square dance

square dance ?

Square dance is a traditional form of folk dance that involves four couples (eight dancers) arranged in a square formation. The dancers follow a caller who directs their movements through a series of steps and patterns. Square dancing is typically performed to lively, upbeat music, often accompanied by a caller who provides instructions in real-time.

The steps involve various formations and movements, such as promenades, swings, allemande left, do-si-do, and right and left grand. These movements are often repeated in different combinations, and the music and dance patterns can vary, depending on the style of square dancing (e.g., traditional, modern, or western square dance).

Square dance is popular at social gatherings, events, and festivals, and it’s often seen as a fun, community-oriented activity. It also offers physical exercise, coordination, and rhythm.

What is square dance ?

Square dance is a traditional form of folk dance typically performed by four couples arranged in a square formation, with each couple positioned at one corner. The dancers follow instructions from a caller, who directs them through a series of movements and steps in a specific sequence. The steps can involve turning, swinging, and other patterns, with dancers frequently changing positions.

Key characteristics of square dance include:

1. Caller: A person who gives real-time verbal instructions, guiding the dancers through the movements.
2. Formation: The dancers stand in a square, each couple at one corner. The dancers typically face each other in the square.
3. Movements: Square dance movements include promenades, do-si-do (circle around each other), swings, allemande left (turning with the left hand), and other patterned steps.
4. Music: Square dancing is usually accompanied by lively, upbeat music, often in a 4/4 time signature, and can vary in style (such as western, country, or modern square dance).

Who is required square dance ?

Square dancing can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, but it is particularly popular at social events, community gatherings, and cultural festivals. While it’s open to anyone, square dancing is often practiced or required in certain situations:

1. Social Groups and Communities: Many community centers, clubs, and organizations offer square dancing as a recreational activity. These groups may hold square dance nights, events, or classes.
2. School Programs: In some regions, square dance is taught as part of physical education or dance curriculum in schools, especially in rural or culturally traditional areas. It can be a fun way for students to engage in physical activity while learning about music, rhythm, and teamwork.
3. Cultural or Heritage Events: Square dance is often a key part of cultural festivals, fairs, and heritage events, where people come together to celebrate traditional music and dancing.
4. Dance Groups or Teams: Some dance groups or clubs specialize in square dancing, and participants may be part of competitive square dance teams, where skill and precision in performing the movements are required.
5. Recreational or Competitive Dancers: While square dance is generally seen as a social and recreational activity, there are competitive events where dancers are required to perform to the caller’s instructions as accurately and quickly as possible.

In summary, square dancing is not strictly “required” by anyone in particular, but it is encouraged or incorporated into social, educational, and cultural settings, making it accessible to people who enjoy group dancing and community engagement.

When is required square dance ?

Square dance is “required” in specific situations or events, such as:

1. At Social Gatherings: Square dancing is often a popular feature at community events, festivals, or social dances. If the event is a square dance, then participating is expected or encouraged. These can include country fairs, barn dances, or community celebrations where square dancing is part of the tradition.
2. In School Physical Education Programs: In some regions, square dancing is part of the physical education curriculum, especially in elementary and middle schools. Teachers may require students to participate in square dance lessons as part of the curriculum to promote physical activity and teamwork.
3. At Cultural or Heritage Events: Square dancing may be a required activity during certain cultural festivals or heritage events, particularly in rural or traditional communities where it’s part of their customs and celebrations.
4. In Dance Classes or Clubs: If you are part of a square dance group, team, or club, participation in square dance would be required during practice sessions or performances.
5. In Competitive Square Dance Events: In organized competitive square dancing (such as in competitions or tournaments), participating in square dance is, of course, required as it forms the basis of the competition.
6. As Part of a Structured Program or Workshop: Some workshops, dance camps, or special events may have square dance as a part of the scheduled activities, making it a required part of the program.

In these cases, square dance is either encouraged or required to foster social interaction, physical activity, cultural preservation, or to ensure the success of a planned event or competition.

Courtesy : Cesar Chavez Middle School – Home of the Warriors!

Where is required square dance ?

