South Carolina Symbols, Folk Dance: Square dance

South Carolina Symbols, Folk Dance: Square Dance

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Square Dance

Adopted in April 20, 1994.

The General Assembly by Act No. 329, 1994, designated the Square Dance as the official American Folk Dance of the State. Square dancing is a traditional form of family recreation in South Carolina and is an activity for young and old which has been recorded throughout South Carolina's history. 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.

The Kalico Kapers can claim two couples that did indeed affect the history of square dance in South Carolina. G.P. & Eleanor Caughman in 1964 helped to form a statewide organization to promote and coordinate square dancing. The South Carolina Square & Round Dance Federation was their handiwork. They were the first Chairman of the Federation in 1964 and elected to the Hall of Fame in 1990. The second couple is Jim & Jill Larkin, whose hard work was with local clubs, the Federation and as Assistant General Chairman for 1998 National Square Dance Convention sponsored by North & South Carolina, which was held in Charlotte, NC. In 1999, Jim & Jill became Regional Vice Presidents for United Square Dancers of America (USDA). Jim & Jill are also members of the Hall of Fame.

South Carolina General Assembly
110th Session, 1993-1994

Bill 516

AN ACT TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-700 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE SQUARE DANCE AS THE OFFICIAL AMERICAN FOLK DANCE OF THE STATE.

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 an expression of American Folk dancing; and

Whereas, square dancing is a traditional form of family recreation in South Carolina and is an activity for young and old which has been recorded throughout South Carolina's history; 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, it is appropriate that the contributions that square dancing make to the cultural life of South Carolina, the United States, and the world should be recognized. Now, therefore,

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

Square dance designated

SECTION 1. The 1976 Code is amended by adding:

"Section 1-1-700. The square dance is the official American Folk Dance of the State."

Time effective

SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

Approved the 20th day of April, 1994.

South Carolina 2002 Code of Laws

SECTION 1-1-700. Official American Folk Dance.

The square dance is the official American Folk Dance of the State.