How did square dancing evolve from its European roots to North America?

Square dances incorporate elements from English country dances, first documented in 17th-century England, and 18th-century French quadrilles and cotillions. These dances then traveled to North America with European settlers, where they developed significantly.

How is square dancing recognized in the United States, and what is its cultural association?

Square dancing is strongly associated with the romanticized image of the American cowboy in the 20th century. It holds such cultural significance that it has been designated as the official state dance by 31 U.S. states.

What are the main types of square dances found in North America and the UK/Ireland?

The primary North American types are traditional square dance and modern western square dance. In England, Ireland, and Scotland, popular types include Playford dances, regional folk dances, ceili, Irish set dances, and Scottish country dances.

How are couples typically identified within a square dance set, and what are the common designations?

Couples are numbered within a square dance set. In many types, two of the couples are designated as 'heads' and the other two are called 'sides'.

What is the role of a caller in most American square dances, and how does it differ in other variations?

In most American forms of square dance, a caller prompts or cues the dancers through a sequence of steps to the beat of the music. In variations without a caller, dancers have memorized the routine and perform a specific sequence of steps.

What are the earliest documented influences on the development of square dances?

The origins of square dances can be traced to steps and figures used in traditional folk dances and social dances from many countries. Early influences may have included the English Morris dance and English country dance, with John Playford's 1651 publication *The English Dancing Master* documenting early square dance concepts.

How did the practice of 'calling' steps emerge in American square dancing?

After the quadrille became popular in America, African American slaves who played music for these dances began calling out the steps. This practice became common by the early 1900s and gave rise to the modern caller system.

What role did Lloyd Shaw play in the preservation and promotion of traditional western square dancing?

Lloyd Shaw promoted traditional western square dancing starting in the 1930s. He collected definitions from callers across the country to preserve the dance form and make it available to other teachers.

What is the relationship between modern western square dance and Henry Ford's initiatives?

Henry Ford, believing jazz was a plot to corrupt society, used his wealth starting in the early 1920s to promote square dancing as a counteraction, through books, events, and classes in schools. This promotion influenced the development of modern western square dance events.

Who is responsible for the standardization of modern western square dance?

Modern western square dance has been promoted and standardized by Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, since the 1970s.

What are the main regional styles of traditional square dance in the United States?

The main regional styles of traditional square dance in the United States are Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western.

How does traditional square dance differ from modern western square dance in terms of standardization and choreography?

Traditional square dance is not standardized and varies by region, often alternating with contra dances. Modern western square dance is standardized by Callerlab, with participants learning a defined set of calls within programs, leading to unique sequences of movements each time.

What is the foundational program level in modern western square dance, and what does it entail?

The foundational program level for all dancers in modern western square dance is called Mainstream. It consists of a core list of approximately 70 basic and mainstream calls that are periodically revised.

What are Playford dances, and what is their significance in English country dance?

Playford dances, also known as English country dances, originate from the dances published in John Playford's book *The English Dancing Master* in 1651. Some of the square dances listed in the book have survived to the present day, and countless new dances have been written in the Playford style.

How do Irish ceili and set dances differ from American square dancing?

Irish ceili dances include many square formations. Irish set dances, while square, designate couples as tops or sides (rather than heads/sides) and involve specific stepping patterns, often with a flat-foot polka step.

Who standardizes Scottish country dances, and what do they involve?

Scottish country dances are standardized by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society. They involve specific steps and formations that are performed in different sequences for different dances.

How are square dances typically performed in Continental Europe?

In Continental Europe, square dances are usually not called; instead, the sequence of figures is fixed and known by the dancers, who perform it without a caller.

What are some examples of square dances from Continental Europe?

Examples include the German *Bekedorfer*, French *Carré de Campagne*, *Mie Katoen* from the Low Countries, and the Eastern European Jewish *Sher* or *Sherele*. Variations like double squares also exist.

How are couples numbered in most American square dance traditions, and what are the terms for different positions?

