APRIL 1951

THE MAGAZINE OF FOLK AND SQUARE DANCING 25c

SQUARE DANCING IS MORE THAN FUN - SEE PAGE 7 YILTIS Art & Metha's New LLOYD SHAW A folklore and lituanistica magazine RECORD CHEST Round Dance Records Subscriptions: Folk Dance Records 920 S. W. Broadway $2 per year $5 for 3 years witVi Fred Bergin at the Organ The Folk Dance Center of Editor: Vyts Beliajus Portland, Oregon 1028 E. 63rd St. Chicago 37, III. DANCE Of interest to all folk dancers. Contains Every Saturday Night Album No. 3 — CIRCLE MIXERS dance descriptions, costume information, with ART & METHA GIBBS pictures, reports on folk dance activities 117 CATTLE CALL WALTZ— a new mixer everywhere. You are guaranteed to re- Masonic Temple CIELITO LINDO (Mexican Mixer Waltz) ceive authentic material. WEST PARK AND MAIN STS. 119 SARI WALTZ (Spanish Circle) ALICE BLUE SOWN ( ProgressiveWaltz) See . . PAUL ERFER . . SCANDINAVIAN FOLK DANCE MUSIC 121 TUCKER WALTZ— a mixer "game" FIVE-FOOT-TWO (fairly fast) the man who supplies all correctly played on your folk dancing needs HARMONY MUSIC RECORDS 123 Complete teaching record, with oral Two new releases, by the famous instructions by Dr. Shaw RECORDS • BOOKS DANCE DESCRIPTIONS Armin Orchestra In this album, two organs vie with each Dovre Hambo/Sun Valley Schottische other in filling out the melody and in in- folk arts bazaar Beautiful Calif. Waltz/Hollywood Pollta troducing special effects. 625 Shatto Place, Los Angeles 5 Ask your local dealer, or write to us for a catalogue and descriptions of * * * Classes for Scandinavian dances. Advanced, Intermediate, Beginners Monday, Thursday, Friday. 8 to 10:30 p. m. Scandinavian Music Co. Album No. I — OLD FAVORITES Private lessons by appointment 1019 UNIVERSITY AVENUE 101 MERRY WIDOW WALTZ DU 8-5265 DU 7-3940 BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA SKATER'S WALTZ 103 VARSOUVIANNA BLACK HAWK WALTZ 105 LACES AND GRACES KISMET RECORD COMPANY GLOW WORM GAVOTTE 227 EAST 14TH STREET NEW YORK 3, NEW YORK 107 Complete teaching record One of the oldest established independent manufacturers of those gay, lilting, international folk dances. Album No. 2 — NEW FAVORITES Available on plastic and shellac. 109 IRISH WALTZ If your nearest dealer cannot supply you please communicate with WALTZ OF THE BELLS us or our West Coast distributor for information. I I I DOWN THE LANE CRUISING DOWN THE RIVER W. M. VAN DEREN (Swingola) 2806 San Pablo Avenue Berkeley, California I 13 GOODNIGHT IRENE SENTIMENTAL JOURNEY (Altai) 115 Complete teaching record Records may be purchased singly, with COOL .SIMPLE .. PFASANTY.. brief printed instructions—but the complete album is a wiser purchase! Purchase from your regular dealer, or order from Lloyd Shaw - Recordings, Inc., Box 203, Colorado Springs, Colorado. Al- bums are $4.95 each, single records $1.05, FOLK SHIRT Federal tax included. Postage will be pre- paid on orders of one album or more. On IN WHITE: BROADCLOTH orders for less, add 30 cents for postage and handling. FULL SLEEVES SPORT COLLAR

SEND: WRIST,COLLAR,SLEEVE SU.E TERMS'. ChecK or M-Order plus 504 mailing change,or specify C.O.D.

AODRe SS — S£T5 RECORDINGS, ING. OUR OT/f£"# AO CHARLES CGRETE CARPENTER COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO 8Z S. HAMILTON ST.,DEPTC-1 //v /sst/e*. POUGHKEEPSIE, NEW YORK CONTENTS FOR EDITOR'S NOTEBOOK APRIL 1951 fitom ^.cuvtott VOL.8 N O. 4 I AM THE FOLK DANCE The Magazine of Folk and Square Dancing I am a peculiar breed of the dance . . . Often called the lowest form of the dance ... I am timeless TELL IT TO DANNY 4 . . . My roots bed deep in the past ... I am elemental, CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5 MODERN DANISH FOLK COSTUMES by Marjorie Posner 6 springing from the everyday lives of nameless com- SQUARE DANCING IS MORE THAN FUN by Grace Kiely 7 mon people of every land . . . preserved, perpetuat- RECORD FINDER by Ed Kremers 9 ed, relatively unchanged since physiologically man REPORT FROM THE SOUTH by Paul Pritchard 10 has changed so little . . . yet I take on the characteris- FOLKS IN FOCUS 11 DANCE DESCRIPTION Baglaens Kontrasejre 13 tics of the race and condition through which I pass THE VALLEY OF THE SUN by Mildred R. Buhler 15 — partaking of their joys and of their sorrows . . . CALLER OF THE MONTH 16 expressing the deepest emotions of their lives. CALL OF THE MONTH 17 I am debtor to Greek and Barbarian ... to Jew NATIONAL PROMENADE by Mildred R. Buhler 17 AROUND THE SQUARE SET by Peg Allmond 18 and Gentile ... to Sinner and to Saint. AMERICA DANCES (continued) 18 I am you, as you seek to recapture the essence THE DANCER'S BOOKSHELF 19 of understanding of another race as tied up in its rhythm and melody of motion. LAWTON HARRIS, Editor I build ... I heal ... I ennoble ... I am that ASSOCIATE EDITORS within, which unites all mankind ... I am of the es- Mildred R. Buhler, Square Dancing George Posner, Photography Grace ferryman, Folk Craft Madelynne Greene, Dance Tech- sence of oneness. Marjorie Posner, Folk rood nique You can debauch and desecrate me . . . yet will Lucile Ciarnowslci, Books ... ., ., . r , CJ ., D i Virgil Morton, Features Ed Kremers, Records 3 I live. You can misuse and subvert me, yet will I Marjorie Posner, Costumes A- c- Smith, Features triumph. That which is elemental within me will Harold Pearson and Paul Pritchard, So. Calif. Rep- Charles Rich, Events resentative eventually permeate the whole and lift it. You can EXECUTIVE STAFF not keep me down. For a short time you can change Circulation Mgr., Ed Kremers Promotion Mgr., Walter Grothe me, yet I will break out of your bonds. Advtg. Mgr., Ed Kremers Publications Committee: Mildred Buhler, Lucile Czarnowski, Walter I am the spirit of Freedom ... I sing in the hearts Srothe, Lawton Harris, Ed Kremers, Miriam Lidster. of slaves ... I raise up to new strength, the fallen OFFICES ... I am the timeless urge of the nameless masses ADVERTISING—262 O'Farrell Street, Room 301, San Francisco, of men seeking expression. . . Phone SUtter 1-7294. I AM THE FOLK DANCE. EDITORIAL—1236 West Elm Street, Stockton. Phone Stockton 3-4329.

CIRCULATION—262 O'Farrell St., San Francisco 2, Calif., Room 301. Picture from Here's to Phone SUtter 1-7294 or SUtter 1-8334. Square Dancing by Frank PUBLICATION—273 Broadway, Millbrae, Calif. Phone OXford 7-2605. Grundeen, published by Sets in Order, 1950. §1.50. (Used BUSINESS—731 Fulton Street, Redwood City, Calif. Phone EMerson by Permission) 8-1588. This delightful book of PROMOTION—390 Liberty St., San Francisco 14, Calif. Phone VAIen- cartoons on square dancers cia 4-5017. and square dancing is "from the inside" as you might guess TEACHERS' INSTITUTE COMMITTEE—Edna Spalding, 2511 Virginia from the above selection in Street, Berkeley. which Southern California points fun at itself. It is not RESEARCH COMMITTEE—Mildred R. Buhler, 180 Elwood Street, Red- a book of instructions, save wood City, EMerson 6-1219. that the cartoons are so self- revealing that many callers LET'S DANCE is published monthly by the Folk Donee Federation of and dancers will find the op- California. Northern Section: GEORGE MURTON, President, 731 Ful- portunity to "see themselves ton St., Redwood City, Calif.; FRAN LARKIN, Corresponding Secre- as others see them." It is a tary, Box 3678, Rincon Annex, San Francisco, Calif. Southern Section: fine book for gifts. We keep HAROLD G. COMSTOCK, President, 625 Shatto PI., Los Angeles 5. one on the coffee table in Calif.; BETTY HICKS, Secretary, P. O. Box 728, Wilmington, Calif. our front room and conversa- tion never lags. Subscription price: $2.50 per year. Entered as Second Class Matter at the Post Office at Millbrae, Cali- fornia, December 7, 1948, under Act of March 3, 1879. OUR COVER COVER AMD CONTENTS COPYRIGHTED 1951 BY shows "Dane" Axel Hansen, from the Scandinavian Club, THE FOLK DANCE FEDERATION OF CALIFORNIA San Francisco. (Photo by Posner.)

