Beyond White Origins: Uncovering African American Roots in Square Dancing

Square dancing's reputation as an exclusively white form of entertnment hides a surprising truth: it has deep roots in African American history, stemming from the legacy of slavery. The connection can be traced through the figureheads known as callers, who guide dancers through various steps like the do-si-do and allemande. Popularly considered the whitest dance style in America, square dancing lacks a diverse image - the pop culture portrayal leans heavily on stereotypical imagery of rural white farmers instead of people from different backgrounds.

But beneath this lily-white veneer lies an underappreciated history. The origins of square dancing are tied to the development of American folk dances that evolved from European forms like Scottish and English country or contra dances and reels brought by early white settlers. It's worth noting that these dance styles were often accompanied by African-American fiddlers and musicians, who helped spread them throughout America as it expanded.

As white Americans began to refine their own more complex dance forms such as quadrilles influenced by French traditions, Black artists played pivotal roles in the evolution of American music. Initially, enslaved individuals provided music for white dancers at balls and dancing schools, playing a crucial part in teaching dance figures through call and response patterns similar to those found in African drumming traditions.

As time passed, it became customary for Black musicians to call out dance figures even as they were learning them themselves. This innovative practice led to the elimination of formal dance instruction by dance masters or teachers. An early instance dates back to 1819 when a white person complned about a black caller's forced and vile voice. Nevertheless, this tradition persisted in spreading from southern states to the northern ones.

The pivotal role played by enslaved people should be recognized as they helped develop American dance traditions - especially considering that their lives literally deped on entertning their white masters. The origins of square dancing have thus been intertwined with African-American music, culture, and history for centuries.

Today, fewer people know about this historical connection since the art form of square dance calling is nearing its decline. Whether popular or not, it's essential to where these roots lie in a world that was once defined by slavery.

Editor’s This post has been updated to reflect current standards for referring to formerly enslaved people.

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