European folk dances brought vibrant traditions to America, shaping our dance culture. From Irish step to , these styles influenced tap, clogging, contra, and more, preserving while evolving into uniquely American forms.
These dances served as social gatherings, helping maintain in new settings. European who immigrated to America shared their expertise, establishing and contributing to the professionalization of dance in the United States.
European Folk Dances and Their Influence on American Dance
Characteristics of European folk dances
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features hard shoe and soft shoe styles with a rigid upper body and intricate footwork influenced tap dance and clogging in America
emphasizes grace, elegance, and spatial patterns in social dances performed in lines or squares contributed to the development of American contra and square dances
includes solo and group dances (Highland Fling, Sword Dance) characterized by strength, agility, and precision influenced American folk dances and military drill routines
Spanish flamenco combines passionate and expressive dancing, singing, and guitar playing influenced Latin American and Caribbean dance styles that later impacted American dance
French ballet provides a codified system of dance techniques and positions with an emphasis on grace, precision, and storytelling laid the foundation for classical ballet in America
features lively, upbeat folk dance from southern Italy with quick, light steps and tambourine playing influenced American folk dances and popular social dances
Social contexts of folk dances
European folk dances served as social gatherings and celebrations that helped maintain cultural identity and community bonds adapted to American settings (barn dances, )
European immigrants brought their folk dance traditions to America which helped preserve cultural heritage in new communities and evolved and blended with other cultural influences
European folk dances were taught in schools and dance academies which helped popularize and spread these dance forms and led to the development of uniquely American styles and variations
European dance masters and teachers immigrated to America and shared their expertise, helped establish dance education, and contributed to the professionalization of dance
Steps of European folk dances
Irish step dance basic steps include point, hop, skip, leap in reel, jig, and hornpipe rhythms
English country dance figures include do-si-do, hand turns, stars, heys in dances (, )
Scottish Highland dance basic steps include skip change, pas de basque, high cuts in dances (Highland Fling, Sword Dance)
Spanish flamenco basic steps include golpe, planta, tacón in palos (rhythms) like , ,
French ballet positions of the feet and arms with basic steps like plié, tendu, relevé
Italian tarantella basic steps include , in dances (Pizzica, Tammurriata)
Legacy in American dance forms
Irish step dance influenced the development of and clogging and contributed to the popularity of Irish-American cultural events and competitions
English country dance evolved into American contra and square dances and helped establish social dance traditions in American communities
Scottish Highland dance influenced American military drill routines and marching band performances and contributed to the popularity of and Scottish cultural festivals
Spanish flamenco influenced the development of Latin American and Caribbean dance styles and contributed to the popularity of Spanish-themed dance performances and events
French ballet provided the foundation for classical ballet training and performances and influenced the development of American ballet companies and choreographers
Italian tarantella influenced American folk dances and popular social dances and contributed to the popularity of Italian-American cultural events and festivals