It is about a month before I need to submit my essay.
I have been looking at the development of Country dance between about 1650 and 1900. Country dance includes the dances published by Playford, the longways dances that developed during the 1700s, quadrilles, waltz, polka and many others. I have found out many things. In particular I would like to draw your attention to three items.
Firstly, during this period dancers have started dancing closer together for longer period of time. Think about this for a minute. In longways sets that were common in the 1700s, partners stand in opposite lines from each other, maybe between 1.5 and 2m. However, once the waltz was fully developed by about 1840 and then the introduction polka, it was possible for partners to have contact for 100% of the time.
Secondly, the introduction of different musical meters stopped dancers becoming to board. Meters such as 9/8 allowed faster dances to take place. 9/8 was used in dances such as the Scotch Reel.
Thirdly, the introduction and development of so many different formations such as the longways, squares, couples, three and four people in a line allow dance figures to develop. In longways dance, the figures generally used two or three couples. Once the square formation had been introduced, the figure could be performed with 2, 3, or 4 couples. Much more variety.
One thing that has remained constant through this time is that this type of dance is social Not only do you need a parter to dance with, you generally need to dance with other people also.