Nebraska State American Folk Dance

Square Dance

Adopted on Sept. 19, 1997.

On Sept. 19, 1997, Gov. Ben Nelson declared the square dance to be the official state American folk dance. Square dancing developed as the nation progressed toward the west. It became a popular diversion from the hardships settlers faced. Square dancing is called, cued or prompted to dancers. Related forms include round dancing, clogging, contra dancing and line dancing.

Nebraska State American Folk Dance:
Square Dance

Square dancing developed as the nation progressed toward the west. It became a popular diversion from the hardships settlers faced. Square dancing is called, cued or prompted to dancers. Related forms include round dancing, clogging, contra dancing and line dancing.

Square dancing is the American folk dance which traces its ancestry to the English country dance and the French ballroom dance. It is called, cued, or prompted to the dancers. It includes squares, rounds, clogging, contra, line, the Virginia reel, and heritage dances. When the pioneers came west, they brought with them a dance called the quadrille, which means square in French. The pioneers liked the simpler term and so the square dance was born. The dance is known for its series of figures and footwork. Dancers are directed by a caller. It is easy to learn, a good form of exercise and fun.

Nebraska Blue Book, 2002-2003 Edition:

"On Sept. 19, 1997, Gov. Ben Nelson declared the square dance to be the official state American folk dance. Square dancing developed as the nation progressed toward the west. It became a popular diversion from the hardships settlers faced. Square dancing is called, cued or prompted to dancers. Related forms include round dancing, clogging, contra dancing and line dancing."

Nebraska Law

On Sept. 19, 1997, Gov. Ben Nelson declared the square dance to be the official state American folk dance.

The Governor of Nebraska has been empowered to designate official state "items." In 1997, the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature granted the Governor this authority by an act of law.

CHAPTER 90 - Special Acts.
SECTION 90-119

Governor; designate official state items.

The Governor may designate official state items, including animals, plants, minerals, and other things.

Legislative approval of any such designation is not required. Any designation made on or prior to September 13, 1997, is not affected by this section.

Source:
Laws 1997, LB 106, § 1.