New Jersey State Folk Dance
Square Dance
Adopted on January 19, 1983.
"Do-si-do" and "swing your partner!"; cries the caller in New Jersey's official State folk dance, the square dance. In the popular American square dance, a caller shouts out directions to the dancing couples. Square dance music is lively and the dancers wear colorful clothes.
The Square Dance has been designated as the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey by Joint Resolution No. 1, 1983.
New Jersey State Folk Dance: Square Dance
The Square Dance Council of New Jersey was founded in 1983 to preserve and promote the square dance activity throughout the State and surrounding areas. The Council is interested in all forms of the square dance activity; present membership consists of organizations primarily associated with modern square dance (also known as modern western square dance) and round dance activities.
New Jersey Legislature. Joint Resolution No. 1 of 1983
JOINT RESOLUTION No. 1
A Joint Resolution designating the Square Dance as the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey.
WHEREAS, Love of State and professions is enhanced by traditions that have cecome a part of our way of live and the customs of the American people;
and
WHEREAS, We have distinctive and meaningful symbols of our ideals in our State's flag and in many cultural endeavors, but no official designation of
a State Folk Dance; and
WHEREAS, The Square Dance, which was first associated with the American people and recorded in history since 1651, has consistently been the one dance
traditionally recognized by the American people as a dignified and enjoyable expression of American Folk dancing; and
WHEREAS, Official recognition of the Square Dance will enhance the cultural stature of New Jersey both nationally and internationally; and
WHEREAS, National and international prestige is in the best interest of al Americans; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The dance known as the Square Dance is designated the American Folk Dance of the State of New Jersey.
2. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved January 19, 1983.
New Jersey Law
Because it was approved by Joint Resolution rather than an Act of the New Jersey Legislature, the square dance is not documented in the New Jersey Statutes as the American folk dance of the State of New Jersey.
