National Square Dancing Day is celebrated on November 29 every year in the United States to honor the square dance form of folk dancing. This enjoyable, healthful, and simple kind of dancing with a lengthy history deserves its festival, and it has roots in traditional English, Irish, and Scottish folk dance. To grasp the significance of Square Dance Day, you must first learn about the square dance! This is a form of dance in which eight persons are divided into four different partners. Each pair is arranged in a square, with one couple on each side of the square, facing the center.
History of Square Dancing Day
National Square Dancing Day has no documented origins or history. The origins of square dancing can be traced back to 17th century England. Square dance arrived in North America with the European settlers and was later refined and perfected over time. Western American square dance is the most well-known style of square dance in the world, and it is the official dance of 19 American states. Square dancing is frequently accompanied by upbeat music played on guitars, bagpipes, fiddles, and accordions.The Square dances form patterns of circles, lines, and squares, with couples taking turns in each role (female/female, male/male, or male/female). This so-called caller, who is also a dancer, is frequently seen on stage with the band. Square dancing is most commonly linked with a romanticized vision of the Old West, with cowboys pursuing Southern belles at saloon dances to commemorate various occasions. The dance is accompanied by upbeat music played on guitars, fiddles, accordions, and bagpipes.The dances usually take the form of lines, circles, and, as the name implies, squares, with couples – male/female, female/female, or male/male – taking turns in each role. The dancers in most American types of square dance are guided through the square dance choreography to the rhythm of the music. Square dancing, which had faded throughout the World Wars, enjoyed a comeback in New York City during the American folk music revival in the 1950s.
Square Dancing Day timeline
Square dances, which incorporate components from a variety of traditional dances, are first reported in England.
In “The English Dancing Master,” John Playford wrote 105 of these dances, eight of which are square dances with concepts that are still used today, such as the head couples doing an action and the side couples repeating it.
Square dancing is essential for generations of Americans up until the late 1800s, according to the Square Dance History Project.
The western style of traditional square dance that is developing in the United States gives rise to modern western square dance.
Square Dancing Day FAQs
How many different kinds of square dance are there?
It can be split into three main regional styles: Northeast or West England type, Southeast or Appalachian type, and Western.
In which state is square dance most popular?
Square dancing is regarded as a social dance in North America, particularly in the country’s southern and western areas, and is a very popular dance. Colorado, Massachusetts, and over 20 additional states have adopted it as their official state dance.
What kind of outfit do you wear for square dancing?
Square dancers frequently wear custom-made square dance clothes with numerous layers of crinolines, petticoats, or pettipants. Partners’ clothing may be color- and pattern-coordinated. Women are more likely to wear soft-soled slippers or shoes with a single strap and a low heel than males.
Square Dancing Day Activities
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Host a dance party at home
Exercise, music, and fun — get them all by attending a Square Dance Party celebration. Even better, organize your own! Try inviting your family and friends to participate in the dance party.
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Take pictures and videos
Take a picture of yourself wearing the costume for a square dance and post them on social media by sharing your thoughts about this holiday. Also, record yourself and the dance group dancing together.
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Learn square dancing
On Square Dance Day, you might also want to spend some time learning about the various types of square dances that are popular around the world. In England, for example, there are several types of square dancing.
5 Interesting Facts About Square Dancing
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It’s not all about squares
It’s not always squaring — in the Appalachian Mountains, it is common to run square dance steps in big circle dances with as many couples as could fit on the floor.
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No dress code
Along the way, clothes like jeans, slacks, and even yoga pants are increasingly acceptable attire for a square dance.
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It’s everywhere
Square dances can be found almost anywhere, from the historic Carcassonne dance in Kentucky to a bustling scene in Baltimore, Maryland, they span the entire country.
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Caller on the rise
In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in teaching more people how to call square dances.
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Bring your synthesizer
Nowadays, Square dances are danced to a variety of music styles, including disco, modern pop, and techno.
Why We Love Square Dancing Day
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Bringing people together
Dancing is a wonderful way to bring people together, which is exactly what communities should be about! Don't forget that no square dance is complete without some appropriate music for the occasion.
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Learn about different dancing
In several English countries or traditional dances, square dances are also popular. You can study the many dances of continental Europe, Ireland, Canada, and, of course, the United States.
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Getting a prize
As the day celebrates, there will be some local competitions held for a square dance. By participating in a competition in which the best square dancers will receive a reward, wouldn’t it be nice to have a little bit of healthy competition?
Square Dancing Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | November 29 | Tuesday |
| 2023 | November 29 | Wednesday |
| 2024 | November 29 | Friday |
| 2025 | November 29 | Saturday |
| 2026 | November 29 | Sunday |