APRIL, 1951 In Downtown Oakland Phil Maron's Folk Shop

Folk and Square Dance Records Books and Accessories TELL IT TO DANNY*

MAIL ORDERS TAKEN CARE OF By DAN MCDONALD

573 15th Street GLencourt 2-251 I Here they are folks—your candidates. They HENRY BAKER celebrated his 74th birth- OAKLAND 12, CALIFORNIA are all choice persons, so pay your dues and day t'other night at the CARROUSEL party take your choice: by bringing his 80-year-old sister—-and MR. President—Bill Castner, Berkeley; "Ace" CARLSON cut a cake, and capers, at the Smith, Salinas. FUN CLUB with his daughter, ANNA, for his DANCE DESCRIPTIONS Vice President—Charles Bassett, Marin Coun- 77th by doing not one, not two, but three "Hambos"! Whew! lOc plus 3c postage for each dance ty (Mill Valley); Helen Perry, Davis; Charles Markis, Hillsborough, San Mateo County. "THEY DANCE IN DEFIANCE OF POLIO." Ask for list of dances Recording Secretary—-Virginia Wilder, Wal- That's the column heading by PAT DANA, nut Creek. Tuesday, Feb. 13, 1951, S. F. EXAMINER. PAT FOLK DANCE GREETING CARDS Corresponding Secretary—Bess Redd, Sacra- was referring to the MAT T. MORRISON CEN- TER FOR REHABILITATION where our new Sample card to use—I5c plus postage mento; Loella Muller, Napa; Fjfan Larkin (In- "cumbent), San Francisco. honorary members, "THE SAN FRANCISCO Ask for price list Treasurer—Bill Curr, Albany; Bradley Son- POLIO WHEELERS," do their rolling around. derman, Millbrae; Thelma Dellahoyde, Napa. At this writing they are scheduled for "STOCK- FELT CLUB EMBLEMS Director of Publicity—-Lester Dunn (Incum- TON'S BENEFIT FESTIVAL" for crippled chil- bent), Castro Valley. dren Saturday, March 3, and again for the Rosemont Letter Shop Historian-—Annarnarie Steinbiss, Palo Alto; March II FEDERATION FESTIVAL in the SAN Edith Thompson, South San Francisco. FRANCISCO NATIONAL GUARD ARMORY. 176 Duboce Ave. HEmlock 1-0817 Director of Extension—-Leonard Murphy, Oak- BOB HENSON will roll down from his home in San Francisco land; Dave Boyce, El Cerrito; Frank Moore, San PLACERYILLE to take his No. I position along- Francisco. side SHIRLEY KELLEY and will be right in 18—EIGHTEEN—18! That's the number of there when the caller says "Swing Your Honey new applicants -for FEDERATION membership Baby." Most thrilling sight—fun for them, but BOB MIHAILOVICH presented at the February council and we now a tear-jerlcer for the audience—is to see them have 15 Area Regional Councils, a healthy perform their square to the same tempo and FOLK DANCE CLUB movement for this greatest-of-all activity of calls along with the other dancers. Their waltz ours. Through the area councils, co-ordinating number is beautiful, climaxed by taking their SUNDAY FOLK DANCING plans for FEDERATION-sponsored and region- places when they hear the call for "Sets in al festivals can be kept in harmony. Order," which means, of course, "LET'S I to 5 P. M. At a recent meeting called by Ye Editor, DANCE." (See Folks in Focus.) also 8 to 12 P. M. LAWTQN HARRIS, it was su^ested the area April 29 is the date for the "SPRING chairman appoint a publicity chairman for FLING" in the new RICHMOND CIVIC AUDI- their section and send pictures and news items TORIUM which may prove to have been built Classes for Beginners to LET'S DANCE! magazine. Items for "TELL for the folk dancers. THE CITY OF RICH- Wednesday 8 .to 10 P. M. IT TO DANNY" should be mailed to DANNY, MOND is wholeheartedly (there's a word) 4556 18th St., SAN FRANCISCO 14, Calif., friendly disposed towards the movement and before the 25th to be compiled for the month would not take no for an answer on that date, Russian Center Auditorium after next. Nice supprise getting your maga- which was the reason for moving the FEDERA- 2460 Sutter Street San Francisco zine on the first. TION FESTIVAL up one week to the 22nd, so, This makes the 15th. A REGIONAL COUN- now, we can attend them both. GEORGE R. CIL has been formed and is functioning SKOPECEK, JR., chairman of the EAST BAY smoothly out in CONTRA COSTA COUNTY. REGIONAL COUNCIL, hosts for that day RECORDS BOOKS It's called the DIABLO COUNCIL OF FOLK and night, invites you all. GEORGE is also DANCE AND- SQUARE DANCE CLUBS and chairman for the nominating committee for ED KREMERS1 got unuder way officially in December. new FEDERATION officers. Be thinkin' about The officers are: Chairman, AL LAVEN of your club dues if they are due—ask your sec- DO-CE-DO; vice chairman and treasurer, WAL- retary-treasurer to send its 3 bucks to JACK FOLK SHOP TER RUSH of CIRCLE FOUR; secretary, VIR- O'TOOLE, treasurer, 1619 La Playa Way, Sac- GINIA WILDER of WALNUT WHIRLERS. ramento 19, and while we're about it, ask A FOLK DANCE SPECIALTY CENTER everyone, yes, everyone, to subscribe to 262 O'Farrell St., No. 301 The member clubs are: ACALENES FOLK DANCERS, CIRCLE FOUR, DANCIN' DUDES, LET'S DANCE! Who knows? You might see San Francisco 2, Calif. SUtter 1-7294 DIABLO PROMENADE.RS, DO-CE-DO, REEL your name or "pitcher" sometime—well, if not you can have a laugh anyhow. No foolin' United Nations Theatre Building WEAVERS, SHELL FOLK DANCERS, STAGS 'N' NAGS (teen-agers), SUBURBAN SWING- kids, we need your support, it's only $2.50 a ERS and WALNUT WHIRLERS. year. Walk to work two days, about I pack of NEW!!! DAVE and LOUISE BOYCE again visited the cigs, four cokes, one loaf of bread, any one LOS GUILUCOS SCHOOL FOR GIRLS in of a hundred items will pay for your month's Monthly Record Shipment Plan SANTA ROSA and had as their guests the supply of LET'S DANCE! Take it to work, GETCHELLS and the BITTMANS. This is the show your friends, send in their names and It Solves Your Problems amount to Circulation Dept., LET'S DANCE! SAVE third appearance to the school for DAVE and LOU and each time new dances are introduced 262 O'Farrell St., San Francisco 2, and see • Travel Costs to the girls. Sisken, Batchelor's Waltz, the what it does for you. • Parking Expenses Roberts and Village Tarantella were taught Thirty-one young people's groups now be- • Shopping Time them this time. long to the JUNIOR SECTION of the FOLK DANCE FEDERATION, so ably counseled by • The frustration of "wrong" records FRED JOHNSON from the deep PENIN- SULA looks very impressive with his new DAVE BOYCE, their adult advisor. They are Drop a card for details beard-—-still'has the same bride tho'. Someone self-governed by elective officers and their wanted to knowv if he was RANDY'S Pappy! affairs are a welcome sight to see. If you I

