Wild Rose Garland

Wild Rose Garland is a women's traditional English dance team from Portland, Oregon. The group is no longer active but their information is recorded here.

​

English Garland dancing is a form of folk dance that uses arches -- decorated with ribbons and flowers -- that are formed into patterns by the motions of dance. Several of the dances originated from our tour to England in August, 2005 when we joined the Chesterfield Garland Dancers, our sister team in England. The group danced at local events and festivals, frequently as part of May Day festivities.

​

Information about Garland Dancing has been difficult to locate. As a result, the group published their own book "Dancing Flowers: A Garland Handbook". The book includes 19 garland dances, 4 "jingler" dances, 2 ribbon dances and the written music for all of the above. It also includes a glossary of dance terms used, instructions for how to create garlands, jinglers,ribbons and a Maypole, further useful resources as well as an audio CD with the tunes we use. Dancing Flowers is available for $29 and mailing costs from Janet Trygstad, 503-452-1721. It can also be ordered from the Country Dance and Song Society bookstore.

​

​