The Varsovienne in the Southwestern United States
Master's thesis looking in detail at the history and widespread appearance of this classic couple dance throughout the southwestern part of the US. Since couple dances formed an important part of an evening's program at traditional square dances, this SDHP site includes numerous examples.
From the introduction: "Not many scenes would present a stronger contrast than a ballroom at the court of Napoleon III and Eugenie in Paris during the 1850's and a square dance floor in late 20th-century Texas. As disparate as these scenes appear, all the dancers involved would probably have enjoyed a dance known as the varsovienne-though the Texans would more likely recognize it by the name, "Put Your Littie Foot." Although the varsovienne as danced in present-day Texas may littie resemble the varsovienne Empress Eugenie is supposed to have been particularly fond of (an affinity later shared by Henry Ford), the music of the varsovienne reflects a high level of continuity through time and across national borders."
Subjects: Couple dance
Item Relations
| This Item | is related to | Item: Round Dances |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Reviving Old Time Dances (article, Detroit, 1926) |
| This Item | is related to | Item: Rural Leaders' Guide for Square and Group Dances, 1951 |
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From the introduction: "Not many scenes would present a stronger contrast than a ballroom at the court of Napoleon III and Eugenie in Paris during the 1850's and a square dance floor in late 20th-century Texas. As disparate as these scenes appear, all the dancers involved would probably have enjoyed a dance known as the varsovienne-though the Texans would more likely recognize it by the name, "Put Your Littie Foot." Although the varsovienne as danced in present-day Texas may littie resemble the varsovienne Empress Eugenie is supposed to have been particularly fond of (an affinity later shared by Henry Ford), the music of the varsovienne reflects a high level of continuity through time and across national borders."