LET'S DANCEI a young people's group, drop a line to Dave Boyce, 372 Colusa Ave., Berkeley, Calif., for information or application. See next month's LET'S DANCE! The program given at the OAKLAND AREA DSPITAL, February II, was sponsored by •> FAIRMONT FOLK DANCE CLUB of AL- \NY under the direction of BARBARA and CHARLIE BEAN. MC'd by MARK JONES, the program was a well-balanced one and partici- pated in by dancers from the FAIRMONT, AL- BANY, CIRCLE UP and GUILD folk dance groups. The show must go on, says SAM SMOOT, in the Peta/uma General Hospital with a brok- en ankle caused by a recent auto accident. The show in question: his "LET'S DANCE" ra- dio program, KAEP, Sundays, 9 to 10 p.m., now being conducted by his favorite blonde (wife). SAM will be at every party as usual CALENDAR and enjoy watchin' till he's walkin'. There they go again, GARFIELD FOLK FEDERATION FESTIVALS SATURDAY, APR. 14—DAVIS. The Cir- DANCERS, Jan. 17, pot luck supper party, North cle "D" Dancers and the Levis and ushered in 27 new members, could be their Laces invite all folk dancers to dance SUNDAY. APR. 22—OAKLAND. Hosts, with them Picnic Day on the campus dancin' too, I suppose, but they're sure a swell The "Swing 'n' Circle Folk Dancers." bunch and Tuesday nite men are welcome to at Davis, 3:30 to 5 and 7:30 to 12 mid- 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. "Fiesta de las Flores" night. attend the new girls on Thursdays. How do you in Arroyo Viejo Park at 82nd Avenue get to be a Tuesday nite man? JULIANNE and Olive Street, between MacArthur SUNDAY, APR. 15 — GARBERVILLE MEARS found her MARX on New Year's— and Foothill Boulevards. The evening (in the heart of the Redwood Empire). JOHN married the gal. party—hosts Castle Promenaders—in Hosts: Redwood Revelers. Theme: CHARLES REINDOLLAR is serving his coun- the Castlemont High School gym from Springtime in the Redwoods. Time: 1 try most of the time, But, on Thursday and Fri- 7:30 to 11 p.m. The gym is behind the to 5 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m. Place: Fire- day nights he still serves his country dances, main school building located on Mac- man's Hall. Edith Thompson and Ran- MILL VALLEY on the former, and up at SANTA Arthur Boulevard at 86th Avenue. Just dy Randolph will call the squares. ROSA (MERRY MIXERS) on the latter night. follow the lighted walkway to the gym. SUNDAY. APR. 15 — SACRAMENTO. MAJOR BOB MORGAN is building a good- SUNDAY, MAY 20—SAN JOSE. Place: Theme: Spring Fiesta. Afternoon from ly towne house at SANTA ROSA to be nearer San Jose Civic Auditorium. Hosts: Aft- the scene of his biqqer and better dances. 1:30 to 5:30. Evening from 7:30 to 10. ernoon, Gay Nighters; Evening, Spar- Hosts: Wagon Reelers. Place: Sacra- BOB now totes Ye MERRY MIXERS. tan Spinners. THE REDWOOD ESTATES MOUNTAINEERS' mento Memorial Auditorium, 16th and JUNE 17—Hayward; JULY 7—Marin J Streets. new officers for 1951: President, RICHARD County; AUGUST GERHARDT: vice president, JOE RICH; sec- SEPT. 2—San Francisco. SUNDAY. APR. 29—RICHMOND. The retary, JOAN HASKELL; treasurer, REATH South East Bay Regional Folk Dance Council JOHNSON. Their new address is: THE MOUN- SUNDAY, MAY 6—LOS ANGELES. is host to the Federation for an after- TAINEERS, P. O. Box 26, Holy City, California. Hosts: Westwood Co-op Festival. noon and evening of dancing, acting in They still dance the second and last Saturday JUNE — SAN FERNANDO VALLEY. the capacity of the closing event of the night of every month at the REDWOOD ES- Hosts: Valley Co-ops Folk Dancers. City of Richmond's opening festivities TATES CLUB HOUSE. Visitors are always wel- for their new Civic Auditorium. After- come (a very nice line). STATEWIDE FESTIVAL noon: 1:30 to 5:30. Evening: 7:30 to More dates, mates; April 7 and 8, PEACH MAY 25, 26, 27—California Statewide 10. BLOSSOM FESTIVAL, FRESNO. THE WAGON Festival, Santa Barbara. Save the dates. REELERS' annual festival, SACRAMENTO ME- See schedule in Folks in Focus. SUNDAY. MAY 6—St. Helena; Hosts: MORIAL AUDITORIUM, April 15: more fun St. Helena Gamboleers; SUSAN- with each one. REGIONAL FESTIVALS VILLE, Hosts: Lassen Promenaders; Did'ya know SAN JOSE was the capital of North SUNDAY. MAY 13—Oakland, Begin- ners'Festival; Hosts: Bushrod Folk California once't did'ya? SUNDAY, APR. 15—SEBASTOPOL. The Instructor FRED SLATER and his MENLO Sebastopol Swingers are hosts at the Dancers; SUNDAY. JUNE 3—Quincy. MIXERS have been having lots of fun learn- Analy High School turf. Time: 1:30 to Hosts: Feather River Reelers; Monte- ing new dances, reviving oldies and throwing 5 p.m. Evening party is divided into two rey, Hosts: Shindiggers; SUNDAY. a party the last Saturday of each month. WAL- groups of folk and square dancing. JUNE 10—Antioch. Hosts: Diablo TER GROTHE and his HIGHLANDERS were APRIL 6, 7, 8—FRESNO. Place, Memo- Council of Folk Dancers and Square guests at the January party and added more rial Auditorium on April 7 and 8. Co- Dance Club; SUNDAY. JUNE 17— color and gayety to the event. As a result of sponsors are the Fresno Folk Dance Guerneville, Hosts: Stamp Town Swing- their election in November the MENLO MIX- Council and the Central Valley Empire ers; JULY 4—Watsonville; JULY 8 ERS have a new executive board in office which Association. Party on Friday evening, —Los Gatos. includes TAG TAGGERT, president: KEN GIB- April 6, at the Shack. On Saturday eve- SON, vice president; JUDY FISHER, secre- ning the party will start at 8 p.m. and JUNIOR SECTION FESTIVALS tary; VERN LEAHY, treasurer; LOUELLA SIN- on Sunday afternoon there will be an- SATURDAY, APRIL 28 — OAKLAND. NER, historian- JEAN SMALL, party chair- other major folk dance party from 1:30 The Junior Section festival at the Bret man, and ANN SOBRATO, supply chairman. to 6 p.m. There will be exhibitions from Harte School gym. Time: 7:30 p.m. DON NEWPORT, past president, and SHIR- various groups of the San Joaquin Val- Council meeting at 6:30 p.m. The Oak- LEY ARCHIBALD, secretary last year, are car- ley as well as local Fresno clubs. The land Board of Education is cooperat- rying their share of the work in the new board Old Country Food Market will also be ing with the Junior Section for this by adding experience to the meetings. held in the foyer of the Auditorium at festival. Election of nominating com- Comes word from ATLANTA, GEORGIA, both major parties. mittee. All delegates are urged to at- via BOB JOHNSTON, asking for information SATURDAY. APR. 14—VISALIA. The tend council meeting. The school gym on joining a folk and square callers' associa- Visalia Bar V Dancers are presenting is located on MacArthur Blvd. at Cool- tion. This was passed on to Edith, Peg and their annual Spring Festival in the Col- idge. Millie for their square dance section but what lege of Sequoia's gym, 8 to 12 midnight. to do about the FOLK CALLERS? SATURDAY. APR. 14—LOS BANDS. Items to be included in the Folk Dance Cal- The MILLBRAE PROMENADERS folk dance The Pacheco Promenaders of Los Ba- endar of Events must be forwarded by the group announce their newly-installed officers nos will be hosts at a Merced County first of the month prior to publication to Hal as follows: President, PAUL LEWICKI; vice Folk Dance Festival at 8 p.m., held in Pearson, 1636 Oak View Avenue, Berkeley 7, (Continued on Page Twelve) Los Banos High School gym. California.

APRIL, 1951

Square Dancing Is More Than Fun In Schools It Lends Itself to a Better Under- standing of Social and Democratic Skills

