About the Square Dance History Project
Square dancing has been an integral part of American social life for centuries. Traditional square dance was vital for generations of Americans, especially in rural communities; in the post-World War II era, modern square dance similarly enjoyed participants numbering in the millions.
Despite its popularity, the history of square dance has not been well documented. Scores of books explain specific figures and calls, but there are few current sources that offer a detailed discussion of the development of this form of American social dance. We hope this site helps to fill that need.
Document
Polonaise - Grand March
This is a detailed look at the history of the Polonaise, known in the US as the Grand March. Thee name "polonaise" speaks to Polish roots. The author cites a 1685 description of the dance,… View itemWebsite
Grand March
Many square dance events start with a Grand March. The author provides general guidelines, followed by a detailed series of figures,. View itemMoving Image
Canadian Olde Tyme Square Dance Callers' Association 50th Anniversary Dance
This video presents the full two-hour recording of the Canadian Old Tyme Square Dance Callers’ Association Spring Dance, held on April 17, 2004, at Westway United Church in Etobicoke, Ontario.… View itemDocument
"Kitchen Junket"
This evocative portrait of a New England kitchen junket ran over the first four issues of Ralph Page's Northern Junket magazine. Page draws on his own memories to paint a detailed picture of the… View itemDocument
Jim Hopkins Remembers The Neighbourhood Dance Parties Of The 1940s
Detailed recollections of dancing in central Ontario in the 1940s, including neighborhood house parties, dancing at larger halls, and teaching square dance in schools. In other regions, these house… View itemDocument
The Good Old Days - Jack Powelson
Jack Powelson wrote: "This was to have been Chapter 1 of a History of American Folk Dancing, but the other chapters were never written."Larry Edelman writes: "I met Jack Powelson sometime in the fall… View itemDocument
Square Dancing on the Eastern Shore of Maryland
This is a detailed description of square dancing in the mid-1940s in the area around Salisbury, Maryland, located on the Eastern Shore, in particular dances that took place at Fruitland, four miles… View itemDocument
Asilomar Dance Camp
This large set of photos and text all relate to Asilomar, the location in southern California where many dance camps were held. Included in this item are photographs of campers, camp rosters, and… View itemWebsite
Square Dancing on the South Side
THis radio program looks at the history of modern square dancing within the Black community in Chicago, with many groups leading up to the formation of Southside Squares. It includes an interview with… View itemMoving Image
Hillbilly Hare
In 1950, the same year that the Santa Monica square dance attracted 15,000 dancers, Warner Brothers released a new Bugs Bunny cartoon,Hillbilly Hare, testimony to the rising popularity of square dance… View itemWebsite
Gone West Out East
Modern square dance was frequently transported to other nations through American servicemen. This video documents the effects of US airbases in East Anglia, England, on the cultural life of the area,… View itemWebsite