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Square Dance

Idaho State Folk Dance

Fiddle music is a traditional element of square dancing; photo by Gary Millar on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).

Official State American Folk Dance of Idaho

Idaho designated the square dance as the official state American folk dance in 1989. Twenty-two states have passed legislation to declare the square dance as the state folk dance, and more than thirty bills have been introduced at the federal level proposing the square dance as the national (folk) dance of the United States. All State Dances

Idaho Session Laws, 1989

Be It Resolved by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:

WHEREAS, love of state and professions is enhanced by traditions that have become a part of our way of life and the customs of the American people; and

WHEREAS, we have distinctive and meaningful symbols of our ideals in our state's flag and in many cultural endeavors, but no official designation of a state folk dance; and

WHEREAS, the Square Dance, which was first associated with the American people and recorded in history since 1651, has consistently been the one dance traditionally recognized by the American people as a dignified and enjoyable expression of American folk dancing; and

WHEREAS, Square Dancing is the American folk dance which is called, cued, or prompted to the dancers, and includes squares, rounds, clogging, contra, line, and heritage dances; and

WHEREAS, official recognition of the Square Dance will enhance the cultural stature of Idaho both nationally and internationally; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that the Square Dance be added to the array of symbols of our state character and pride.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Centennial Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that the folk dance known as the SQUARE DANCE is hereby designated as the American folk dance of Idaho.

Approved March 17, 1989

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