BY FRANCES KIELY Principal, Fairlee, Vt., School

CLOSELY integrated functional experience. I found some interesting nary coordination. Early in the year the school program cannot ignore the material on those cards and forwarded upper grade children learned to develop A need for recreation to be woven some of the most original to the author stencils from subjects, which they had into the general pattern—and unless the of the records, who very generously actually sketched from nature, and early strands are carefully guided, we find wrote to the members of the upper in the spring they were given the assign- ill-balance, and lack of harmony in that grades expressing his interest, and en- ment to design an appropriate square pattern. . . and our chances of develop- couraging further correspondence. This dance illustration, which would adapt to ing a wholesome school community are became a fine source of motivation for a stencil. The class voted for the design considerably lessened. a real vital project in letter writing, produced by a seventh grade boy to be Teachers in small town country which continues to be a pleasant experi- the most appropriate, and the class used schools are ever on the alert for en- ence for all concerned. that design to create borders which they trances to new channels of interest, be- It was challenging to observe gradual stencilled in oils on square dance skirts cause oftentimes there are too few pu- growth in the ability of the children to and scarves for the members of the pils in any one age category to offer evaluate their own accomplishment .... primary team, which made its debut at much in the way of competitive sports they were well aware of their problems the closing exercises of the school held and, of course, facilities for conducting and needs, while appreciative of new in June. After school closed for the sum- a satisfactory indoor program are gen- skills mastered. There' was a definite and mer vacation the older children met at erally inadequate. Square dancing can steady development of social grace and the school building, under teacher-su- well be recognized as a valuable tool in poise, and' much interest was evidenced pervision, to stencil and make identical- this field because of its relationship to in necessary phases of etiquette ... an ly designed costumes for their own dem- many of the "solid" subjects in the daily interest which could be fulfilled, as our onstration team ... a team elected by curriculum . . . social studies, guidance, town library could fuxnish us with such the student body. music, art, English and school citizen- books as "Tips for Teens," "Smarter E HAD an extremely varied and ship. "' and Smoother," and "Your Manners Four years ago I started teaching a Are Showing," all presented in the free worthwhile summer experience W demonstrating and teaching in few simple square dances to the children and easy language of our day. in the sixth, seventh and eighth grades summer camps and hotels in this local- of the Fairlee School. I had an enroll- UR BOYS do not leave their girls ity. Our team appeared at Lake Fairlee ment of under twenty, so I was able to O in the middle of the floor when Club for the second season, at Camp do considerable individual follow-up the dance is finished. We have no Wyoda, Bonnie Oaks Inn, Camp Wyno- gangling adolescents. We hear very lit- analysis, and to check the accomplish- na, Camp Quinebeck, Lake Morey Inn tle ,silly chatter having to do with "boy ments as new goals were reached. From and Rutledge Inn. Our primary team the first, the children "took to" square loves girl." Here, I observe a boy slow accompanied us to Lake Fairlee Club to work his way into school society . . . dancing. Here was plenty of action to and Camp Wyoda. At the camps and already in; and, there, a self-conscious furnish an outlet for their youthful ex- hotels the teams first demonstrated,'then girl showing, more general confidence. uberance—-and such fun! broke down and invited campers and We used records with combined mu- Last year the teacher of our first and guests to "fill in" to create two sets, and sic and calls; records furnishing only second grades became interested in the from that point the number of sets 'was program, and the upper grade children the music, the changes to be interpreted increased until in many cases the floor from an accompanying handbook; and volunteered to help teach the "small was filled—with always an experienced fry." This became a popular and valu- the instructional records, from which dancer to patrol each set. able activity which employed our young the children first heard the explanation We were always privileged to ex- folk many stormy and cold recess peri- of the dance timed so that they might plain our school program, and the chil- walk out the changes, with sufficient ods and noon hours. A strong bond de- dren received exposures in the social time to think them out, and then swing veloped between our "little folk" and field, in participating in discussions and into the dance with the same instructor our "big folk," which resulted in fine in assuming their places in new situa- calling the changes. cooperation and spirit on the play- tions. Everywhere we found vigorous in- ground, aware interest in the progress terest, challenging questions, friendly Y ENGLISH CLASSES, which of individuals, and pretty definite elim- participation in whatever program we had done much work in book re- ination of age barriers. had set up, and we were always royally M view study, and book reporting, We have top support from our music entertained. Upon our return to school, found record-analysis a new and inter- and art supervisor, who does much the children reviewed the summer pro- esting experience. They requested that rhythm 'work with all ages of children,. gram-—-which had developed quite.un- I allow them to prepare comment cards which results in fine, natural interpreta- expectedly, .and by accident—-by ex- ™"*h "findings" based upon their own tion of the music, and better than ordi- pressing pleasure to have shared with

APRIL, 1951 others something which they enjoy, sat- YOUR PHOTOGRAPH ON GLOSSY LIFE- Authentic Peasant Costumes isfaction to have met so many grand LIKE STAMPS IN YOUR FOLK OR for the folk dancer people of all ages, and gratitude that SQUARE DANCE COSTUME from all over there was a bond strong enough to 100 FOR ONLY $2.00 the world. "hold" during vacation days. Of course, Reproduced from any size photograph, snap- MEXICO those elements meant much to me, too, shot or negative. Specify head or full photo. ITALY Your original photo returned unharmed. AUSTRIA but still greater was my satisfaction in Each photostamp is perforated and gummed. SWEDEN knowing that the youngsters were at Has hundreds of uses. Ideal for: • Greeting ease, and eager to gain new experience, cards • Announcements • Publicity • In- and I have been thrilled to watch great- vitations • Photo Albums • Correspond- er freedom, and easier ability to express ence. Send chock", cash or money order to: themselves in new situations. VILLAGE RECREATION SERVICE, Dept. H F COURSE, we have not even scratched the surface of the pos- 1701 Broadway New York 19, N. Y. O sibilities which the facility holds, Ilius. Czecho- but we have learned that square danc- slovakia ing provides exercise through pleasure, $17.50 up and lends itself easily to the promotion ADVANCED—Friday, 8-10 p.m. of a better understanding of social and BEGINNERS' CLASSES—Wednesday, DOROTHY GODFREY democratic skills. One of my eighth 8:30-10:30 p.m. 1335 Second Avenue, San Francisco Y. W. C. A., 620 Suffer St., San Francisco Telephone LO 4-5514 grade boys pointed out to members of Caller RANDY RANDOLPH a P.T.A. organization only last week that improved ability to interpret and act in coordination will be an asset in the realm of athletics—I believe there is KEN GRIFFIN plays the ORGAN a specialist in a neighbor state working On Broadcast and Rondo records for Folk and Square Dancing on that very thing; another eighth grade boy informed the members that BROADCAST RONDO teamwork is one of our greatest needs 400 Cuckoo Waltz/Naughty Waltz RFD-I Waltz of the Bells/Cuckoo Waltz in community living, and that the qual- 416 Lili Marlene/Balfad to a Lovely Lady 134 Casey Jones/Polka Pops ity is a "must" when a set is on the 430 Sentimental Journey (Altai) 186 Five Foot Two/You Are the One 440 Glow Worm/Prune Song 197 Take Me Out to the Ball Game floor in action; a third boy spoke with (Dennis Waltz) real depth of feeling of the necessity of using well every agency which may UNITED MUSIC SALES CORP., Distributor (to stores only) help the maladjusted child to find his 381 Sixth Street San Francisco 3, Calif. place in his own society and from that point branch into community living. Each year it becomes more essential that our citizenry be composed of clear thinking, unprejudiced individuals, who JtSTAItSRSf are able to voice the results of their Are you well-stocked on the newest Round Dance HIT? thinking while standing on their own Of course we mean "STUMBLING" feet, with their chins held high by the on the original —that' s power of self respect. In order that TEMPO 1054 (78 RPM), TEMPO 4550 (45 RPM) this end may be successfully gained, our youth must have much direction tetfifrkect evitA. eUt *?&*£* tecvicU and careful guidance, with every oppor- tunity to work and play in a wholesome — well-supervised school society. Square Sales Co. Lincing certainly offers us teachers an effective means of developing in our 369 Sixth Street (Telephone YUkon 6-6616) San Francisco 3, Calif. boys and girls, during their formative years, the personal qualities of their natures that will enable them to stand CVD on sound footing with their fellow be- ings through life.—Reprinted by per- mission from December, 1950, Vermont SQUARE DANCE AND ROUND DANCE RECORDS Town Meeting. (instructions included) Ask To Hear "Old Timer" Records at Your FavorJf* R»cord Counter "SATURDAY NIGHTERS" Write For Our Complete Listing—and we will include FREE, a complete set of instructions 2148 Taylor, San Francisco which accompany our Records. (36 Squares and Rounds). Folk Dancing Every Sat. Night Special Instruction 8 to 9 OLD TIMER RECORD CO. General Dancing 9 to 12 Grace V. San Filippo, UN 1-3373 3703 N. 7th Street Phoenix, Ariz.