Square dance may be required or commonly found in the following places:

1. Schools: In some regions, square dancing is taught as part of the physical education curriculum, especially in elementary and middle schools. This is common in rural or traditional areas where square dancing is a cultural norm.
2. Community Centers: Square dance is often organized at local community centers, where it is a required activity for social gatherings or dance nights. These events may be regularly scheduled for members of the community.
3. Cultural and Heritage Events: Square dancing is a key feature of many cultural and heritage festivals, particularly in the United States and other countries with rural or folk traditions. At these events, square dance might be required as part of the programming to celebrate traditional music and dance.
4. Fairs and Festivals: Square dance is often featured at county fairs, state fairs, and other large festivals. At these events, square dancing may be required as part of entertainment or as a competitive event.
5. Dance Halls and Clubs: Some dance halls or square dance clubs specifically host square dance nights, where participation may be expected or encouraged.
6. Dance Competitions: In competitive square dancing, such as in dance competitions or tournaments, square dance is required for participants who want to compete. This is typically organized by square dance associations or clubs.
7. Special Workshops or Camps: Square dance may be part of structured workshops or camps designed to teach dancing or to promote social interaction. These camps or special events may require participation in square dance as part of the program.
8. Religious or Faith-based Events: In some religious or faith-based communities, square dancing is used during social gatherings or celebrations, and participation may be encouraged or required.

In these settings, square dancing is often a social, cultural, or educational activity that is either required or strongly encouraged to foster participation, community spirit, and enjoyment.

How is required square dance ?

Square dance is “required” in certain settings based on the context of the event, curriculum, or tradition. Here’s how square dance may be required in different situations:

1. In Schools:
   • Physical Education Classes: Square dance is often a part of physical education (PE) curriculum, especially in elementary and middle schools. Students are required to learn square dancing as part of their physical activity and coordination lessons. The teacher will provide instructions and lead the students through various movements.
   • Special Events: Some schools may hold square dance events where students are required to participate as part of a cultural or social activity. It is often used to teach teamwork, rhythm, and cooperation.
2. At Community Events or Social Gatherings:
   • Dance Nights or Square Dance Parties: Community events, such as barn dances, fairs, or square dance nights at community centers, may require participants to engage in square dance as part of the entertainment or social activity. Participants join in the dancing to engage with the community and enjoy the tradition.
   • Cultural or Heritage Festivals: During traditional or cultural celebrations, square dancing may be a key component, and participants are often encouraged or required to take part in the dance as part of the event’s programming. These events preserve cultural traditions and provide entertainment.
3. In Dance Classes or Clubs:
   • Dance Instruction: If you are enrolled in a square dance class or part of a dance club, attending and participating in square dance would be a required aspect of the training or club activities. Participants learn the steps, formations, and calls to become skilled in square dancing.
   • Rehearsals and Performances: In dance teams or competitive square dance groups, participating in square dancing is required for practice, rehearsals, and performance events. This often includes adhering to structured dance patterns and routines.
4. In Competitive Events:
   • Square Dance Competitions: In competitive square dancing, such as in local, regional, or national competitions, participants are required to perform square dance steps in a precise manner. These events often have strict rules about the types of movements and timing that must be followed.
   • Judged Events: In these events, square dance is required to be performed according to the caller’s instructions and is judged based on accuracy, timing, and execution.
5. Workshops or Retreats:
   • Dance Camps: In square dance camps or workshops, participants are required to learn specific square dance steps and patterns. These programs may be designed to teach both beginners and experienced dancers, and participation in square dancing is a key component of the camp’s schedule.

In these situations, square dancing is often required as part of a planned activity, program, or event. Participants are expected to follow the caller’s instructions, dance in the correct formations, and engage with others in the social or educational experience of square dancing.

Case study is square dance ?

A case study on square dance would examine a specific instance or scenario where square dance is used or studied in a detailed, real-world context. It could focus on various aspects, such as its cultural significance, social benefits, educational value, or even its role in a community or event. Here’s an example of how a square dance case study might be framed:

Case Study: Square Dance in a Community Event

Context: A rural town in the United States holds an annual Heritage Festival to celebrate its local traditions, including folk music, food, and dances. As part of the festival, the community organizes a square dance event that invites residents of all ages to participate.

Objective:

• To explore how square dancing serves as both a cultural tradition and a community-building activity.
• To assess the impact of square dance on social interaction, health, and cultural preservation within the town.

Participants:

• Town residents, including families, teenagers, and older adults.
• Local square dance callers and musicians who volunteer their time to facilitate the event.

Methodology:

• Observation: Researchers attended the event, observing how participants engage with square dancing.
• Surveys/Interviews: After the event, residents were surveyed to gauge their experience with square dancing, including their reasons for participating and the perceived benefits.
• Health and Social Benefits Assessment: Researchers also evaluated how square dancing contributes to physical health (exercise, coordination) and mental well-being (social bonding, enjoyment).

