Country Western Dancing
From LoveToKnow Dance
It’s pretty difficult to label country western dancing as one particular dance form, as its roots are as rich and historical as country living itself. However, the information below should provide you with at least a start into understanding not only the beginning of country western dancing, but how it is important in social circles today as well.
The Early History of Country Western Dancing
Even though this dance genre is now associated with gallon hats and spurs, country western dancing actually originates from the first immigrants to America. Those of the British Isles, Europe and even Africa introduced country western styling to the dance world, though you would never guess it today.
Dances that enjoyed their heyday following the French Revolution, such as the Cotillion, now endure in modern day square dance form. Country western dancing also comes from jigging, which also originates with early immigrants. Men often performed jig solos back in the early years, and they have gone on to evolve into not only square dance, but tap and hoe downs as well. The first truly “western” jig was in the form of a Texas Stag Dance during a frontier party in 1829. Frontier parties were rivaled by “frolics”, which were large community events with plenty of eating and dancing after chores were completed. A fiddler provided musical accompaniment. The banjo, another important instrumental aspect of country western dancing in these early days, derives from Africa.
Moving on toward the 1920s, house parties developed and commercialized country music began. Western swing dance followed, as did various two step dances enjoyed by entire towns and villages.
About 30 years ago, Gilley’s Club in Texas opened with its huge bar and dance floor. It is able to hold 6,000 people at one time, making it the ultimate dance party of the south!
Various Forms of Western Dance
Outside of its early jig and hoe down history, there are many forms of country western dancing that still thrive today.
Clogging
Clogging is similar to tap dancing, only the shoes contain two loosely screwed taps on the ball and heel, rather than a single, tightly screwed version found in mainstream tap. Many western dancers will clog to bluegrass or vintage fiddle music, making great entertainment for both dancer and audience.
Line Dancing
It may come as no surprise to frequent western club goers that line dancing is an official form of country western dancing. Dancers form lines and perform synchronized steps, from basic to extremely intricate. Usually you will see several lines covering a nightclub’s dance floor, and every cowgirl and cowboy out there better know the line dance steps, or they risk a mighty trampling of buckles and boots!
Square Dance
Modern square dancing is a bit different from its traditional form, however it is still celebrated with a caller and plenty of fancy dresses. Many square dancers are members of a specific square dance club, and often compete or attend various festivals throughout the year. There is even an International Association of Square Dance Callers, to help square dancing enthusiasts find each other all over the United States. Many schoolchildren have square dancing lessons as part of their physical education program, and many find a true love for dance out of this simple class time. In fact, various forms of dance are now being supplemented to the typical competitive sports fitness program found in many public schools.
An adult can learn various forms of country western dancing by visiting a local community center class, or by joining a regional club. You can also sometimes learn the basics of various styles by visiting a local nightclub. Many of these will have “class” times, often held an hour or two before the formal dancing begins, giving you a leg up on the dance floor.
Country western dancing continues to permeate our culture and enrich our history as Americans. Besides all of that, countless individuals are discovering that these down home genres of dance are just plain fun!
Learn More
This page has been accessed 1,628 times. This page was last modified 12:40, 17 April 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook