The Value of Square Dancing - Ralph Maxhimer
In this essay, Ralph Maxhimer explains why he sees square dancing as a vital social/recreational activity. He was a founding member, along with his wife, Eve, of the National Square Dance Convention and was the first president of the Southern California Callers' Association, at the time the largest caller association in the world:
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I BELIEVE: That Square Dancing could become the Highest Common Denominator of American Recreation.
What this country needs is not a good 5¢ cigar but an awareness of the many, many values of Square Dancing. Even though hundreds of thousands are now dancing we still are not reaching the multitudes who are being deprived of becoming happier people because of Square Dancing.
The above-mentioned values are multifold and will find expression in accord with the individual's needs. For the Meek, Square Dancing offers a pleasantly inconspicuous ingress to having fun while making those little old mistakes right along with the other fellow. For the Brazen, Square Dancing offers the opportunity for self-expression through cooperation and consideration of the other fellow. For just Ordinary Folks, Square Dancing establishes a social/relation vehicle which far surpasses any other co/recreational activity.
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The second item is a brief biography of Maxhimer along with a call attributed to him, published in the first issue of Sets in Order, November, 1948.
Subjects: Modern square dance - general
Tags: Ralph Maxhimer
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I BELIEVE: That Square Dancing could become the Highest Common Denominator of American Recreation.
What this country needs is not a good 5¢ cigar but an awareness of the many, many values of Square Dancing. Even though hundreds of thousands are now dancing we still are not reaching the multitudes who are being deprived of becoming happier people because of Square Dancing.
The above-mentioned values are multifold and will find expression in accord with the individual's needs. For the Meek, Square Dancing offers a pleasantly inconspicuous ingress to having fun while making those little old mistakes right along with the other fellow. For the Brazen, Square Dancing offers the opportunity for self-expression through cooperation and consideration of the other fellow. For just Ordinary Folks, Square Dancing establishes a social/relation vehicle which far surpasses any other co/recreational activity.
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The second item is a brief biography of Maxhimer along with a call attributed to him, published in the first issue of Sets in Order, November, 1948.