In most American square dance traditions, couples are numbered counterclockwise. The first and third couples are designated as 'head couples' or 'heads,' and the second and fourth couples are called 'side couples' or 'sides'.

How does the numbering and designation of couples differ in dances derived from the 19th-century quadrille?

In dances derived from the 19th-century quadrille, the first and second couples form the 'head' or 'top' couples, while the third and fourth couples are the 'side' couples.

What are 'calls' in square dancing, and how do they differ in timing between traditional and modern western styles?

Calls are the movements or figures in square dancing. In traditional styles, timing is often dictated by tradition and musical phrases, while modern western square dance assigns formally specified durations to calls based on average execution time.

How does the learning and performance process differ between traditional and modern western square dancers?

Traditional dancers learn new moves as explained by the caller, often incorporating them into a routine. Modern western dancers learn a set of calls but do not know their order, leading to varied sequences of movements each time they dance.

How does the execution of the 'Allemande Left' call illustrate differences between traditional and modern western square dance?

The traditional Allemande Left involves grasping left hands and walking halfway around with a slight pull. In modern western square dance, a modified forearm grip is used without pulling, making it easier to transition between calls.

What kind of music is typically used for traditional square dance, and what instruments are common?

Traditional square dance music is often live, featuring jigs and reels adapted from Scottish and Irish traditions, played on acoustic instruments like the fiddle, banjo, guitar, and double bass.

What music genres and instrumentation are characteristic of modern western square dance?

Modern western square dance uses recordings of various genres, including pop, country, Broadway show tunes, rock, Motown, techno, and hip-hop. The music typically has a uniform tempo, ranging from 120-128 beats per minute.

How do square dance events typically organize their music in the UK and Ireland?

Irish and Scottish dances are usually performed to traditional tunes. English dances may use traditional tunes or experiment with various musical styles, particularly at cèilidhs.

How are square dance events organized in North America versus Britain?

In North America, traditional square dances are often organized by bands or callers, while modern western dances are arranged by square dance clubs. In Britain, clubs are affiliated with the British Association of American Square Dance Clubs and generally follow Callerlab syllabi.

What are the common dress codes associated with modern western square dance?

Dress codes for modern western square dance can range from 'traditional square dance attire' (a specific western-style dress code) to 'proper' (less strict) or 'casual' (no specific requirements).

How have traditional and modern western square dancing styles influenced each other in the U.S.?

In the U.S., traditional-revival groups sometimes adopt modern western basic movements, and some modern western callers incorporate older dances from various traditions into their programs, leading to a blurring of lines between the styles.

What are some non-standard formations mentioned for square dances?

Variations include Ninepins (one extra person in the middle), Winter Solstice (one extra couple in the middle), Hexitation (two couples in each head position), Twelve Reel (three people per side), Hexagon dancing (six couples in a hexagon), and Bigon (four people dancing their own and their opposite's part).

What are 'grid squares' in square dancing?

Grid squares are a variation where multiple square dance sets are arranged in a grid formation. Dancers are moved from one square to another through intricate patterns called by the caller.

What is the purpose of the 'See also' section in the article?

The 'See also' section lists related topics such as Youth square dance and Hoedown, providing readers with additional avenues for exploring the subject of dance.

What kind of information is found in the 'References' and 'Further reading' sections?

The 'References' section lists the sources cited within the article to verify its content. The 'Further reading' section suggests additional books or materials for readers who wish to delve deeper into the topic, such as Margot Mayo's *The American Square Dance*.

What is the function of the 'External links' section?

The 'External links' section provides links to websites offering further resources on square dancing, including historical projects, databases, and club information, with a note that these links must comply with Wikipedia's policies.

What does the 'Authority control' section provide?

The 'Authority control' section links to various national and international databases, such as library catalogs and specialized collections, which help organize and identify information related to square dancing.

What is the historical origin of the term 'quadrille' in relation to square dancing?

In the early 1800s, English country dances merged with French dances to form the quadrille, which was specifically a dance for four couples arranged in a square formation.

