The square dance is
an American institution. It began in New England when the first
settlers and the immigrant groups that followed, brought with
them their various national dances, which we now call folk dances.
On Saturday evenings the settlers would gather in the community
center enjoying some of their old-world favorites. As the communities
grew and people of different backgrounds intermingled, their dances
grew also.
As the dances increased, it was the life-of-the-party types, who
had a knack for remembering the dance figures who first began
calling square dances. Some of these men were quite ingenious
and developed dances and routines of their own, including dances
for groups of four couples.
The only requirements were a wooden floor, music, and a caller.
A barn, somebody's living room, the town hall or, in later years,
the grange hall provided the place. As far as music was concerned,
there was always someone on hand who could play a guitar, a fiddle,
or an accordion.
Booming trade brought to our shores new fashions, new music, and
new dances from other continents. The new dances became fashionable,
and square dancing was displaced in the growing cities. It survived
only in isolated areas, in each of which an individual style peculiar
to that region developed.
By 1948, square dancing had reached the level of a fad and there
was some concern that interest would be short-lived.
Far from being pale and static, modern western-style square dancing
is vibrant and growing. New ideas and figures are introduced each
year, insuring that square dancing will not become boring and
get into the rut of sameness. As interesting and enjoyable as
square dancing is, it is not difficult. This activity can be enjoyed
by the young and old, the handicapped and the able-bodied. All
that is necessary is a thorough familiarity with a number of basic
figures or movements, which are called in various combinations
on the dance floor.