Oregon State Dance

Square Dance

Adopted in 1977.

Oregon Legislature adopted the square dance as Oregon's official dance. This was accomplished by Senate Concurrent Resolution in 1997.

The dance is a combination of various steps and figures danced with four couples grouped in a square. The pioneer origins of the dance and the characteristic dress are deemed to reflect Oregon's heritage; the lively spirit of the dance exemplifies the friendly, free nature and enthusiasm that are a part of the Oregon Character.

Oregon State Dance: Square Dance

Oregon Blue Book:

"In 1977 the legislature declared the Square Dance to be the official state dance. The dance is a combination of various steps and figures danced with four couples grouped in a square. The pioneer origins of the dance and the characteristic dress are deemed to reflect Oregon's heritage; the lively spirit of the dance exemplifies the friendly, free nature and enthusiasm that are a part of the Oregon Character."

Each year, a week in summer used to be designated as "Square Dance Week." This year, the Honorable John Kitzhaber, Governor of Oregon, signed a proclamation designating August 18 to 25 as Oregon Square Dance Week. A special dance outside the state capitol building in Salemwas held scheduled for 2 PM on August 18, 2001.

The Oregon Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs was organized in March of 1956, and now includes more than 110 clubs across the state of Oregon, the northern edge of California, and the southern edge of Washington. The purpose of the Federation is to promote the encouragement and enjoyment of square dancing and its associated activities.

It was through the efforts of the Federation that the Square Dance became the Official Dance of Oregon and they were also instrumental in having the United States Congress designate the square dance as the National Folk Dance.

The Federation sponsors two festivals each year.

The Oregon Square Dancer Online designed to offer up-to-date schedule of events, lessons and news though out Oregon state and areas effecting.

Oregon Revised Statutes
Square dance declared to be official dance, SCR (1977)

Oregon Law

 The law designating the square dance as the official Oregon state dance is found in the Oregon Revised Statutes Edition, Title 19, Chapter 186

Though the state dance is referenced in the Statutes, it was adopted as a Concurrent Resolution and not as an Act of the Oregon State Legislature resulting in a documented law.

TITLE 19 - MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS RELATED TO GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
Chapter 186. State Emblems; State Boundary.
CROSS-REFERENCES.

Square dance declared to be official dance, SCR (1977)