Square Dance Contests - Texas debate, 1948
In the 1920s and 1930s, continuing a little into the 1940s, Texas had numerous square dance competitions. These two essays from Foot 'n' Fiddle magazine debate the merits of such events.
In the first piece, Jane Harris argues, in part, "I would not strike out the demonstration group or the occasional exhibit of the highly trained dancers. It most certainly has its place in spreading the great movements and is a tremendous help as a teaching device. We all love to see a highly trained group go through the figures with a beautiful precision and grace; just as we enjoy a concert or a fine piece of artwork. But let us not forget that the mass of square dancers want to dance. Let us not forget that the joy is in the participation, cooperation, and teamwork among the great and wonderful folks who dance and help others to dance, never minding the mistakes or slips of a newcomer, or the miss of a beat. It is for each person to love doing it and go through the figures with a luxurious refreshing feeling that for those moments every one is equal and joined together in a mutual bond of give and take."
In the following issue, caller Grady Wilson responds, in part, "There are three steps in combined Square Dancing, namely; the Jamboree, the Festival, and the Contest. At the Jamboree there is only dancing. At the Festival there are added exhibitions by outstanding sets, chosen because of their ability to portray a pattern in an excellenr manner. At the Contest the added incentive for showing well is present in the form of a prize as a remembrance.
"Life is but a contest. A survival of the fittest, if you please. He who whines is lost. If we are unable to stand to lost, then why continue with such contest as Interscholastic and Collegiate Athletic and Forensic competition? Are we not trying to instill into the growing minds of our youth to be a good loser as a good winner? If we as adults cannot stand to lose, they what do we have to offer to youth in the way of example? The place of the poor loser is certainly on the side-line."
Tags: competition, contest, Grady Wilson, Jane Harris, Texas
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| This Item | is related to | Item: 1940 Texas Square Dance Contest |
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In the 1920s and 1930s, continuing a little into the 1940s, Texas had numerous square dance competitions. These two essays from Foot 'n' Fiddle magazine debate the merits of such events.
In the first piece, Jane Harris argues, in part, "I would not strike out the demonstration group or the occasional exhibit of the highly trained dancers. It most certainly has its place in spreading the great movements and is a tremendous help as a teaching device. We all love to see a highly trained group go through the figures with a beautiful precision and grace; just as we enjoy a concert or a fine piece of artwork. But let us not forget that the mass of square dancers want to dance. Let us not forget that the joy is in the participation, cooperation, and teamwork among the great and wonderful folks who dance and help others to dance, never minding the mistakes or slips of a newcomer, or the miss of a beat. It is for each person to love doing it and go through the figures with a luxurious refreshing feeling that for those moments every one is equal and joined together in a mutual bond of give and take."
In the following issue, caller Grady Wilson responds, in part, "There are three steps in combined Square Dancing, namely; the Jamboree, the Festival, and the Contest. At the Jamboree there is only dancing. At the Festival there are added exhibitions by outstanding sets, chosen because of their ability to portray a pattern in an excellenr manner. At the Contest the added incentive for showing well is present in the form of a prize as a remembrance.
"Life is but a contest. A survival of the fittest, if you please. He who whines is lost. If we are unable to stand to lost, then why continue with such contest as Interscholastic and Collegiate Athletic and Forensic competition? Are we not trying to instill into the growing minds of our youth to be a good loser as a good winner? If we as adults cannot stand to lose, they what do we have to offer to youth in the way of example? The place of the poor loser is certainly on the side-line."