About the Square Dance History Project
Square dancing has been an integral part of American social life for centuries. Traditional square dance was vital for generations of Americans, especially in rural communities; in the post-World War II era, modern square dance similarly enjoyed participants numbering in the millions.
Despite its popularity, the history of square dance has not been well documented. Scores of books explain specific figures and calls, but there is no current source that offers a detailed discussion of the development of this form of American social dance. We hope this site helps to fill that need.
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Schottische
A two-couple horse and buggy schottische (here dubbed the "Four Horseperson Schottische) danced in Colorado. View itemWebsite
Bernard Chalk Calling a Square Dance
Larry Edelman writes: "I recorded this file in 1978 or 1979 when British square dance caller Bernard (Bernie) Chalk was visiting me in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and leading a square dance… View itemDocument
Hand position in MWSD
The formation of CALLERLAB in 1974 established definitions and helped modern square dancing become more standardized. This does not mean that everything fell neatly into place! The cover illustration… View itemStill Image
Pioneer Promenaders - Denver University
These newspaper clippings and photographs document the Denver University Pioneer Promenaders Square Dance Club as they travel to Washington, DC, for the 1940 National Folk Festival and a separate trip… View itemWebsite
Audrey Forbes calling - 1985
Larry Edelman writes, "I just posted a 1.5 hour audio file that I recorded of Audrey Fobes, a fine traditional square dance caller who called in the beautiful southwestern Pennsylvania calling style.… View itemDocument
Square Dance Week - Austin, 1949
The photo shows Marlys Swenson giving a square dance lesson to Austin's "Mayor Tom," who has proclaimed the week of March 20-26, 1949, as "Square-Dance Week." The Additional File is the accompanying… View itemDocument
Modern Square Dance History - Jim Mayo
This summary of developments and trends in modern square dance was written by Jim Mayo. This illustrated version appeared inBehind the Mic, a square dance journal from Australia. View itemSound
Texas Square Dance Music - Henry Hudson
This is the 1946 album, 78 rpm, issues by Texas musician Henry Hudson and his Fiddle Band. Hudson recorded on the Henlee label, sometimes with his band being called the Pioneer Fiddle Band. He worked… View itemStill Image
Henry Hudson - Texas fiddler
This photo shows Texas fiddler Henry Hudson standing with dance leader and organizer Lillie Lee Baker. (The boy at left is holding the 78 rpm album of Texas Square Dance Music that was recorded in… View itemDocument
Lillie Lee Baker
Lillie Lee Baker (Mrs. Paul Baker) was a Texas dance caller, supporter of children's performing square dance groups, and an organizer for Texas square dances. In 1947, she directed square dance… View itemMoving Image
Blue Tail Fly / Jimmy Crack Corn - singing square
Bill Litchman calls the figures for this singing square, presented in 1991 at a dance workshop in Belgium. Bill comments: "I used the figure called by Melton Lutrell on the Square L recording… View itemMoving Image