Findings:

1. Cultural Significance:
   • Square dance played a key role in preserving local cultural heritage. Many participants spoke about how the dance was passed down through generations and how it helped keep the community’s traditions alive.
2. Social Bonding:
   • The event fostered strong social connections among community members. Square dancing required cooperation and teamwork, helping people interact and work together in a fun and structured environment.
   • Older generations, who were familiar with the dance from their youth, were able to share the experience with younger generations, leading to intergenerational bonding.
3. Physical and Mental Benefits:
   • Participants reported feeling more energetic and happy after dancing. The physical activity of square dancing, combined with the social nature of the event, provided both physical exercise and emotional well-being.
   • Many noted that the rhythm and movements of square dance also improved their coordination and balance.
4. Community Involvement:
   • The square dance event was not just an activity but also a community celebration, with local businesses supporting the event through donations and sponsorships.
   • Residents who were not actively participating in the dance enjoyed watching and supporting the dancers, reinforcing a sense of community pride.

Conclusion:

This case study demonstrates the lasting impact of square dance on community life. Square dancing served not only as a means of entertainment but also as a tool for cultural preservation, intergenerational bonding, and social cohesion. The event helped strengthen relationships among town members and highlighted the positive effects of traditional dance on both physical and social well-being. This case study can serve as a model for other communities looking to use folk dance to foster unity and maintain cultural traditions.

This is just one example of a case study related to square dance. The key is that case studies focus on real-world applications, examining how square dance can influence culture, social life, health, and education.

Courtesy : Danggab’s “Japz”

White paper on square dance ?

A white paper on square dance would be an in-depth report or guide that explores the history, cultural significance, benefits, and modern relevance of square dancing. It would provide research, analysis, and insights into the dance form, often aimed at informing or advocating for its continued practice in specific contexts (e.g., educational settings, community events, or health initiatives).

Below is an outline and some key sections for a white paper on square dance:

White Paper: The Value of Square Dance in Modern Society

Executive Summary

This white paper explores square dance as a cultural tradition and community activity. It delves into the origins of square dance, its role in promoting physical health, fostering social connections, and preserving cultural heritage. The paper also examines the value of square dancing in schools, community events, and health programs, advocating for its inclusion as a means to enhance social well-being, teamwork, and cultural preservation.

1. Introduction

• Purpose of the White Paper: To highlight the enduring value of square dance in modern society and propose ways to incorporate it into schools, community events, and health initiatives.
• Overview of Square Dance: Square dance is a traditional folk dance characterized by four couples arranged in a square formation, following a set of verbal instructions provided by a caller. It has a rich history in North America, especially in rural communities, and continues to be practiced in various forms worldwide.

2. History and Evolution of Square Dance

• Origins: Square dance has roots in European folk dances such as the quadrille, contradance, and minuet. It evolved in the United States during the 18th and 19th centuries, influenced by African American, Native American, and European dance traditions.
• Cultural Significance: Square dance became an important aspect of social life in rural America, offering a way for communities to come together, celebrate, and engage in physical activity.
• Modern Adaptations: Today, square dance has evolved into various forms, including Western square dance, traditional square dance, and modern Western square dance (or “Mainstream”). The style and music may vary, but the basic formation and cooperative nature remain consistent.

3. Benefits of Square Dance

• Physical Health:
  • Cardiovascular Exercise: Square dance provides an aerobic workout that increases heart rate and promotes cardiovascular health.
  • Coordination and Balance: The movements involved in square dancing improve motor skills, agility, and balance, benefiting both younger and older participants.
  • Weight Management: As a low-impact exercise, square dancing can help maintain healthy weight levels while being fun and engaging.
• Mental and Emotional Health:
  • Social Engagement: Square dance fosters a sense of community by encouraging interaction and cooperation between participants. It helps reduce social isolation, particularly in rural or senior communities.
  • Cognitive Benefits: The mental challenge of remembering steps and responding to the caller’s instructions enhances cognitive function, particularly in older adults.
  • Stress Relief: The rhythmic movement and social nature of square dancing can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase overall happiness.
• Cultural and Social Benefits:
  • Preserving Traditions: Square dance plays a key role in preserving cultural traditions and passing them down to new generations.
  • Cross-generational Connection: Square dance bridges generational gaps, allowing older participants to share their heritage with younger dancers, fostering a sense of continuity and community.
  • Community Building: It serves as a tool for community engagement, bringing people together at festivals, fairs, and local events.

4. Square Dance in Education and Schools

• Physical Education Programs: Square dance is included in many PE curriculums as part of fostering physical activity and introducing children to cultural dances.
• Educational Benefits:
  • Teamwork and Cooperation: Learning square dance teaches children how to work together and follow instructions, building communication and collaboration skills.
  • Cultural Awareness: Square dancing introduces children to important aspects of cultural heritage and traditions, encouraging a broader understanding of diverse cultures.
• Implementation in Schools: The paper will discuss how square dance can be incorporated into school curricula, after-school programs, and cultural exchange programs.