LET'S DANCE! THE RECORD FINDER WHAT'S NEW & WHERE TO BUY by Ed Kremers

Try These Record Shops PETALUMA

ALAMEDA THE HARMONY STORE 37 Main Street Phone 313 FRANCK'S MUSIC AND APPLIANCES 134? Park St. LAkehurst 31021 SACRAMENTO (The following are personal opinions of the Record Editor—not official Federation BERKELEY rulings!) TOWER DRUG 16th and Broadway Sacto. 2-4916 DAVE'S RECORD SHOP KISMETS The Kismet Record Company con- 372 Colusa Ave. LA 5-5122 tinues to Broaden the scope of its cata- SAN FRANCISCO logv Recent releases are two records of FRESNO "Gay Nineties" style dances: No. 143 Nearing Circle Waltz (Hundred Pipers) ED KREMERS' FOLK SHOP /The Danish Dance; No. 144 The Mont- 262 O'Farrell St. SUtter 1-7294 MARGO'S, Home of Foreign Records gomery/Esmeralda. All are played by MODERN RADIO CO. 719 Fulton Street Phone 3-8044 Ben Lambert and Ensemble, and re- corded under tbe supervision of Rod 1475 Haight St. UNderhill 1-4751 SCHILLING MUSIC CO. La Farge. Mimeographed instruction SANCHEZ MUSIC STORE 1239 Fulton St. sheets accompany the records. The Near- ing Circle Waltz is a rather simple waltz 643 Broadway DOuglas 2-1337 LOS GAtOS mixer; The Danish Waltz is the old fa- miliar "Lott ist Todt;" The Montgom- SAN JOSE BALDWIN'S ery is a pattern schottische—-the instruc- tions suggest "two to six persons side by - FRANK CAMPI MUSIC CO. 214 N. Santa Cruz Ave. Phone 1252-W side with arms around each others' 50 So. lit St. CY 3-9290 waists;" Esmeralda is in schottische LOS ANGELES time, though the basic step described is called a "smooth slow polka." Although SAN MATEO AMERICAN MUSIC COMPANY none of these "American Folk Dances" 426 So. Broadway Ml 1871 has much to offer in the way of exciting PENINSULA MUSIC CENTER patterns, the music is well and "dance- El Camino Real at 24th Fireside 5-2310 FOLK ARTS BAZAAR ably" played, and it appears that these 625 Shatto Place DU 8-5265 four dances have more to offer those SARATOGA seeking recreational-type material than MERCED do many of the routines now being com- THE FOLK SHOP (Esther Beebe] posed to overnight hit tun'es. I Oak Place. Saratoga 3892 RECORD RENDEZVOUS A "SMART" RECORD COMPANY 356 Seventeenth St. Phone 375 At least, the Desert Recording Com- pany, a new arrival, uses "Smart" as its STOCKTON label! Here are the first four instru- OAKLAND mentals for square-calling: No. 1001 JOHNNY CALVIN Wake Up Susan/Chinese Breakdown 2363 Pacific Ave. Stockton 3-1536 BEST MUSIC COMPANY (Good medium tempo; clear) ; No. OTTO SCHWILL 12th and Clay Sts. TEmplebar 6-0905 1002 Leather Britches (very fast)/San- ta Claus Breakdown (a fast Jingle 2301 Pacific Ave. Stockton 2-3553 HUTCHISON'S Bells) ; No. 1003 Ragtime Annie/Sally DIMOND RECORD SHOP Goodin' (satisfactory); No. 1004 Boil VALLEJO 3551 Fruitvale Av. ANdover 1-0255 Them Cab'bage Down (very good) /Mis- sissippi Sawyer (satisfactory). NELSON TELEVISION STORE RADIO MARGO The next two have calls (by - Bob 1207 Tennessee St. Phone 2-1527 7415 MacArthur Blvd. Sweetwood 8-2626 Walters) : No. 1005 Arizona Star (more FAIRFAX RADIO & RECORD SHOP commonly known as Texas Star] /Bird- WALNUT CREEK 5361 Foothill Blvd. ANdover 1-2060 ie In the Cage (both sides good) ; No. 1006 Medley (Docey Doe) /Suffers Mill PHIL MARCH'S FOLK SHOP (both sides good). REILLY'S MUSIC SHOP 573 15th St. GLencourt 2-2511 (Continued on Page Ten] 1521 Main St.—W. C. 2702

APRIL, 1951 nana/Same Old Shillelagh—these three are all called squares; matching records are avail- REPORT /**» afc SOUTH able, without calls—Nos. 7105, 7106 and 7107 respectively. Full instructions and calls ac- BY PAUL PRITCHARD company each record. As to whether or not it is a desirable trend, Ever been to a wedding of folk dancers? The SANTA MONICA FOLK DANCERS, in the folk and square dance movement, to in- Well, February started out with such an af- after a "warm-up-practice" Valentine Day vent and record dance patterns to novelty fair -when, on Friday the 2nd, Dean Linscott party, followed through with their third An- tunes such as The Thing—about which much and Natalie Tanas took the vows. There was niversary party Feb. 24, to which several other fun is currently being made among "our peo- quite a celebration at the GANDY DANCERS' groups were invited. Miles Playhouse is not ple"—it is not considered that this column hall, and the entire club, as well as many vis- very large, but ere the night was long gone, is the proper place for such discussion, since itors, including some from Bakersfield and the place was packed and fairly hopping. As it is the primary purpose of this column to points beyond, attended. Dean was in charge someone asked, "How come this festival inform readers of Let's Dance! as to the of the program for the evening and things wasn't listed in Let's Dance!? (Aha, a sub- availability and danceability of records. The really kept moving. 'Twas quite something scriber!) and it was a sort of "Junior Fes- above-mentioned records are definitely dance- to watch Dean in his tux and Natalie in her tival" at that. Many thanks to SID PIERRE able. lovely satin wedding gown doing the "Danish and his staff for a swell Saturday. evening. Hornpipe." General consensus was that such We'll call it 'nuff said for this issue now. events should occur more often, and as there Hope to see you at the State Festival, if not COMPACT are two pair of Candies still in line—well, sooner. Aloha. FOLK DANCE RECORD PLAYER who knows? 8 watt output Valentine's Day was the motif of a party PRICE $75.00 held by the Ojai Art Centre Dancers, with The Record Finder HERMAN BRUMUND over 80 people attending from towns to the I 175 Newhall St. San Jose south and San Francisco. Any folk dancers (Continued from Page Nine) Phone AX 6-3517 passing by Ojai on a Tuesday night are wel- come to drop in to dance with the group. All of the above square dance records fea- ture the music of Sheldon Gibbs and his Ari- WESTWOOD CO-OP has just announced zona Ranch Boys, with Fiddlin' Slim Forbes. its -new officers for the coming term—an all- PEG ALLMOND DANCE SHOES star cast headed by DAVE SLATER as presi- The last two releases received are: No. 1007 Sugar In My Coffee'0 (a good square dance dent, and including ABE ROTHSTEIN, CIS- New Address—470 23rd Ave. SY CARLOT, SID PIERRE and DAPHNE piece, similar to Cotton Eyed Joe)/Varsouvi- UPTON. Helen Kennedy and Rudy Johnstone enna (two longs, four shorts) ; No. 1008 Buf- will continue as members of the executive falo Gals (satisfactor)') /Rustic Schottische Same Phone—SKyline 1-4188 council, and Helen wants to warn everybody (slow). plenty in advance that Westwood's spring MORE "OLD TIMERS" festival is tentatively scheduled for early May, so keep an open date on your calendar After about six months of relative inactivity, —probably the first Saturday night or Sunday the Old Timer Company presents the follow- Peasant Blouses afternoon.- ing new releases: No. 8021 Ragtime Annie/ Boil Them Cabbage Down (both square dance and Skirts They tell me that the CIRCLE-8 club in music without calls, Key D) ; No. 8026 Under Bakersfield is a member of both sections of IN GAY COLORS the Double Eagle (grand march) /Mormon FOLK DANCE DRESSES the Federation. Well, after the swell recep- Schottische (Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star) ; tion some of us from the south received while No. 8031 Flop Eared Mule/Knockin' At the BALLET SLIPPERS visiting their third Annual Festival February Door (both square dance music without calls, Reasonably priced 10, we'd just dare 'anybody to try to kidnap keys F and G, respectively) ; No. 80_32 Eighth We also make them away from us. Besides the' numerous of January/Hell Amongst the Yearlings (both costumes to order Valley groups, there were exhibitions of na- square dance music without calls, keys D and MOLL MART tive dances by the INDONESIAN CADETS A) ; No. 8033 Buffalo Gals/Tennessee Wagon- at nearby Minter Field, and fro;m the Los Angeles area, the GANDY DANCERS per- er (both square dance music without calls), SMART SHOP formed the Bialy Mazur and Kamarinskaja. keys G and C respectively). First reactions 5438 Geary Blvd. to the square dance records indicate that they [Betw. 18th and 19th Aves.) San Francisco One of the nicest festivals I have attended will be quite useful. for a long time was the one recently held in Mollie Shiman, Prop. EYergreen 6-0470 HOLTVILLE, hosted by the SQUARE TEENS Old Timer has also made two more of its of that city, along with the VALLEY FOLK earlier records available in 45 r.p.m.—S-8001 DANCERS, the EL CENTRO OLD TIME Varsoviana/Red River Valley; S-8002 Western DANCE CLUB and the BRAWLEY SQUARE Schottische/Golden Slippers, This makes an even dozen Old Timers now available in the DANCERS. Under the leadership of that hu- 45 speed. man dynamo, FAYE MANLEY, this first fes- tival in that area was a huge success. There WINDSOR'S "NEW DEAL" READ was a Saturday night square dance party, escorted trips across the border into Mexico The Windsor Company is now releasing a and all kinds of other interesting entertain- new series of "Gold Label" records with the ment, as well as a big after-festival dinner, following features: (a) Up to 41/£ minutes of when, after dinner, tables were pulled back play on a 10-inch disc, regular 78 r.p.m.-—-as at the Motor Inn and more dancing was en- much playing time as on the average 12-inch joyed for those who could still continue. All disc; (b) use of pure vinylite, resulting in a this in addition to the regular festival, which thin, lightweight record that is virtually un- ONLY $2.50 FOR 12 ISSUES was arranged to suit everybody's likes—-folk breakable, with good tone and wearing quali- dances, squares and rounds. Callers from ties. Although the Gold Label series will sell Glendale to Phoenix, and exhibitions by the for more than the company's regular 10-inch flex records, it appears, from examination of Order now from 262 O'Farrell Street SAN DIEGO FOLK DANCERS, the COS- the first releases of the new series, that the MOPOLITANS and I. D. C., added to the San Francfsco 2, Calif. color. Nicest thing of all was the fact that company's claims of superiority are well- down there everybody hops right in to do all founded, and that the difference in price is the dances in a true traditional friendly folk justified. dance spirit-—-none of this disdain for the The first group of records on the Gold La- simpler ones by those who consider them- bel series falls more or less into the classifi- Have Fun in '51 • selves "too far advanced" for such, while the cation of novelty squares—No. 7405 Old Fash- squared dancers enjoy "Korobushka" as much ioned Girl/Hurry, Hurry, Hurry; No. 7406 as "Catch-all-Eight." The Thing/SWinging Hash; No. 7407 Ma-

