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The historical lineage of square dancing can be traced to 17th-century English country dances and 18th-century French quadrilles.
Answer: True
The development of square dancing is rooted in European traditions, specifically incorporating elements from English country dances documented in the 17th century and French quadrilles popular in the 18th century, which were subsequently brought to North America.
John Playford's 1651 publication documented the earliest known square dance steps.
Answer: False
While John Playford's 1651 publication, *The English Dancing Master*, is highly significant for documenting early English country dances and square dance concepts, it is not definitively stated to contain the 'earliest known' steps. Its importance lies in preserving and disseminating these forms.
The quadrille, a precursor to square dancing, involved four couples arranged in a square.
Answer: True
The quadrille, a dance form popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, was specifically structured for four couples arranged in a square formation, serving as a significant influence on the development of square dancing.
From the provided classifications, which category is explicitly excluded from the broader groupings to which square dances belong?
Answer: Ballet dances
Square dances are broadly categorized under folk dances, country dances, and barn dances, among others. Ballet dances, with their distinct origins and techniques, are not considered a direct classification for square dancing.
The evolution of square dancing from its European origins is characterized by the incorporation of elements from which two specific dance forms?
Answer: English country dances and French quadrilles
Square dancing's lineage traces back to the fusion of English country dances, prevalent in the 17th century, and French quadrilles, popular in the 18th century, which were subsequently adapted and developed in North America.
In what year was John Playford's seminal publication, *The English Dancing Master*, first released?
Answer: 1651
John Playford's influential collection of English country dances, *The English Dancing Master*, was first published in the year 1651.
Playford dances are historically associated with which specific publication and dance style?
Answer: John Playford's *The English Dancing Master* (1651).
Playford dances are intrinsically linked to John Playford's influential 1651 publication, *The English Dancing Master*, which documented and popularized English country dances, including early forms that influenced square dancing.
What significant role did John Playford's publication play in the historical development of square dancing?
Answer: It documented early square dance concepts and figures.
John Playford's *The English Dancing Master* (1651) played a crucial role by documenting early English country dances and square dance concepts, thereby preserving and disseminating these forms.
Which historical dance form, prominent in the early 19th century, was specifically characterized by its structure for four couples arranged in a square formation?
Answer: Quadrille
The quadrille, which gained popularity in the early 1800s, was a dance specifically designed for four couples arranged in a square formation, serving as a significant precursor to modern square dancing.
Square dancing is exclusively categorized as a form of modern western dance.
Answer: False
Square dancing encompasses a broad spectrum of forms, including traditional styles, regional variations, and modern western dance. It is not exclusively categorized as modern western dance.
The role of a caller is essential in all variations of square dancing worldwide.
Answer: False
While a caller is central to most American square dancing, many variations, particularly in Continental Europe, are performed using memorized sequences without a caller.
The practice of calling steps in American square dancing originated with African American musicians.
Answer: True
The tradition of calling steps in American square dancing emerged from the practice of African American slaves who provided music for quadrilles and began calling out the dance figures, a practice that became common by the early 1900s and gave rise to the modern caller system.
Lloyd Shaw's primary contribution was standardizing modern western square dance calls in the 1970s.
Answer: False
Lloyd Shaw's significant contribution occurred earlier, starting in the 1930s, when he promoted traditional western square dancing and collected definitions to preserve it. The standardization of modern western square dance calls in the 1970s is primarily associated with Callerlab.
Henry Ford promoted square dancing as a positive alternative to jazz music.
Answer: True
Henry Ford actively promoted square dancing in the early 1920s, partly as a countermeasure to jazz music, which he viewed unfavorably and considered a negative influence on society. He supported square dancing as a more wholesome form of entertainment.
Modern western square dance is highly standardized, unlike traditional square dance.
Answer: True
Modern western square dance is characterized by a high degree of standardization, primarily through organizations like Callerlab. In contrast, traditional square dance is known for its regional variations and less formal structure.