5. Square Dance in Modern Times

• Square Dance in Festivals and Social Events: Despite modern technology and entertainment options, square dance remains popular at country fairs, barn dances, and community events, helping to preserve a sense of local tradition.
• Square Dance as a Recreational Activity: Square dancing continues to attract people of all ages as a fun, social, and active pastime, particularly for older adults seeking to stay active and socially engaged.
• Global Square Dance Movement: Square dance has spread beyond the United States to countries around the world, including Canada, Japan, and Europe, with international square dance conventions and organizations.

6. Challenges Facing Square Dance Today

• Declining Participation: In some regions, square dance participation has decreased, particularly among younger generations who may prefer more modern forms of entertainment.
• Cultural Shifts: As society changes, traditional activities like square dancing face competition from digital entertainment and other leisure pursuits.
• Sustainability of Square Dance Communities: Maintaining square dance groups and clubs requires ongoing engagement and adaptation to new trends and technologies.

7. Recommendations for Promoting Square Dance

• Incorporating Square Dance in Schools and Colleges: To keep square dance alive, schools and universities should include it in their physical education programs, arts curricula, and social events.
• Promotion through Social Media and Online Platforms: Social media can be used to create awareness about square dancing events, teach the basics through online tutorials, and engage a younger audience.
• Community Outreach and Festivals: Local governments and organizations should continue to sponsor square dance events, particularly at community fairs, to maintain its cultural relevance.
• Health and Wellness Programs: Health organizations can incorporate square dancing into their fitness programs, especially for older adults, as part of promoting active aging and community wellness.

8. Conclusion

Square dance is not just a form of dance; it is a tradition that fosters community, encourages physical activity, and preserves cultural heritage. Despite modern challenges, square dance remains relevant today due to its social, mental, and physical benefits. By integrating square dance into schools, festivals, and health programs, we can continue to celebrate and promote this vibrant tradition for future generations.

References

• List of studies, articles, books, and other resources on square dance, its benefits, and its cultural significance.

This white paper would provide a comprehensive understanding of square dance, its history, benefits, and relevance in the modern world, making a case for its continued practice and promotion.

Industrial application of square dance ?

While square dance itself is traditionally seen as a form of folk dance or recreational activity, there are indirect industrial applications and benefits that can be drawn from the principles and practices of square dance. These applications primarily focus on its contributions to teamwork, coordination, and overall workplace efficiency. Here are a few potential industrial applications of square dance:

1. Teamwork and Collaboration

• Application: In industries where teamwork and collaboration are key, such as manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries, square dance can be used as a fun and engaging team-building exercise.
• Benefits: Square dancing teaches participants to cooperate and follow synchronized movements, which mirrors the need for coordination in team-based work environments. Employees learn to work together, share responsibilities, and communicate effectively while following a set of instructions (similar to a caller in square dance). This can enhance collaboration in projects, production lines, or customer service environments.

2. Improved Communication Skills

• Application: In workplaces that require effective communication, such as logistics, emergency response teams, or corporate environments, square dancing can be a tool to improve verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Benefits: In square dancing, clear and precise verbal instructions (the “caller”) guide participants through movements. The importance of listening and responding to these cues mirrors communication in a professional setting. In team-based projects, being able to clearly communicate roles and directions is crucial, and square dance helps build those skills in an interactive way.

3. Enhancing Coordination and Balance

• Application: For industries where physical coordination is important, such as in construction, warehousing, or assembly lines, square dance can help improve physical coordination and balance.
• Benefits: Square dance involves complex steps and movements, often requiring quick adjustments and balance. This mirrors tasks in certain industrial settings where workers must navigate dynamic environments and handle physical tasks efficiently, such as lifting, moving materials, or operating machinery. Practicing square dance can improve an individual’s body awareness and motor skills, leading to better performance in physical tasks.

4. Stress Reduction and Employee Wellness

• Application: Many companies are adopting wellness programs to reduce employee stress and improve mental health. Square dance can be integrated into wellness initiatives or corporate wellness events.
• Benefits: Square dance is a physical activity that is both fun and engaging. It helps reduce stress, promotes relaxation, and fosters a positive, energized work environment. Participating in such a dance helps employees unwind and maintain good mental health, contributing to better overall productivity and morale.

5. Leadership Development

• Application: In leadership training programs, especially in industries like logistics, project management, or any organizational role requiring management of teams, square dance can provide a unique way to teach leadership and organizational skills.
• Benefits: In square dance, the caller takes the lead, directing dancers through various movements. This can be analogous to a leader managing and guiding a team. It teaches participants how to clearly direct, manage group dynamics, and make decisions that benefit the whole group. In business settings, strong leadership is crucial, and square dance can be a fun method for honing those skills.