10 LET'S DANCE!

A new group was-started at -St. Anthony's favorable comment and compliments for Editor TELL IT TO DANNY Church on Fifth Ave, in REDWOOD CITY last ALICE WARD. Their IR1SHERS party in March November and' is going strong. They have- conveyed a true spirit of Old Eire and made (Continued from Page Five) adopted the name of "FAIR_OAK REELERS" their St. Patrick's Day dance an event to be and invite all who wish to join and have fun. lonq remembered. Drop around any Fridey president, EDDIE HENNESSEY, secretary, BET- Parties are.once a month on Tuesday night and evening, says President GUENTHER GIBBE TY FARMER; treasurer, WALLY MacARTHUR; the teacher is ED DUGAN. and he will be on hand to welcome you. Tell the publicity, BOB CAMPBELL. secretary at the door what club you belong tc MARRIED—Our Cecite (Buhler), daughter More power to them and more and more. and have fun with Friendly Carrousel! WALTEF of Jake and Millie, to Bob Clarke, at Memphis, HAPPY DANCING. GROTHE, leader of the FOREST HILLBILLIES, - Tenn. The family flew back and are now tak- reports that his group at Millbrae acted as ing the "honeymoon" back to California. That hosts to the Austrian group of students March is, all except the bride and groom..They are FRESNOTES 17. An hour's program arranged by this tal- completing their navy training. All report from Mary Spring ented and energetic group on their second splendid southern hospitality. goodwill tour of our country provided a wonder- OL1N SCHM1TT returned to Fresno recently ful treat for all in attendance. from a trip to St. Louis, Mo. and gave an in- ANCHORAGE FUR- RENDEZVOUS—- J95f teresting account of folk" dancing activities in Signs "of Spring are all about us and Sunday, that community. He reported that although March II, was no exception, when the SAN FESTIVAL COMMITTEE square dancing is definitely in the commanding FRANCISCO FOLK DANCE COUNCIL hosted PRESENTS position, interest in European folk dances is the annual "Spring Festival" at the S.. F. increasing. "Circles and Squares," publication Armory. GRACE WEST was the capable chair- of the St. Louis Folk and Round Dance Federa- man of this event and cooperation among the tion, reports an interview with Olin regarding clubs was uppermost. the organization and purpose of the Fresno A group of girls from the Sofia School in Folk Dance Council, Members of the St. Louis Stockholm will be in California at the invita- Federation indicated great interest in our tion of the California State Board of Educa- local set-up and a desire to use it as a pattern tion during April. They will present a program to meet their own folk dance needs. . of gymnastics and folk dancing as follows: Fresno folk dancers were treated to a bit of Apr. 3, Santa Barbara! Apr. 5, Modesto; Apr. romance in the month of good St. Valentine 6, San Jose State College; Apr. 9, Scottish as BERTHA SEGOVIA and OLIN SCHM1TT Rite Auditorium, S. F. (8:15 p.m.); Apr. 10, desided to dance through life together with Richmond; Apr. II, S. F. State College; Apr. the wedding ceremony performed on Feb. 22. 13, Portland, Oregon. The couple met at a folk dance, their romance 'Bye for a while—see you next month! eagerly watched by their dancing friends. The bride and her sister, Louise Sigler, also a folk dancer, are from the Spanish colony of the VIRGIL MORTON Philippine Islands. During the last war they pioneer leader and teacher of California were in a Japanese concentration camp for 37 folk dancing . . . for your club or group months. write to -The COUNCIL WORKSHOP, sponsored by 109-A Douglass Street lhe Fresno Folk Dance Council, has been hav- San Francisco 14, Calif. We've been talking about Alaskan groups. ing a busy season. It demonstrated some of its Here's the cover of their first big festival pro- dances at the Fresno county employees' annual gram. Note—three days of it! Congratulations! dinner and also participated in the Bakersfield festival in February, It is interesting to note Beautiful rubber stamp the S. F. SWING- that ethnic groups in Fresno are cognizant of THE FINEST STERS have, 2-inch circle with a large S, a our folk dance activities. The Armenian Relief costumed boy and a girl on either side. This Society asked the Council Workshop to ex- Folk and Square Dance Dresses very nice engraving was done by their BOB hibit at their annual affair and in turn the class HARDER. It wasn't hard for him atall, atall, was entertained by an Armenian group doing Togs for men—sashes, boleros he's an engraver tha'swhy—and a SWING- the dances of their fore-fathers. Composed of . Russian, Polish'and Cuban shirts STER'and a SAY-E-TEER. representatives of various Fresno clubs, the class also welcomes dancers from neighboring Another GAY-E-TEER is FRANK MOORE, communities. Orchids to Wilma Graesch for Carol of California the man who has said "Thank you" more than a fine job of teaching this class. • 4,000,000 times to motorists while taking their SKyline 1-5114 quarters at the tollgate on the S. F.-Oakland Bay Bridge. FRANK has also earned the title FRANCISCO NOTES Factory of the MOST POLITE MAN in a 3-page article 1937 Hayes St., S. F. 17 by C. H. GARRIGUES in February's NATIONS By Trudi Sorensen Showroom BUSINESS magazine. Frank has had to make As long as folk dancers keep on having fun 1925 Hayes St., S. F. 17 change for more than half the times he's said and genuine enjoyment in their clubs, life will "thank you" with an error average less than be rewarding to everyone. At least, it must be one in 10,000. He has helped to apprehend thus with the TELEPHONE TWIRLERS for they auto thieves, bandits, counterfeiters and dope are once again re-organized. JACK BATES is peddlers. But all these feats of achievement their new president and CHARLOTTE OLSEN MADELYNNE GREENE'S fade into insignificance for FRANK against serves as secretary. With DANNY McDONALD "thank you's" said 4000 times a day to 4,000 as their "new" teacher, the club has surely FOLK DANCE CENTER hands stuck out of 4000 automobiles. FRANK is taken a step in the right direction and members now teaching several groups to folk and square now can resume their dancing on Friday nights 451 Kearny St. San Francisco dance, which comes just as natural to him as from 7:30 to 10:30. When this group was origi- INTERMEDIATE his "thank you's." nally formed in 1947 JULIUS DOBKOWITZ Membership in the SAN DIEGO FOLK joined them. Not only does Julius keep up with THURSDAY, 8:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. DANCERS is growing by- leaps and bounds. a good many of the dances and derive keen The newly-elected officers are: President, Art enjoyment from his chosen hobby, but he is Dass; vice president, Bill Curtiss; secretary, proudly counted as the club's oldest member— ADVANCED Evelyn Prewett; treasurer, Fred Johnson. Re- . a young 77, if you please!! cently 40 members chartered a bus to H°'t- TUESDAY, 8:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. ville to Join Tn the Carrot Festival. Their newly- Have you seen the "Calliope," the newest formed exhibition group made its first public publication to disperse news to the CARROU- Slitter 1-2203 SUtter 1-8155 appearance with their rendition of Plikin. SEL membership? The first edition drew much

12 LET'S DANCE! Folk Dance Federation of California Dance Descriptions, Vol. VI

RESEARCH COMMITTEE: Mildred R. Buhler, chair- man; Lucy Chaney, Carol Gove, Lawton Harris, Ver- BAGLAENS KONTRASEJRE • non Kellogg, Miriam Lid- (Backwards Contra) ster, Adrienne Murton, Heidi (Danish) Schmidt, Dorothy Tambu- rini.

This description is prepared from a translation hy Kirsten Andersson and Lester Dunn from GAMLE SALLING- DANSE, Foreningen til Folkedansens Freihme, Denmark, 1947, pp 31-32. . MUSIC: Record: Harmony 77, HMVAL 1356 FORMATION: Four couples in a square numbering from one to four counterclockwise around the set, with in- side hands j oined at shoulder height, outside h ands hanging freely, or placed on hips with fin- gers forward. STEPS: Run*, Leap*, Step-hop*, Swing*.

