the art and recreation of English country dancing, an accessible social dance form with a history going back several centuries, as well as an energetic modern presence. This is the dancing of Queen Elizabeth, of Jane Austen, and of many enthusiastic people today of all ages and backgrounds. What brings it all together is beautiful music, an easy walking style, and recombinable figures. The dancing is done in sets of couples and is very social and interactive. One or more callers provide instructions, and there is a tradition of friendliness and changing of partners. One need never hesitate to come alone.