6. Promoting Creativity and Problem Solving

• Application: Square dance can be a method of promoting creative thinking and problem-solving within an industrial or corporate environment.
• Benefits: Each dance involves anticipating and responding to patterns, which can boost a person’s ability to think critically and creatively in real-time. This is similar to the quick thinking required when solving problems in a fast-paced industry, where workers must adjust to changes in processes, equipment, or customer needs.

7. Workplace Engagement and Corporate Culture

• Application: Square dancing could be used in corporate retreats, company outings, or as part of an employee engagement initiative.
• Benefits: Square dance, as a form of social interaction, encourages employees to participate, socialize, and enjoy an activity together outside of their regular work environment. It fosters camaraderie and helps build a positive, inclusive company culture. Employees are more likely to work well together when they’ve bonded in a relaxed, fun environment.

8. Promoting Diversity and Inclusivity

• Application: In global and diverse workforces, square dance can be used to promote inclusivity and celebrate diversity within the workplace.
• Benefits: Square dance, often requiring mixed-gender or cross-generational participation, serves as an example of inclusivity and breaking down barriers. It emphasizes teamwork among people from different backgrounds, making it an ideal tool to help diverse groups collaborate, communicate, and understand each other better in an industrial setting.

9. Organizational Efficiency through Structured Movement

• Application: Industries like manufacturing or warehouse management, which require streamlined and efficient movement, can benefit from the principles of square dance choreography.
• Benefits: Square dance involves a series of carefully structured steps that require participants to move in sync and follow a set pattern. Similarly, industries that emphasize operational efficiency (like warehouses or factories) can benefit from structured workflows. Square dance can serve as a model for optimizing movement, minimizing unnecessary actions, and improving operational flow.

Conclusion

While square dance may not have direct, traditional industrial applications, its principles of teamwork, coordination, communication, leadership, and creativity can be valuable tools in a variety of industrial and organizational settings. Integrating square dance into team-building exercises, wellness programs, or leadership training can provide unexpected but impactful benefits for enhancing workplace dynamics, employee engagement, and operational efficiency. The blend of fun and functional aspects of square dance can foster a positive and productive work culture in many industries.

Research and development of square dance ?

Research and development (R&D) in square dance involves exploring and advancing the various aspects of the dance form, including its history, structure, cultural relevance, physical benefits, and technological integration. R&D in square dance could span several fields such as cultural studies, physical health, social dynamics, technology integration, and education. Below are key areas where research and development could be focused:

1. Historical and Cultural Research

• Objective: To explore the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of square dance across different regions and communities.
• Key Areas:
  • Historical Evolution: Research on how square dance developed over time, tracing its roots to European, African, and Native American traditions.
  • Cultural Significance: Studying how square dance has shaped and been shaped by various cultures, particularly in the United States and other countries like Canada and Japan.
  • Regional Variations: Investigating regional differences in square dance, such as Western square dance vs. traditional folk square dance.
• Methods:
  • Archival research, oral history projects, and fieldwork in various communities to understand regional adaptations and styles.
  • Collaboration with historians, anthropologists, and cultural experts.

2. Physical and Health Benefits

• Objective: To assess the physical benefits of square dance, such as its impact on cardiovascular health, flexibility, balance, and coordination.
• Key Areas:
  • Cardiovascular Health: Investigating the aerobic benefits of square dance, particularly for older adults, and its potential to reduce heart disease risk.
  • Cognitive and Mental Health: Studying the cognitive benefits of square dance, such as enhanced memory, focus, and social interaction.
  • Balance and Coordination: Researching how square dance improves motor skills and coordination, especially in the elderly.
• Methods:
  • Clinical trials and physical fitness studies to quantify the health benefits of square dancing.
  • Surveys and questionnaires to assess psychological and cognitive improvements among participants.

3. Technological Integration in Square Dance

• Objective: To integrate modern technology into square dancing to enhance the experience, facilitate learning, and reach new audiences.
• Key Areas:
  • Digital Square Dance Caller Systems: Developing apps or software that assist with square dance calling, enabling people to learn or practice the dance virtually or at their own pace.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) for Dance Learning: Implementing AR to guide dancers in real-time, showing them the movements and positions of the dance through virtual projections.
  • Music and Sound Systems: Innovating new ways to synchronize music with the dance steps, making the experience more immersive or adaptable to different environments.
• Methods:
  • Collaboration with tech companies to develop dance-related apps, AR systems, or wearable devices that track movements.
  • Partnering with dance academies and community groups to test and evaluate new technological tools.