How did Henry Ford's promotion of square dancing reflect his views on music and society?

Henry Ford promoted square dancing as a perceived antidote to jazz, which he controversially viewed as a Jewish plot to corrupt society. He favored dances he considered traditional and representative of white American culture.

What is the significance of Callerlab in modern western square dance?

Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, has been instrumental in standardizing modern western square dance since the 1970s by defining programs and governing the training of callers.

How does the music tempo and style differ between traditional and modern western square dancing?

Traditional square dance music tempos vary widely (around 108 to over 150 bpm) and are often live, whereas modern western square dance typically uses recordings with a more uniform tempo (120-128 bpm), where dancers aim for one step per beat.

What is the difference between 'traditional square dance attire' and 'casual' dress codes in modern western square dance?

'Traditional square dance attire' refers to a specific western-style dress code that emerged in the late 1950s/early 1960s, while 'casual' indicates that no specific dress code is required for dancers.

What are some examples of square dances from Continental Europe that are typically performed without a caller?

Examples include the German *Bekedorfer*, French *Carré de Campagne*, *Mie Katoen* from the Low Countries, and the Eastern European Jewish *Sher* or *Sherele*. These dances rely on dancers knowing the sequence of figures.

How do Irish set dances differ from American square dances in terms of couple roles?

In Irish set dances, couples are designated as 'tops' or 'sides,' whereas in American square dancing, they are typically referred to as 'heads' or 'sides'.

What is the 'Mainstream' program in modern western square dance?

The Mainstream program is the foundational level for all dancers in modern western square dance. It consists of a core list of approximately 70 basic and mainstream calls that are periodically reviewed and updated.

Square Dance Wiki: The Rhythmic Square: A Comprehensive Study of Global Square Dance Traditions

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What is Square Dance?

The Core Formation

Square dance is a vibrant social dance form typically involving four couples, or eight dancers, arranged in a square formation with one couple on each side facing the center. It encompasses a wide spectrum of dances often referred to by various names, including country dances, traditional dances, folk dances, barn dances, ceilidh dances, and contra dances.

Global Presence & Status

While strongly associated with the United States, square dance traditions exist globally, appearing in over 100 different formations. In many regions, it has attained the status of a folk dance, reflecting its deep cultural roots and community engagement. Its romanticized image, particularly in the 20th century, has led to its designation as the official state dance in numerous U.S. states.

Rhythmic Coordination

The dance relies on coordinated movements, often guided by a caller who directs dancers through a sequence of steps to the beat of the music. In other variations, dancers perform memorized routines without a caller. The music itself varies significantly, ranging from traditional folk tunes to contemporary popular music.

Historical Evolution

European Roots

The origins of square dance trace back to traditional folk and social dances from various European countries. Influences include the English Morris dance and, significantly, English country dances documented as early as the 17th century. John Playford's 1651 publication, The English Dancing Master, featured early square dance formations.

American Development

European settlers brought these dances to North America, where they evolved considerably. The French quadrille, popular in the early 1800s, merged with existing forms. Initially danced from memory, the practice of calling out steps emerged, influenced by African American musicians, leading to the modern caller tradition by the early 20th century.

Lloyd Shaw: Promoted traditional western square dancing from the 1930s, preserving definitions and making them accessible.
Henry Ford: Popularized square dancing in the early 20th century, promoting it through books and events, integrating it into school curricula.
Folk Music Revival: The resurgence of interest in folk music in the 1950s, particularly in New York City, boosted square dancing and provided platforms for artists like Pete Seeger.
Standardization: Modern Western Square Dance was further standardized by Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, starting in the 1970s.

Diverse Global Styles

United States & Canada

This region hosts distinct styles:

Traditional Square Dance: Also known as old-time square dance, it's not standardized and includes regional variations like Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western styles. Often alternated with contra dances.
Modern Western Square Dance (MWSD): Evolved from the western style, it is highly standardized by Callerlab, taught globally, and uses a defined program of calls (e.g., Mainstream).