The 'Basic' program is the foundational level for all dancers in modern western square dance.
Answer: False
The foundational program level for modern western square dance is designated as 'Mainstream,' not 'Basic.' The 'Mainstream' program comprises approximately 70 core calls that form the basis of a dancer's education.
Henry Ford promoted square dancing primarily because he enjoyed the music.
Answer: False
Henry Ford's promotion of square dancing was not primarily due to musical preference, but rather stemmed from his negative views on jazz music, which he saw as a corrupting influence, promoting square dancing as a wholesome alternative.
The 'Mainstream' program in modern western square dance includes around 70 core calls.
Answer: True
This statement is accurate. The 'Mainstream' program is indeed the foundational level for all individuals learning modern western square dance and includes a core repertoire of approximately 70 calls, which are periodically updated.
The 'Allemande Left' call in modern western square dance involves a strong pulling motion between partners.
Answer: False
The 'Allemande Left' call, as executed in modern western square dance, typically uses a forearm grip without a strong pulling motion, which facilitates smoother transitions between calls. This differs from some traditional interpretations.
Traditional square dance is characterized by its regional variations and lack of formal standardization.
Answer: True
Traditional square dance is indeed marked by significant regional diversity and a general lack of formal standardization, contrasting with the more structured approach of modern western square dance.
What is the principal role of a 'caller' within the context of most American square dance traditions?
Answer: To lead the dancers through a sequence of steps.
The primary function of a caller in American square dancing is to direct the dancers by announcing or 'calling' the sequence of movements and figures, guiding them through the dance to the rhythm of the music.
The practice of calling out steps in American square dancing is historically attributed to the influence of which group?
Answer: African American slaves playing music for quadrilles.
The emergence of calling steps in American square dancing is widely attributed to the influence of African American slaves who provided musical accompaniment for quadrilles and began vocalizing the dance figures.
Which individual is credited with promoting traditional western square dancing from the 1930s onward and undertaking efforts to collect and preserve its definitions?
Answer: Lloyd Shaw
Lloyd Shaw is recognized for his significant role in promoting traditional western square dancing beginning in the 1930s. His efforts included collecting definitions from callers to ensure the preservation of the dance form.
What was Henry Ford's stated motivation for promoting square dancing in the early 1920s?
Answer: As a perceived antidote to jazz music, which he viewed negatively.
Henry Ford promoted square dancing in the early 1920s, partly as a countermeasure to jazz music, which he viewed unfavorably and considered a negative influence on society. He supported square dancing as a more wholesome form of entertainment.
In terms of choreography, what is a significant point of divergence between modern western square dance and traditional square dance?
Answer: Modern western dance uses a defined set of calls learned by participants, leading to varied sequences of movements each time.
The primary difference lies in structure: modern western square dance relies on participants learning a standardized set of calls, which are then sequenced dynamically by the caller, resulting in unique dance experiences. Traditional square dance often involves more fixed sequences or regional variations without such a codified call system.
What is the designated role of the 'Mainstream' program within the framework of modern western square dance?
Answer: The foundational program level for all dancers.
The 'Mainstream' program serves as the foundational curriculum for all individuals learning modern western square dance. It comprises a core set of approximately 70 calls that are periodically reviewed and updated.
What is the difference in the timing of 'calls' between traditional and modern western square dance styles?
Answer: Traditional timing is often dictated by tradition and musical phrases, while modern western assigns formal durations to calls.
In traditional square dance, the timing of calls is frequently guided by convention and the structure of the music. Conversely, modern western square dance assigns specific, formal durations to each call, based on average execution times.
How did the execution of the 'Allemande Left' call evolve from traditional square dance to modern western square dance?
Answer: The grip changed to a forearm hold without pulling, allowing easier transitions.
The 'Allemande Left' call evolved from a traditional hand-grasp with a slight pull to a modern western execution using a forearm grip without significant pulling, which facilitates smoother transitions between subsequent calls.
What is the primary difference in the learning methodology between traditional and modern western square dance styles?
