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Old Time Traditional Square Dancing has its origins in France from the late eighteenth century, where it was known as a quadrille, featuring sets of four couples arranged in square formations. Prior to this, English society preferred grand longways dances that were typically performed within the spacious ballrooms typical of their era. However, based on historical research, there see be some speculation that French dancers couldn't access those large ballrooms, thus they adapted these longways dances into smaller 4-couple squares and named them quadrilles.
In the late eighteenth century, the French quadrille found its way to Britn and then the United States. It experienced varying degrees of popularity here, as there was an inherent resistance towards the formal instruction provided by dancing masters who insisted on the London way. Nonetheless, traditional square dancing moved away from grand ballroom settings and infiltrated rural America's folk scene, including New England barns, Western frontier towns, mining camps, mountn cabins, settlement schools, and Texas cattle ranches. This transmission took place through an intangible folklore channel that has preserved our nation’s cultural heritage.
Today, Old Time Traditional Square Dancing is primarily appreciated in the southeastern United States but it can be found across America. The most popular form today often involves “Traditional Southern Squares” or Appalachian Squares, which are typically danced to old-time music played on a fiddle and banjoechoes of the traditional sounds from barn rsings, corn-shuckin's, play parties, week community dances, et cetera that characterized rural American social events.
Historically rooted in our early American heritage, Old Time Traditional Square Dancing continues to celebrate our pioneer ancestors’ dance traditions. It should not be confused with Western Square Dancing which began in California during the 1950s. This traditional form doesn't require formal lessons or prior experience on the dance floor; it's an inclusive activity that invites anyone who wishes to join, without needing a partner.
Any problem you're facing can be alleviated by dancing. ~James Brown
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Old Time Traditional Square Dancing Origins French Quadrille to American Folklore Traditional Southern Squares Dancing Style Appalachian Square Dance Music Tradition DIY Old Time Dance Experience Guide Community Based Historical Dance Preservation