Square dancing evolved from folk dances of several different countries. It provided early American settlers with welcomed socialization, a respite from the loneliness of the frontier. And it’s instantly recognizable when you hear the caller shout out directions, whether you’ve seen it on tv or do-si-doed yourself.  This is the Blue Ridge Duo with an Arkansas Traveler Breakdown from 1925.

There are two subdivisions of the dance: traditional and Modern Western. Traditional square dances very region to region, but don’t bring your New England style to a Modern Western, or simply Western, square dance. And you’d best dress for success…most dances call for traditional square dance attire…black-bolo affairs, if you will.

Want to see the oddest square dancing video out there? Click here.