Answer: Traditional dancers learn specific sequences, while modern western dancers learn individual calls.
The fundamental difference in learning lies in the approach: traditional dancers often learn specific sequences of figures, whereas modern western dancers are taught individual calls, the order of which is determined by the caller during the dance.
What specific contribution did African American slaves make to the evolution of square dancing in America?
Answer: By beginning the practice of calling out steps during quadrilles.
African American slaves played a crucial role in the development of square dancing by initiating the practice of calling out dance steps during quadrilles, a tradition that evolved into the modern caller system.
What is the functional role of the 'Mainstream' program within modern western square dance?
Answer: It defines the core set of calls required for foundational learning.
The 'Mainstream' program functions as the foundational curriculum in modern western square dance, establishing the essential set of calls that all dancers must learn to achieve proficiency.
Traditional square dance is the only significant type found in North America.
Answer: False
North America features multiple significant types of square dance, most notably traditional square dance and modern western square dance, each with distinct characteristics and regional variations.
The United States primarily features only one regional style of traditional square dance.
Answer: False
The United States features multiple distinct regional styles of traditional square dance, including Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western styles.
Playford dances are exclusively modern square dances created in the 20th century.
Answer: False
Playford dances originate from John Playford's 17th-century publication, *The English Dancing Master*. While new dances are still composed in this style, they are not exclusively modern creations of the 20th century.
Irish set dances use the terms 'heads' and 'sides' for couple designations, similar to American square dancing.
Answer: False
Irish set dances typically designate couples as 'tops' or 'sides,' which differs from the common American square dance terminology of 'heads' and 'sides'.
In Continental Europe, square dances are typically led by a caller who dictates the steps.
Answer: False
In many Continental European square dance traditions, the performance relies on dancers having memorized the sequence of figures, rather than being led by a caller, which is common in American styles.
The 'Sher' is a square dance variation originating from France.
Answer: False
The 'Sher' (or 'Sherele') is identified as an Eastern European Jewish square dance variation, not one originating from France. French variations include the 'Carré de Campagne'.
Continental European square dances like the 'Bekedorfer' are known for their complex calling sequences.
Answer: False
Continental European square dances, such as the German 'Bekedorfer,' are typically performed using memorized sequences without a caller, rather than featuring complex calling sequences.
Irish set dances use the same couple designations ('heads' and 'sides') as most American square dances.
Answer: False
Irish set dances commonly designate couples as 'tops' or 'sides,' which differs from the typical American square dance terminology of 'heads' and 'sides'.
Among the options provided, which represents a primary type of square dance prevalent in the United Kingdom and Ireland?
Answer: Playford Dances
Playford dances, originating from John Playford's 17th-century publications, are a significant form of English country dance and are found in the UK. Irish set dances and Scottish country dances are also prominent regional variations.
Which of the following is identified as a principal regional style of traditional square dance within the United States?
Answer: Southeast/Appalachian Style
The primary regional styles of traditional square dance in the United States include Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western styles. The Southeast/Appalachian style is a significant variant.
Regarding the designation of couple positions, how do Irish set dances typically differ from standard American square dances?
Answer: Irish set dances use 'tops' and 'sides', while American dances commonly use 'heads' and 'sides'.
A key distinction is the terminology for couple positions: Irish set dances commonly designate couples as 'tops' or 'sides,' whereas American square dances typically employ the terms 'heads' and 'sides'.
How are square dances typically performed in Continental Europe?
Answer: Using memorized sequences without a caller.
In many Continental European square dance traditions, the performance relies on dancers having memorized the sequence of figures, rather than being led by a caller, which is common in American styles.
Which of the following is cited as an example of a square dance originating from Continental Europe?
Answer: Bekedorfer (German)
The German dance 'Bekedorfer' is presented as an example of a square dance tradition found in Continental Europe, alongside other examples like the French 'Carré de Campagne'.
Which of the following is not identified as a principal regional style of traditional square dance within the United States?