4. Square Dance in Education and Pedagogy

• Objective: To study how square dance can be used as an educational tool in schools, community centers, and cultural programs.
• Key Areas:
  • Curriculum Development: Developing and evaluating square dance curricula for use in K-12 schools, after-school programs, and adult education settings.
  • Cultural Education: Investigating the role of square dance in teaching cultural history, traditions, and fostering social inclusion among students.
  • Cross-Disciplinary Learning: Using square dance as a tool for teaching other skills, such as teamwork, leadership, and communication.
• Methods:
  • Conducting pilot programs in schools and community organizations to assess the effectiveness of square dance as an educational tool.
  • Collaborating with educators, social scientists, and physical education specialists to create comprehensive curricula and teaching strategies.

5. Social and Community Development

• Objective: To examine how square dance can be a tool for fostering social connections, community building, and intergenerational interaction.
• Key Areas:
  • Intergenerational Programs: Studying how square dance can bring together people of different age groups (e.g., youth and seniors), promoting mutual respect and learning.
  • Community Engagement: Researching the role of square dance in community festivals, cultural events, and local gatherings as a means of fostering social ties.
  • Inclusive Dance Practices: Exploring how square dance can be adapted for people with disabilities or special needs, making it an inclusive activity.
• Methods:
  • Surveys and interviews with community members who participate in square dance events.
  • Partnership with social scientists and community organizations to explore the impacts of square dance on social cohesion.

6. Square Dance Competitions and Professionalization

• Objective: To explore the potential for square dance to become a more formalized or competitive activity, similar to other dance forms like ballroom or folk dancing.
• Key Areas:
  • Competitions and Ratings: Investigating the establishment of square dance competitions, creating standardized scoring systems, and judging criteria for various styles of square dance.
  • Professional Square Dance Performers: Researching the possibility of professional careers or dance troupes specializing in square dance performances.
• Methods:
  • Organizing and analyzing results from square dance competitions.
  • Networking with dance academies, event organizers, and professional performers to develop a viable market for competitive square dance.

7. Square Dance in Global Context

• Objective: To study the globalization of square dance and how it adapts in different cultural contexts outside North America.
• Key Areas:
  • Adoption in Non-Western Cultures: Studying how square dance has been adopted and modified in other countries like Japan, Australia, and European nations.
  • Cultural Exchange and Cross-Cultural Practices: Researching how square dance functions as a means of cultural exchange and a tool for international socialization.
• Methods:
  • Cross-cultural studies, surveys, and interviews with square dance communities around the world.
  • Collaboration with international square dance organizations to track the spread and adaptation of the dance form.

8. Sustainability of Square Dance

• Objective: To explore the long-term sustainability of square dance, focusing on preserving the tradition while adapting to modern needs.
• Key Areas:
  • Preservation of Traditional Styles: Researching how to preserve the authenticity and cultural value of traditional square dance while allowing for innovation.
  • Adapting Square Dance for Modern Audiences: Investigating how square dance can remain relevant for younger generations by integrating modern music or dance styles.
• Methods:
  • Focus groups with square dance participants from different age groups and backgrounds.
  • Collaboration with cultural institutions, dance historians, and cultural preservation societies.

Conclusion

Research and development in square dance focuses on both preserving the traditional elements of the dance while exploring how it can evolve to fit into contemporary social, educational, and technological contexts. By combining cultural studies, physical health benefits, technology, and social engagement, R&D can ensure that square dance remains a dynamic and relevant activity for future generations.