Music 2/4 Pattern Illustrations by Carol Gove

Measures CTS. couple CT«. 2 measures Introduction. I. Circle < erf. 1-8 a With hands joined at shoulder height, circle L (clockwise) with 16 1: 5,6; :5-6 small, light running steps. ! CTS. > i Coupl€ I •v 9-12' a Beginning with outside foot (continuing to face center of square) o couples 2 and 4-take 8 small running steps around an imaginary box (2 away from partner, 2 fwd, 2 toward partner, 2 back to place), to open pathway-for head couples. Simultaneously, with 8 running steps, couples 1 and 3 run to own L between L hand couple (1 through 4 and 3 through 2) and then divide, M returning to home position, W going to opposite W's position. 13-16 b Couples 1 and 3 take closed position, R hips adjacent, with person . they meet (No. 1 M and No. 3 W; No. 3 M with No. 1 W) and swing in place with 8 running steps. While head couples swing, couples 2 and 4 remain inactive, inside hands joined, outside hands on hips. 9-16 Repeat action of Fig.' II, a, b with couples 1 and 3 making the (repeated) box, while couples 2 and 4 divide L hand couples, separate and swing (No. 2 M and No. 4 W; No. 4 M and No. 2 W). 17-20 c In closed position, No. 1 M and No. 3 W and No. 3 M and No. 1 W move toward each other with three small running steps and raise joined hands high (with a slight swoop) on the 4th step. Retire to original position with 4 running steps. 21-22 Step forward on outside foot (M L, W R) (ct. 1). With R hand M shoves W across set.to opposite M as W leaps fwd onto L ft. to give effect of throwing (ct. 2). W takes 2 more steps to partner. 23-24 Assume closed position with original partner and turn clockwise in place with 4 running steps. Couples 2 and 4 remain inactive, with inside hands joined, outside hands on hips. 17-24 Couples 2 and 4 execute action of Fig. II, c, to get back to original (repeated) - partners and couples 1 and 3 remain inactive. 25-32 d Beginning with R to partner, grand R and L around set with 16 low step-hops (hands clasped,low).

APRIL, 1951 Folk Dance Federation of California Dance Descriptions, Vol. VI BAGLAENS KONTRASEJRE (Continued)

Music 2/4 Pattern Illustrations by Carol Gove III. Women Star 1-8 a Using "Thumb Grasp" W form a R hand star and turn clockwise with 16 running steps (free hands on hips, fingers fwd). 1-8 Return to place with L hand star. (repeated) "Thumb Grasp:" Thumb hooks on thumb of person ahead, fingers folded around hand of person behind. Chorus Repeat action of Fig. II, a, b, c, d. IV. Men's Two-Hand Mill a Four M form a two-hand mill, joining both hands straight across with opposite M, R arm above arm of M to R and L arm below arm of M to L. Circle L with 16 running steps. 1-8 Stamp (ct. 1), circle R with 15 running steps to ^original place. (repeated) Chorus Repeat action of Fig. II, a, b, c, d. V. Swing and Greet 1-8 a In closed position, with R hips adjacent, all four couples turn clock- wise in place with 16 running steps. 1-8 Stamp (ct. 1), keeping R hips adjacent, turn bwd. (counterclock- wise) in place with 15 running steps to finish in original position. b Greet: M extends his L hand toward W who places her R hand on it (palm up). M quickly claps his R hand (palm down) onto W R hand as if he had a coin in it, grasping W R hand with his R at the same time. Finish with one short vigorous handshake as W and M bow. Note: There are some five additional figures but they are left out of this description since it was impossible to use all the figures with this short record.

Pleasant Peasant Dancing WALTZ BOOK TWO-STEP BOOK "Successful Folk Dance Festival" Beginners' Books—$1 each GRACE FERRYMAN'S Complete instructions with detailed step- JIMMY'S ORIENTAL GARDENS Follc Dance Classes patterns of Western and Old Time Dances Beautiful Oriental Restaurant as called and taught by us. Chinese and American Foods — Cocktails Wed., 8 p.m., Calif. Hall, 625 Polk, S. F. See your dealer, or obtain direct from Record Player — Dance Floor VINCENT and AUDREY COONEY 126 E. Canon Perdido, back of Post Office Tnur., 8 p.m., Beresford School, San Mateo E. 808 Longfellow Aye., Spokane, Wash. SANTA BARBARA

You will enjoy your FOR YOUR FOLK DANCE "Dinner at COSTUMING Omar Khayyam's" Say, Colorful Full Skirts for the Beginner Open from 4 p. m. or Authentic Try to come early Reproductions for Festivals George Mardikian's famous WRITE FOR OUR BROCHURE

OMAR KHAYYAM'S Peg Allmond is here 2146 CENTER STREET every Tuesday BERKELEY, CALIFORNIA O'Farrell Street at Powell afternoon with San Francisco folk dance shoes AShberry 3-3864

14 LET'S DANCE! In the falley of the Snn BY MILDRED R. BUHLER which proved to be the preliminary Fiddlers' of Tempe, Ariz., who has raised a whole fam- Contest in the Town Hall. ily of talented musicians. As in all contests, This was the one part of the two-day event a winner had to be chosen, and the judges which was competitive. The dancing was pure- found themselevs struggling to find minute ly for fun, but the fiddlers, several of whom flaws on which to disqualify the contestants. traveled many hundreds of miles to compete, One of the younger fiddlers, 31-year-old Ar- vied for top honors and cash awards. dell Christopher of El Paso, Texas, last year's When I accepted the invitation to serve winner, obtained leave from the U. S. Air as one of the judges along with. Bob Osgood Force to come down and capture the prize of Los Angeles. and Fred Siegel of Spokane, money of $200. Twenty-year-old Charles Gie- I did so with some reluctance for I felt quite bel of Phoenix, who has been fiddling for inadequate to the job, and later I was to dis- only three years and playing for square danc- cover that my first misgivings were quite jus- ing about six months, ran him a close second, tified, for the Fiddlers' Contest proved to be with Tonto Bill Kelly, one of the older men, a major event consuming all Friday morning, coming in third. past the lunch hour, and a good portion of Another of the young fiddlers, and a very both Friday and Saturday evenings when the talented one, was Walter Noble of Mesa. semi-final and final contests were held. Each Dude Turner of Riverside, Calif., one of the contestant was judged on about 15 different runners-up, pushes a mean bow that lends Mr. and Mrs. Frank Bradford, splendid hosts points and the judges were really kept busy. plenty of square dancing pleasure to many a to Let's Dance! representatives. The eleven highly talented contestants va- southern California event. Most of these boys ried in age from 20 to some 60 years and it play entirely by ear, never having learned HE ARIZONA REPUBLIC and the Val- really was a pleasure to dance to all of them. to read music. It was good to see the young ley of the Sun Square Dance Organiza- One of the boys, Charlie Adams, formerly of men taking such an interest in fiddling, for T tion once again joined hands to sponsor Kentucky and now from Mesa, Ariz., was a without the development of new fiddlers all the fourth Annual Square Dance Festival and trick fiddler who played Ridin' Old Paint in the time, the art would soon be lost. Fiddlers' Jamboree, Feb. 9 and 10. about every possible position his anatomy From the moment Peg Allmond and I ar- could be twisted into, ending by using an old- IDAY AFTERNOON, an informal insti- rived at about 6 o'clock on Friday morning fashioned washboard for a bow. A cousin of tute was held, which in our humble esti- until our departure early Sunday, we had Roy Acuff, long associated with the National Fmation lacked organization and did not pleasure-packed days we'll long remember. Barn Dance, Charlie was a clever stunt show- prove too beneficial Met by our genial host, Frank Bradford, we man. The two main sessions, Friday and Saturday were whisked out to the Bradford's home to Another excellent fiddler, for my money, nights, were housed in three separate halls freshen up and await the opening activity, and a very clever entertainer was Tee Green simultaneously, all located within a two-block

Contestants in the Fiddlers' Contest. The winner, Ardell Christopher, A bevy of Southwest beauties add their sunshine at Phoenix, is at extreme right, rear.

