15. FOLK DANCES

The term "Folk Dance" covers a broad field. It includes all national dances such as the Irish Jig, the Highland Fling, Spanish Alemana and the like. However, in the United States the term usually applies to all dances that are performed in a group. The entire group acts as a team which performs various figures and convolu­tions. Our Folk Dances are borrowed from the English Quadrille, and the native folk dances of the European Continent. A few decades ago, the Virginia Reel was a very popular folk dance in this country. However, during the past few years, the dance commonly called the Square Dance has replaced it in popularity.

A chapter on Square Dancing is included because a well-planned evening of dancing frequently includes at least one or two sessions of Square Dancing.

The Square Dance, when used as a break between the sessions of round dancing, offers a chance for everyone to mingle freely and easily with the others who are present. Also, it offers a delightful change in tempo, and by its very nature, inspires a feeling of comradeship and gaiety that carries over into the dances that follow.

As a guest, it is most important for you to take part in the Square Dances and share with the others the full enjoyment of the evening. Be sure to join in readily and do not force the host or hostess to urge you to take part. Guests who are ready to join in all of the fun are the guests who are most frequently invited.

The actual footwork of the Square Dance is a smooth, gliding march, without syncopation. In this respect it is very like the One Step. Some teams of Square Dancers employ a sliding-step ball-change, followed by a heel drop, while executing the various figures. This is commonly referred to as Clog Dancing, and the dancers use taps on their shoes. This method of Square Dancing is usually done by exhibition teams which compete in various contests. For social purposes, however, the smooth, gliding One Step is used. The dancers may give a little hop or break forth in a jig occasionally, if they feel so inclined, inasmuch as the entire spirit of the Square Dance is gay, informal and uninhibited. Footwork may be improvised to suit the mood.

If you learn the simple figures described in the chapter on Square Dancing, you will have no difficulty in following the more complicated figures..

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