Early settlers brought with them the dance customs of their homes.

America's dance forms have certainly evolved some from its origins in European court dance. In colonial times, the formal ball was an opportunity to display one's breeding. People were expected to have studied the finer points of the quadrille at home, perhaps with a dancing master. Many of the dance steps retained their French names, as our culture was fascinated with anything French. Thus "Go Back to Back" became the French "Dos a Dos" which became "Dosido".

As our country grew, and people became ever more distant from their roots, we gave our dance its own identity. As dances were handed down, many of the frills of the original were dropped. Most of the French calls were dropped in favor of English. The more sedate minuets played with violin and flute gave way to more vigorous tunes, many of Irish origin, played with fiddle and the African banjar. (banjo) The availability of the manufactured guitar provided a still more driving rhythm. As hoop skirts gave way to more practical attire, the distance between partners decreased. As less people learned dance skills at home, dances became simpler, and the role of the caller increased to teach and cue dances.

It's remarkable what hasn't changed. We still play fiddle tunes which are hundreds of years old, although modern dance tunes are still written. Much of the movements used today are also found in dance books of the 1700's

The community dance has always filled a need in our society. People have always yearned for each other's company, to be a part of something bigger than themselves. The young need to meet eligible mates, get a chance to flirt, and figure out if they are gentle or brutish, clumsy or graceful, malodorus or fresh, and able to follow simple directions.

The community dance remains a totally non-polluting self-propelled means of fellowship and entertainment for people of all ages.