Square Dance History Project
The rich story of North American square dance finally has a home in the digital age.

Browse Items (357 total)

  • Collection: Northern squares
Moving Image

Deep in the Heart of Texas - Ralph Sweet

Recorded January 23, 2011, at the Powder Mill Barn, Hazardville, CT. The clip starts with a walkthrough, followed by the dance. This footage was recorded as part of a three-camera shoot for a proposed… View item
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Shindig in the Barn - Ralph Sweet

Recorded January 23, 2011, at the Powder Mill Barn, Hazardville, CT. This footage was recorded as part of a three-camera shoot for a proposed television series, "Barn Dance!" Musicians… View item
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The Farmer

Square Dancing at the Firemen's Hall in Grafton, OH.This dance starts off as as variation of the classic Uptown/Downtown, them moves into the Cut Away Six / Divide the Ring figure, with additional… View item
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Northern Lights - Bill Litchman

Dance written by Floyd Parker, Colorado, danced at the 2011 Dare To Be Square dance weekend in Brasstown, NC, called by Bill Litchman. Dance directions are available, as is an audio clip of the… View item
Still Image

Frank Fortune

Frank Fortune with the Myron Colby Orchestra, Bradford, NH View item
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Vermont square dancers - 1950s

A series of photographs, mostly from the big square dance gatherings in Northfield and Montpelier, Vermont. View item
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Ted Sannella - photographs

After Ralph Page's death, Ted Sannella was widely regarded as the dean of New England callers. In addition to being one of the most prolific choreographers of squares, contras, and dances in… View item
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Auctioneer - Ralph Sweet

This is the opening of Ralph Sweet calling his version of Marshall Flippo's classic singing square, Auctioneer. Ralph is calling a basic goal post pattern; compare other versions of the dance and read… View item
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Fred Breunig - Listen to the Mockingbird - singing square

An excerpt of the calls for this old square dance, led by Fred Breunig and recorded at the 2004 Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend. Music by Wild Card: Terry Traub (Piano), Vince O'Donnell… View item
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Marching Through Georgia - Dudley Laufman

Better known for his barn dances and as a contra dance caller, Dudley Laufman also includes some traditional squares in his repertoire. Here, joined by his wife Jacqueline-- "Two Fiddles" -- he leads… View item
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Nellie Bly - George Hodgson

Veteran dance caller George Hodgson leads the classic singing square in this 2004 appearance at the Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend. Dancers at that event over the years became familiar with George's… View item
Sound

Down East Squares - 1950s, #1

Live recording made by Dudley Laufman (1955-57) at Orange Hall, Brookline, Massachusetts. Released on cassette tape as "Traditional and Ethnic Square Dance Music of New England —… View item