Courtesy : SquareDanceHistory

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21. ^ “Cumberland Square Eight”. barndances.org.uk. Retrieved 2020-10-10.
22. ^ McGuire, Michael, Irish Set Dances – an introduction, Michael McGuire, retrieved 2024-10-06
23. ^ “What is Scottish Country Dance & music? | Royal Scottish Country Dance Society”. www.rscds.org. Retrieved 2020-10-11.
24. ^ “Learn the Quick start guide | Royal Scottish Country Dance Society”. www.rscds.org. Retrieved 2020-10-11.
25. ^ Callerlab (2020-02-22). “Appendix B: Descriptive Terminology.” Basic Dance Program Definitions. Callerlab.org, http://www.callerlab.org/Dance-Programs, p. 65. Accessed 2020-10-12.
26. ^ “CALLERLAB Website > Home”. www.callerlab.org. Retrieved 19 March 2018.
27. ^ Jump up to:^a b Baker, Clark (2002). “Explaining Traditional Squares and Contras to MWSD folks”. fortytwo.ws. Retrieved 2020-10-12.  Friedland, LeeEllen. “Square Dancing”. In Cohen, Selma Jeanne. International Encyclopedia of Dance, vol. 5. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998. p. 685
28. ^ Friedland, p. 687
29. ^ Friedland, p. 686
30. ^ See, for example, http://sca.uwaterloo.ca/cotsdca/calls/arch_in_the_middle.htm. This dance, Ends Turn In, was written in the early 1950s by Ed Gilmore of California, and its signature movement was for a time considered a “basic” in modern Western dancing, yet the dance is accepted as traditional by the Canadian Olde Tyme Callers’ Association.  “China Blog: Dancing Grannies raise a ruckus”. BBC News. December 12, 2013. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
31. ^ Jump up to:^a b “Eight stories you want to know about square dance”. chinadaily.com.cn. Retrieved 25 October 2014.
32. ^ Hu, Qingyuan. “Dancing with danger”. English.people.cn. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
33. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g} Makinen, Julie (August 26, 2014). “China’s senior dancers and their ‘red songs’ would do Mao proud”. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
34. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h i j k l m} Jacobs, Andrew (March 24, 2015). “China Puts a Hitch in the Step of ‘Dancing Grannies'”. The New York Times. Retrieved March 25, 2015.
35. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f} Sheehan, Matt (March 26, 2015). “Wrath of Dancing Grandmothers Forces Chinese Government to Backtrack”. World Post. Retrieved March 30, 2015.
36. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e} Tong, Chen (2013). Square Dancing in the Streets, Xuanhua, China (Master of Landscape Architecture thesis). Ohio State University. pp. 32–33. Retrieved March 26, 2013.
37. ^ Jump up to:^a b c Shu, Fang (October 10, 2013). “能阻挡广场舞的也许只剩下台风了” [Maybe only a typhoon can stop square dancers]. Youth Times. Yan’an. Retrieved March 27, 2015. “这是《武林旧事》里记录的节日街头的场景，南宋临安市民就喜欢在街头看跳舞，不过那些舞者个个都是专业范儿，跳的是美感。
38. ^ Zhao, 费用有每人每年20元的，也有每人每月5元的，视各领舞老师的意愿而定，但总体来说，“费用是很少的”。… 在长沙，一般需要缴纳的费用在每人每年40元左右。
39. ^ Zhao, “据曹露向时代周报记者描述，一位湖南师范大学的退休女教师，先是参加了学校附近的“广场舞”团体，熟练后感到“舞蹈节奏太慢，更新的速度也不太频繁”，随后带着队伍里的一些成员重新成立了自己的团队，从网上看视频学习舞蹈，甚至到外地“取经”，自此以每周教学一支新舞的速度，迅速将原先的队伍比了下去。”
40. ^ Wang, Hongyi. “Shanghai residents ‘support’ square dancers”. Chinadaily.com. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
41. ^ Zhen’guo Wang, Peiping Xie (1997). Ping Chen (ed.). History and Development of Traditional Chinese Medicine. IOS Press. p. 8. ISBN 978-9051993240.
42. ^ Jump up to:^a b c d Tong, 19–20.
43. ^ Tong, 15–16.
44. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e} He, Huifeng (December 18, 2014). “The dancing damas: China’s ‘square dancers’ take society by storm”. South China Morning Post. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
45. ^ Wang, Qianni (February 9, 2014). “Public Dance: A Sociality Invented in Individualizing China”. Academia.edu. Retrieved March 29, 2015.
46. ^ Tong, 21.
47. ^ Tong, 27–28.
48. ^ Zhao, “江苏卫视在去年推出了大型公益健身类节目《最炫民族风》，镜头对准的是全国1.8亿老人。 该节目在全国七大城市进行了招募，在众多“广场舞”群体中引起巨大反响，奖金更是高达上百万。”
49. ^ Yin, Leo. “Square dancers facing a dilemma”. Women of China. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
50. ^ “Dancing Grannies raise a ruckus”. BBC News. 12 December 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
51. ^ “‘Chinese damas’ vow to say no to noise of square dance”. English.people.cn. Retrieved 16 October 2014.
52. ^ Tong, 34.
53. ^ Tong, 36–43.
54. ^ “全国广场健身操舞活动 推出12套广场舞” [12 National Square-Dancing Aerobics Routines Introduced] (Press release) (in Chinese). Beijing. State General Administration of Sports. Retrieved March 31, 2015. Origins Archived 2007-11-21 at the Wayback Machine