United Kingdom & Ireland

These regions feature unique traditions:

Playford Dances: Based on John Playford's The English Dancing Master, these include surviving square dances and new compositions in the Playford style.
Regional Folk Dances: Traditional dances from specific English villages (e.g., Goathland Square Eight) performed in square formations.
Ceili Dances: Irish social gatherings featuring various formations, including square dances, often with energetic steps.
Irish Set Dance: Square dances with strong regional ties, characterized by specific stepping patterns and couple designations (tops/sides).
Scottish Country Dance: Standardized by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, these include numerous square dance formations with precise steps and sequences.

Continental Europe

Many European countries have their own square dance traditions, often characterized by fixed, memorized sequences rather than callers. Examples include German Bekedorfer, French Carré de Campagne, and Eastern European Jewish Sher. Variations like double squares (e.g., Danish Sonderborger Doppelkadril) also exist.

The Dance Set: Structure & Roles

The Square Formation

A standard square dance involves four couples arranged in a square. Each couple is designated a number, typically starting with "Couple 1" (the head couple) nearest the musicians or caller. Numbering usually proceeds counterclockwise: Couple 2 is to the right of Couple 1, Couple 3 is opposite, and Couple 4 is to the left.

Head vs. Side Couples

In many American traditions, Couples 1 and 3 are designated as the head couples (or "heads"), while Couples 2 and 4 are the side couples (or "sides"). This distinction influences how figures are danced, with head couples often initiating movements that side couples then repeat or respond to.

Dance Dynamics

The interaction between couples is central. In dances derived from the quadrille, the couple opposite the first is the "second couple," forming head couples with the first. In Irish set dances, couples are designated "tops" or "sides," with four couples typically dancing together on the sides of the square.

Callers and Calls: The Language of Dance

The Role of the Caller

In many square dance forms, particularly Traditional and Modern Western Square Dance, a caller directs the dancers. The caller announces a sequence of movements, known as calls, to which the dancers respond. While callers are central to MWSD, in some traditional forms, the caller might be a dancer or musician, or the dance may proceed without a caller using memorized routines.

Timing and Standardization

Calls vary in duration, typically requiring between 4 and 32 musical counts (steps). In traditional styles, timing often aligns with musical phrases. Modern Western Square Dance standardizes call durations and sequences. Participants learn a defined set of calls within a program (e.g., Mainstream), allowing for varied combinations rather than fixed routines.

Traditional vs. Modern Western: Traditional square dance uses fewer calls (10-30) and often explains new moves. MWSD uses a larger, defined set (approx. 70 for Mainstream) and emphasizes learning the calls themselves, not a specific routine.
Call Execution: Small differences exist; for example, the "Allemande Left" involves a modified hand grip in MWSD for easier transitions compared to the traditional version.
Global Consistency: MWSD calls are always in English, facilitating international dancing once the calls are learned, despite instruction being in local languages.

Musical Accompaniment

Traditional Styles

Traditional square dance music often features live ensembles playing acoustic instruments like fiddles, banjos, guitars, and double basses. Repertoire frequently draws from Scottish and Irish jigs and reels, adapted into styles like old-time music or regional folk traditions (e.g., Quebecois). Tempos can range widely (approx. 108-150 bpm).

Modern Western Styles

MWSD typically uses recorded music spanning genres like pop, country, Broadway show tunes, rock, and hip-hop. The tempo is more uniform, generally between 120-128 bpm, with dancers taking one step per beat. This standardization allows for consistent execution of learned calls.

Regional Variations

Irish and Scottish dances are usually performed to traditional tunes. English dances may use traditional music but also incorporate contemporary styles, especially at ceilidhs. Some communities use popular songs from the mid-20th century, played on instruments like saxophones and electric guitars.

Community and Attire

Organization and Events

Square dance events are organized through various means: bands and callers for traditional dances, and dedicated square dance clubs for MWSD. Clubs often host classes, social dances, and larger events open to the public. International organizations like Callerlab help standardize MWSD globally.

