Square Dance History Project
The rich story of North American square dance finally has a home in the digital age.

Browse Items (1934 total)

Document

"Folk Dances of the United States: Regional Types and Origins"

Scholarly presentation by noted dance researcher Elizabeth Burchenal and published in the Journal of the International Folk Music Council. Burchenal begins her talk thus: "The term "folk… View item
Sound

"Doc" Alumbaugh

This is a short clip from a tip called by "Doc" Alumbaugh at the 1954 National Square Dance Convention in Dallas, Texas. The choreography is the "classic" figures Dip and Dive and… View item
Document

"Dancing to the Music: Domestic Square Dances and Community in Southcentral Kentucky (1880-1940)"

This detailed examination of the role of square dances in south central Kentucky is written by a folklorist, who based his findings on interviews with 20 musicians, dancers, and callers in that… View item
Website

"Barn Dances with Calls"

Article published in The Old-Time Herald (Volume 7, Number 8) discussing what can be learned from a careful study of old dance records. Includes a discography. View item
Moving Image

"America" called by Mike Sikorsky

Filmed at WASCA 2010 in Alexandria, Virginia in March 2010, Mike Sikorsky calls the singing call "America" View item
Moving Image

"Abilene lift" - Rickey Holden

Caller Rickey Holden calls and dances the "Abilene lift," a style of movement created and popularized by west Texas caller Bob Sumrall. The 1-2-3 shuffle of feet gave the dancers a smooth movement;… View item
Document

'Sophisticated' City Folks Are Getting Rural Rhythm

Newspaper story (1946) datelined New York that describes the post-WWII enthusiasm about square dancing: ---lt's hep these days to be a square—a square dancer, that is. Folks from 7 to 70 are… View item
Moving Image

Swing Thru - Jim Mayo - MWSD 3a

This is one of a set of videos documenting Jim Mayo's workshop on Modern Western Square Dance, recorded November 19, 2011. In this series, Jim teaches Swing Thru, a figure that opened up exciting… View item
Moving Image

Patter Call - A1 - Vic Ceder

FIlmed CSCTA ( Czechoslovak Callers and Teachers Association Convention + Rainbow Prague, Czech Republic View item
Sound

Lucy Long (clip) - Charley Thomas

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Sound

Gentle On My Mind, Red Bates, 1968

In the 1968 singing call, Gentle On My Mind, the interesting and unusual figure was called by Red just as it was recorded on the Wagon Wheel label #113 by Don Franklin View item
Moving Image

Fluid Drive - Bob Dalsemer

Bob Dalsemer calls a Ted Sannella composition to the tune of Gaspé Reel; music provided by Old New England (Bob McQuillen, Jane Orzechowski, and Deanna Stiles). The clip includes Bob's… View item