55. ^ Dance Terminology Notebook. Skippy Blair. 1994. Altera Publishing. page 65. ISBN 0-932980-11-2.
56. ^ Jonas, Gerald. Dancing (1 ed.). Abrams Books. pp. 108–126. ISBN 9780810927919.
57. ^ Jump up to:^{a b c d e f g h} Powers, Richard. “Brief Histories of Social Dance”. Social Dance at Stanford. Stanford University. Retrieved 2015-04-29.
58. ^ Borgerson, Janet; Schroeder, Jonathan (2021). Designed for Dancing: How Midcentury Records Taught America to Dance. [S.l.]: MIT Press. ISBN 978-0-262-04433-2. OCLC 1230460986. Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 6 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
59. ^ “step sheet”. Archived from the original on 2008-05-16.
60. ^ “Ten Step Texas Style @ Kickit”. Archived from the original on 2016-09-21. Retrieved 2016-08-02.
61. ^ Social Dance: from Dance a while. Jane A. Harris, Anne M. Pittman, Marlys S. Waller. Allyn and Bacon. 1998. ISBN 0-205-27477-3
62. ^ The Official Guide to Country Dance Steps. by Tony Leisner. 1980. Quality Books, Inc. page 65. ISBN 0-89009-331-8
63. ^ The Official Guide to Country Dance Steps. by Tony Leisner. 1980. Quality Books, Inc. page 64. ISBN 0-89009-331-8
64. ^ The Official Guide to Country Dance Steps. by Tony Leisner. 1980. Quality Books, Inc. pages 76, 77. ISBN 0-89009-331-8
65. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 66 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
66. ^ Workin’ Man Blues – Country Music in California. Gerald W. Haslan. University of California Press. 1999. page 21. ISBN 0-520-21800-0.
67. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press pages 32,33 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
68. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 33 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
69. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press pages 28 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
70. ^ Bill C. Malone (2001). Don’t Get Above Your Raisin’: Country Music and the Southern Working Class. University of Illinois Press. pp. 151–152. ISBN 0-252-02678-0.
71. ^ The Music of Black Americans: A History. By Eileen Southern. Edition: 1. W. W. Norton & Company. 1997. page 64. SBN 393 02156 4
72. ^ The Music of Black Americans: A History. By Eileen Southern. Edition: 1. W. W. Norton & Company. 1997. page 168. SBN 393 02156 4
73. ^ The Country Dance Book. by Beth Tolman and Ralph Page. Countryman Press. 1937. pages 111, 112. no ISBN
74. ^ The Official Guide to Country Dance Steps. by Tony Leisner. 1980. Quality Books, Inc. page 18. ISBN 0-89009-331-8
75. ^ The Country Dance Book. by Beth Tolman and Ralph Page. Countryman Press. 1937. ages 14, 15. no ISBN
76. ^ The Music of Black Americans: A History. By Eileen Southern. Edition: 1. W. W. Norton & Company. 1997. page 144. SBN 393 02156 4
77. ^ Don’t Get above Your Raisin’ by Bill C. Malone. 2001. University of Illinois Press. page 154. ISBN 0-252-02678-0
78. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 22, 23 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
79. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 23 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
80. ^ Dance Across Texas By Betty Casey 1985 University of Texas Press page 23,24 ISBN 0-292-71551-X
81. ^ Dulles, Foster Rhea (1965) [1940]. A History of Recreation. Appleton-Century-Crofts. p. 78. LCCN 65-25489. OCLC 419856.
82. ^ Don’t Get above Your Raisin’ by Bill C. Malone. 2001. University of Illinois Press. page 155. ISBN 0-252-02678-0
83. ^ Jump up to:^a b San Antonio Rose – The Life and Music of Bob Wills. Charles R. Townsend. 1976. University of Illinois. ISBN 0-252-00470-1
84. ^ Don’t Get above Your Raisin’ by Bill C. Malone. 2001. University of Illinois Press. page 157. ISBN 0-252-02678-0
85. ^ “Western Swing Bands History”. Big Bands Database Plus. Archived from the original on 2009-02-07. Retrieved 2017-12-17.
86. ^ Dance Across Texas Betty Casey. 1985. University of Texas Press. page 44. ISBN 0-292-71540-4
87. ^ “Venice History, Part 3”.
88. ^ “Town Hall”. Archived from the original on 2004-12-07. Retrieved 2006-11-14.
89. ^ “hillbilly-music.com – Town Hall Party”.
90. ^ “Branson Jubilee Television Show – Gateway to All-American, All-Family, Variety Entertainment”. Archived from the original on 2006-05-06. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
91. ^ Dance Terminology Notebook. Skippy Blair. 1994. Altera Publishing. page 20. ISBN 0-932980-11-2.