Albion College
Mathematics and Computer Science
COLLOQUIUM
Combintorial Problems Arising from English Country Dance
Robert A. Messer

Emeritus Professor

Mathematics and Computer Science

Albion College

A popular form of folk dance is English country dance. In one simple English country dance, four couples dance as two groups of two couples. As the dance progresses, each couple moves to a new position and dances with another couple. Can you have such a dance where each couple dances in each of the four positions with each of the other three couples? What are other mathematical restrictions on such dances?
3:10 PM
All are welcome!
Palenske 227
September 11, 2008