What is Modern Western Square Dancing?
Modern square dancing has deep roots in many of the old time dances of our forebears, who brought traditional dances of their homelands to the newly adopted country. French quadrilles, Irish jigs, English reels, Spanish fandangos and other national dances are all represented in America’s number one folk dance. The early settlers never missed a chance for a good dance at barn raisings, weddings, harvests and cattle drives. Fiddlers tuned up and tired feet became happy feet as they moved to the sounds. Often steps were improvised as the dancers tried to remember dances from the old country. The fiddlers tried to assist by shouting out directions. These calls, unplanned and spontaneous, quickly became a popular new dance that spread across America in the 1800s. Square dancing was rejuvenated during the 1940s when the end of World War Two ushered in an age of joy and frivolity. It’s liveliness, hospitality and neighborly atmosphere became a way to socialize with friends and loved ones. By
Related Questions
- Why do I hear that square dancing is so much more social than other types of dance, such as ballroom, country, line, or Western dance?
- Whats the difference between old-time square dancing and modern western square dancing?
- What’s the difference between old-time square dancing and modern western square dancing?