Dress Codes

Attire varies significantly. Traditional groups often have no specific dress code. MWSD events may request traditional square dance attire (a style popularized in the late 1950s/early 1960s, not truly traditional), proper attire, or be casual. Many dancers in Britain wear traditional attire, but codes are often relaxed. Folk and barn dance events may encourage dressing up, but not necessarily in specific square dance clothing.

Beyond the Square: Interesting Variations

Expanded Formations

While four couples in a square is standard, numerous variations exist:

Ninepins: A square with one extra person in the center.
Winter Solstice: A square with an additional couple in the middle.
Hexitation: A square where two couples occupy each head position.
Twelve Reel: Features three people per side, typically a man flanked by two women.

Advanced & Hybrid Forms

More complex variations cater to experienced dancers:

Hexagon Dancing: Six couples arranged in a hexagon, with three head and three side couples.
Bigon: Four people, each dancing their own part and their opposite's part simultaneously, demanding high skill.
Morphing Dances: Choreography that transitions between formations, such as contra or longways sets evolving into square dance segments and back.
Grid Squares: Squares arranged in a grid pattern, with dancers moving between sets according to intricate calls.

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References

Friedland, LeeEllen (1998). "Square Dancing". In Cohen, Selma Jeanne (ed). International Encyclopedia of Dance, vol. 5. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 685-89.

Playford, John (1651). The English dancing master: or, Plaine and easie rules for the dancing of country dances, with the tune to each dance. London: Printed by Thomas Harper. Accessed through ProQuest Database: Early Modern Books. p. 81.

Cf. Cantwell, Robert, When We Were Good (1996), Harvard University Press, pp. 110, 253.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Square dance Wikipedia page

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Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice

This educational resource was generated by Artificial Intelligence, drawing information from publicly available data, primarily the Wikipedia article on Square Dance. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and comprehensiveness based on the provided source, it is intended for informational and academic purposes only.

This content does not constitute professional dance instruction or advice. The information presented is not a substitute for hands-on learning, guidance from qualified instructors, or adherence to specific community traditions. Users seeking to learn or practice square dancing should consult with local clubs, experienced callers, and follow established teaching methodologies.

The creators assume no responsibility for errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information herein. Always verify critical details with primary sources or qualified professionals.

The Rhythmic Square

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

What is Square Dance? ℹ️

💃 The Core Formation

🌍 Global Presence & Status

🎶 Rhythmic Coordination

Historical Evolution 📜

🇬🇧 European Roots

🇺🇸 American Development

Diverse Global Styles 🌐

🇺🇸 United States & Canada

🇬🇧 United Kingdom & Ireland

🇪🇺 Continental Europe

The Dance Set: Structure & Roles 👥

📐 The Square Formation

👑 Head vs. Side Couples

🔄 Dance Dynamics

Callers and Calls: The Language of Dance 🗣️

🎤 The Role of the Caller

⏱️ Timing and Standardization

Musical Accompaniment 🎵

🎻 Traditional Styles

🎧 Modern Western Styles

🎶 Regional Variations

Community and Attire 🤝

🏛️ Organization and Events

👗 Dress Codes

Beyond the Square: Interesting Variations 🤸

➕ Expanded Formations

🔠 Advanced & Hybrid Forms

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

What is Square Dance?

The Core Formation

Global Presence & Status

Rhythmic Coordination

Historical Evolution

European Roots

American Development

Diverse Global Styles

United States & Canada

United Kingdom & Ireland

Continental Europe

The Dance Set: Structure & Roles

The Square Formation

Head vs. Side Couples

Dance Dynamics

Callers and Calls: The Language of Dance

The Role of the Caller

Timing and Standardization

Musical Accompaniment

Traditional Styles

Modern Western Styles

Regional Variations

Community and Attire

Organization and Events

Dress Codes

Beyond the Square: Interesting Variations

Expanded Formations

Advanced & Hybrid Forms

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Academic Disclaimer

Important Notice