Although square dancing is considered a typically American form of dance, its origin can be traced to earlier European folk dances.The traditional formation, a square consisting of four couples facing each other, can be found in many old European formation dances, including English Morris dancing , Scottish reels, and Irish jigs, as well as the elegant ballroom dancing of the royal courts.
Historically, square dancing in America has followed two separate lines of development, referred to as eastern square dance and western or cowboy square dance.The eastern dance was clearly related to New England country dancing, with the four-couple square.In contrast,western square dance was adapted from Appalachian Mountain dances such as the Kentucky running set.In the running set, couples from a circle of any number of couples, although often traditional four-couple circles are preferred.Western dance was also influenced by the dances already found in the region, especially those of Spain and Mexico.
Modern American square dancing includes elements of both the eastern and western varieties.The traditional four-couple square is popular, but all four couples join hands for circle figures around the square as well.Unlike the original dances, which could be memorized, modern dances are more spontaneous. Square dances rely on a caller to cue the steps while they are dancing.They must listen carefully to stay in step with the other dancers in the square.