Answer: Midwestern
The text identifies Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western styles as major regional variations of traditional square dance in the U.S. 'Midwestern' is not listed among these.
The 'Carré de Campagne' is cited as an example of a square dance originating from which specific region?
Answer: France
The 'Carré de Campagne' is a square dance tradition originating from France, representing one of the continental European variations mentioned in the text.
Which of the following is not identified as a principal regional style of traditional square dance within the United States?
Answer: Southern Plains
The text identifies Northeast/New England, Southeast/Appalachian, and Western styles as major regional variations of traditional square dance in the U.S. 'Southern Plains' is not among the styles mentioned.
The fundamental formation for a square dance typically comprises eight dancers arranged in a square, not a circular, configuration.
Answer: False
The foundational structure of a square dance involves four couples, totaling eight dancers, arranged in a square formation with each couple positioned on one side, facing the center. This contrasts with a circular arrangement.
In most square dances, the couples positioned on the longer sides of the square are designated as 'heads'.
Answer: False
In many square dance traditions, the couples positioned on the longer sides are designated as 'sides,' while the first and third couples, typically at the front and back, are referred to as 'heads'.
In American square dancing, couples are numbered clockwise, starting with the couple on the right.
Answer: False
In most American square dance traditions, couples are numbered counterclockwise, commencing with the couple positioned at the 'top' or 'head' of the square.
Traditional square dance music typically features a uniform tempo of 120-128 beats per minute.
Answer: False
Traditional square dance music tempos vary widely 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.
Grid squares involve dancers moving between multiple, interconnected square dance sets.
Answer: True
The term 'grid squares' refers to a specific variation where several square dance sets are arranged in a grid formation. Dancers move between these interconnected squares, following intricate patterns directed by the caller.
Modern western square dance primarily uses live acoustic music like fiddles and banjos.
Answer: False
Music for modern western square dance typically utilizes recordings encompassing diverse genres such as pop, country, and rock, and is characterized by a consistent tempo (120-128 bpm). Live acoustic music with variable tempos is more characteristic of traditional square dance.
What is the standard formation typically employed in square dancing, involving the arrangement of participants?
Answer: Four couples arranged in a square formation, facing the center.
The fundamental formation in square dancing consists of four couples, totaling eight individuals, arranged in a square pattern with each couple positioned on a side, facing inward towards the center of the square.
In numerous square dance variations, how are the two couples positioned on the sides of the formation typically designated?
Answer: Sides
In many square dance formations, particularly in American styles, the couples positioned on the sides are referred to as 'side couples' or simply 'sides,' complementing the 'head couples' or 'heads'.
In the majority of American square dance traditions, how are the couples typically numbered?
Answer: Counterclockwise, starting with the couple at the top.
Within most American square dance traditions, couples are numbered in a counterclockwise direction, commencing with the couple positioned at the 'top' or 'head' of the square.
In many American square dance formations, what term is used to designate the first and third couples?
Answer: Heads
The first and third couples in many American square dance formations are commonly referred to as the 'heads' or 'head couples'.
What genre and instrumentation are characteristic of music typically used for traditional square dance?
Answer: Live jigs and reels adapted from Scottish and Irish traditions.
Traditional square dance music is often performed live and features jigs and reels, frequently adapted from Scottish and Irish folk traditions, played on acoustic instruments.
What is a key characteristic distinguishing the music used for modern western square dance?
Answer: It includes a wide variety of genres like pop, country, and rock, typically with a uniform tempo.
Music for modern western square dance encompasses diverse genres such as pop, country, and rock, and is typically characterized by a consistent tempo, usually between 120-128 beats per minute, allowing for one step per beat.
Which of the following formations, deviating from the standard square, is mentioned in the text?
Answer: Hexagon dancing (six couples)
While standard square formations involve four couples, the text mentions non-standard formations such as 'Hexagon dancing' (involving six couples) and 'Ninepins' (with an extra person).
What is the approximate tempo range, measured in beats per minute (bpm), typically employed for modern western square dance music?
Answer: 120-128 bpm
Music for modern western square dance generally maintains a consistent tempo, typically falling within the range of 120 to 128 beats per minute, allowing for one step per beat.
In many American square dance formations, what does the term 'heads' specifically refer to?
Answer: The first and third couples, typically positioned at the front and back.
The term 'heads' in many American square dance formations designates the first and third couples, who are conventionally positioned at the front and back of the square.
Which of the following formations, deviating from the standard square, is mentioned in the text?
Answer: Ninepins (one extra person)
The text mentions several non-standard formations, including 'Ninepins,' which involves one extra person participating in the dance set, alongside other variations like hexagon dancing.
What is the primary difference in music usage between traditional and modern western square dancing styles?
Answer: Traditional uses varied tempos and often live music; modern uses uniform tempos and recordings.
Traditional square dancing often employs live music with variable tempos, frequently featuring jigs and reels. Modern western square dancing typically utilizes recordings with a more uniform tempo (120-128 bpm) across diverse genres.
What is a key characteristic that defines 'grid squares' in the context of square dancing?
Answer: Dancers move between multiple, interconnected square sets.
A defining characteristic of 'grid squares' is the arrangement of multiple square dance sets in a grid formation, wherein dancers are directed to move between these interconnected sets.
Callerlab is responsible for the standardization of traditional square dance variations.
Answer: False
Callerlab is indeed responsible for standardization, but its focus is on modern western square dance, not traditional variations. Traditional square dance is characterized by its regional diversity and lack of formal standardization.
Scottish country dances are standardized by the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society.
Answer: True
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is the authoritative body responsible for the standardization of Scottish country dances, ensuring consistency in their practice and teaching.
Callerlab's standardization efforts for modern western square dance began in the mid-20th century.
Answer: False
Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, was founded in the 1970s and has been instrumental in standardizing modern western square dance since that time, not the mid-20th century.
Which international organization is primarily responsible for the standardization of modern western square dance?
Answer: Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers
Callerlab, the International Association of Square Dance Callers, plays a pivotal role in standardizing modern western square dance, defining its programs and calls.
Which organization holds the responsibility for standardizing Scottish country dances?
Answer: The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is the authoritative body responsible for the standardization of Scottish country dances, ensuring consistency in their practice and teaching.
By which entity are Scottish country dances standardized?
Answer: The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society
The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society is the authoritative body responsible for the standardization of Scottish country dances, ensuring consistency in their practice and teaching.
Square dancing holds official state dance status in precisely fifteen U.S. states.
Answer: False
While square dancing is culturally significant and has been designated as the official state dance by numerous U.S. states, the precise number is 31, not 15.
A 'casual' dress code in modern western square dance implies specific western-style attire is required.
Answer: False
Conversely to the statement, a 'casual' dress code in modern western square dance signifies that there are no specific attire requirements. This contrasts with 'traditional square dance attire,' which refers to a distinct western-style dress code.
What is the primary cultural association attributed to square dancing in the 20th-century United States?
Answer: Association with the romanticized image of the American cowboy.
In the 20th century, square dancing became strongly associated with the romanticized image of the American cowboy, contributing to its cultural identity in the United States.
According to the provided information, how many U.S. states have officially designated square dancing as their state dance?
Answer: 31
Square dancing holds official status as the state dance in 31 U.S. states, reflecting its widespread cultural recognition.
What is the principal distinction between 'traditional square dance attire' and a 'casual' dress code in modern western square dance?
Answer: Traditional attire refers to a specific western-style dress code, while casual has no specific requirements.
'Traditional square dance attire' denotes a specific western-style dress code that emerged historically, whereas a 'casual' dress code implies no particular attire is mandated for participants.
According to the provided information, by how many U.S. states has square dancing been designated as the official state dance?
Answer: 31
Square dancing holds the distinction of being the official state dance in 31 U.S. states, underscoring its widespread cultural recognition.