APRIL, 1951 15 CALLER of the Month US EMPIE is often referred to as the jective has been to keep the callers informed "Square Dance Ambassador of the Boise of what appears to be the varied techniques G Valley." In his work with the U. S. Bu- and styles used by various callers throughout reau of Reclamation he travels throughout the country, in an effort to improve calling the Northwest, to Washington, D. C., Denver, and dancing in the Boise Valley. Colo., and occasionally to other parts of the Gus was born and raised in Safford, Ari- country. Quite often his off-hours at these zona, near the San Carlos Apache Indian Res- places are spent in dancing, calling and ex- ervation. As a boy he worked cattle and close- changing square and round dance material ly followed the activities of nationally-famous with groups in the area visited. In the days rodeo performers. These early experiences no before dance material was distributed so ex- doubt account for the Southwestern flavor in tensively in magazines, books and records, the his calling and dancing. He says that from material was brought back and passed on to the time he started dancing and calling in the Boise Valley dancers. 1947, he has never had as much fun "since For the past two years Idaho's Columbia I quit calf roping." Station, KDSH at Boise, has broadcast a Gus is an alumnus of Pappy Shaw's August weekly radio square dance program featuring class and also attended American Squares Gus Empie and the Idaho Brush Hands. This dance camp in Medford, New Jersey, in 1949. program was also used as a medium for dis- He is author of a square dance entitled The tributing square and round dance material Apache and two round dances, The Riata and throughout the Northwest to interested lis- The Sunset Trail. The Riata is a round dance teners who would write in requesting it. composed to fit the Third Man Theme as ren- Gus calls for various clubs in the Boise dered by Ethel Smith on Decca No. 24908. Valley and particularly at Weiser, Idaho, Babe King, No. 1 lady in the Idaho Brush where he goes each Saturday night to call for Hands set, assisted in the composition. The one of four different clubs and a city-wide Sunset Trail is a waltz which utilizes various community dance. He has been conducting types of waltz steps and has been composed square and round dance work shops and call- to conform to Hayden Simpson's rendition of ers' classes where refresher courses are given the song by the same name on record 4 Star in the execution of square dance figures, round dance routines and calling technique. These No. 1203. sessions wind up in a jamboree type of dance Gus will serve on the square dance staff GUS "BOISE VALLEY" EMPIE with all callers participating. His main ob- for the Folk Dance Camp. area, allowing the crowd to wander from one is filled from rafter to ceiling, around all the was the spirit of friendliness and the warm hall to another with little effort. This arrange- sides, and in every corner with the vast col- hospitality that prevailed everywhere. People ment permitted a much larger crowd than lection of curios and mementoes of the old opened their homes to the many visitors. any one of the halls could have handled alone, west which Bud and his charming wife, Isa- The Valley of the Sun Square Dance Or- but of course let everyone see, hear and par- belle, have been collecting for years. Truly ganization, composed of some 30 clubs, has ticipate in only one-third of the evening's a western atmosphere predominates here and developed many good callers. Encouraging a events, which many people found a little dis- the barn offers a perfect setting for the morn- policy where as many callers as possible call tressing for they didn't want to miss a thing. ing-long get-together, permitting ample op- each evening in each club suffices to produce Ralph Putnam, Shorty Wells and Charley portunity for informal chit-chat. many callers, and we recognize a good motive Mundy and their orchestras furnished the The Saturday afternoon style show was in- in such planning. music on Friday night, while Tee Green's teresting and clever. Each of the 25 couples Congratulations are due the large commit- orchestra, Mom Ruth and her Westerners, who modeled their own lovely costumes also tee who planned this big annual event. It takes and Dude Turner and his Californians held presented a couple dance. Harriet Kline did careful planning and the best of cooperation forth on Saturday night. The dancers really an admirable job of em-ceeing the style show, to put on an affair of this sort and the won- had a fine selection of music. The dancing, but much of her effort was lost to the audi- derful time we had only makes us want to re- of course, was interspersed with various en- ence due to accoustical problems in the gym, turn to another festival of the Valley of the Sun. tertainment and exhibitions. an unfortunate situation which so frequently Outstanding among the things we saw was handicaps us all. The costumes were lovely "CALLING ALL CALLERS!" Dave Clavener's group of teen agers from and interesting, most of them being American For your next Square Dance, call for Southern California who performed beau- of one era or another. tifully in gorgeous Victorian costumes. Their "Side Saddle Sam Stern" presentation was reminiscent of Lloyd Shaw's the Hoe-down Fiddler Cheyenne Mountain Dancers. TREET DANCES were held during the Since the special entertainment was also S lunch hour both Friday and Saturday, 1523 23rd Ave., San Francisco spread among the three halls, no one person where Mom Ruth, the famous woman fid- OV 1-1596 (home) KL 2-3008 (office) could see all of the numbers, and of course dler who is the undefeated champion of Ari- we missed some of the ones we especially zona, provided the music. Mom really makes wanted to see. The program did not list the everyone sit up and take notice when she specific exhibition numbers, which was a starts to fiddle. THE ROUND UP handicap. About 60 callers, quite a number The Phoenix square dance movement is of them guests, supplied the dancers with most interesting. Sort of isolated a bit, Official publication of the geographically, they have developed several plenty of fast hoedown. I mean fast. We Folk Dance Federation of Minnesota found those Arizonans really move when it different mannerisms that are unique. On the comes to square dancing. Some of the cow- allemande left and the grand right and left iioys right off the range really had a wicked they use an upright forearm with a thumb $ 1.00 per year hoof, with the "city folks" smoother in form. clasp that first startles you a little bit, but which you soon adopt and follow easily. In HE SATURDAY morning festival break- general their dancing is fast and not quite as Send your subscription to fast at Bud Brown's Barn on the out- smooth as found in California, especially the T skirts of Phoenix was a treat for every- southland. ARDEN J. JOHNSON, Editor one. Around 400 crowded into the barn to There were so many visitors at the festival enjoy the food, the dancing and the informal it was difficult to detect the pure style of the 703 Hennepin atmosphere teeming with friendliness and gai- Phoenix people, but one thing we could easily Minneapolis, Minn. ety. The barn itself is a treat to visit for it detect, and which was evident on every corner, 16 LET'S DANCE! NATIONAL CALL of the Month PROMENADE Side* 1. First and 3rd balance and swing, now up to the center and back again. 2. Now up to the center and swap your girl, with a great big swing and then a whirl. (First and third gents swing opposite ladies in the center of the set) 3. Now face the sides just you two — By MILDRED R. BUHLER (First man, third lady face fourth couple, third man, first lady face second couple) NAMPA, IDAHO. Callers' Council Meets. The first meeting this year of the Square 4. Go through that couple, go 'round to the middle, Dance Callers' Council was held in Nampa 5. Swing right there in time to the fiddle — with Ross Crispiano as chairman. About 50 (First man, third lady go between fourth couple, cast off (lady R, gent L), they callers and their wives from the Boise Valley meet again in the center and swing, while third man and first lady go between second area as well as the Weiser, Burley and Mc- couple, cast off and meet again in the center and swing) Call areas attended the meeting, where an ex- 6. Face the center and pass right through, split that couple, go 'round to change of ideas and material took place. Co- chairmen of the permanent committee are the middle, Gus Empie, Jere Long and Mel Day, all of 7. And swing right there in time to the fiddle. Boise. (First and third men with original opposites face each other, pass through each other, WENATCHEE, WASH. Apple Pie Contests. then go on to separate the couple they are facing, first man and third lady going be- Throughout this area many of the square tween second couple, while third man and first lady go between fourth couple. Again dance clubs are featuring apple pie contests, they cast off, men to L, ladies to R, and meet in center and again they siving opposites) open to both men and women. Sounds like a wonderful idea and would be welcome as an 8. Now face the center and pass right through, turn right back on the same extra-curricula attraction at any club, any- old track where. Who will furnish the pies? 9. And swing that gal behind you. BAKERSFIELD, CALIF. Indonesian Cadets (First and third men and their opposites face the center, pass through each other, Try Square Dancing. turn around to the right and face each other and swing their own partners who are Forty Indonesian cadets had their first try now facing them) at American square dancing recently when the B-Squares of Bakersfield entertained them at 10. Now circle up four in the center of the floor — the Horace Mann School here. Simple squares 11. It's 'round and around and around you go, and when you get straight and rounds were chosen by the callers, Ber- do a do-paso nice Braddon, Chappie Chapman, Ken Up De Graf, Kenneth Kingsbury and Harry Carr. 12. That's turn partner by the left, your opposite by the right, partner by the L More than 60 members of the B-Squares at- (Only first and third couples are working) tended the party, with the ladies acting as 13. Now sides cut in and it's corners all with the right hand 'round, partners for their foreign guests while the 14. It's partners all with the left hand 'round, corners all with the R hand men served the refreshments. These cadets 'round also do their own dances—see Folks in Focus. (Second and fourth couples now join the action) ASTORIA, ORE. Y.M.C.A. Holds Festival. The Astoria Y.M.C.A. held a square dance 15. Sides cut out, it's partners left, opposites right, partners left, and festival in conjunction with the American Y- 16. Home you go, and everybody swings. Centennial Anniversary week celebration. (Second and fourth couples become inactive again, and first and third couples finish Groups from Clatskanie, St. Helena, Tilla- it up, then everybody sivings) mook, Canon Beach, Seaside and Gearhart * * * were invited to participate in the "hoedown." We do not know where this call originated. We received it from Frank "Pop" Dunkle BURBANK, CALIF. Graduation Held. of Bell, Calif., who in turn received it from Herb Greggcrson of El Paso, Texas, but in a Burbank Recreation Department recently slightly different form. held graduation exercises for 200 members of its beginning square dance class held at the Olive Recreation Center under the direction bitions, found himself in a bit of a quandary, GLENDORA, CALIF. Northerners Visit of Al McMullen. This latest graduation was but the general opinion was that square danc- Southland. the ninth one held, and it is estimated that ers of the equine variety should confine their Betty Grass of San Leandro, Peg Allmond more than 3400 persons have learned to square performances to the great out-of-doors, of of San Francisco and Mildred Buhler of Red- dance at the Olive Recreation Center since which there is so much in Arizona. wood City all attended the Square Dance Jam- the inauguration of this program. New classes VENTURA, CALIF. Optimists Stage Big boree sponsored by the San Gabriel Valley still continue to be formed. Square Dance. Square Dance Association which was held at BROWNSMEAD, ORE. Box Social Benefit. Billed as the largest square dance ever held Bill Mooney's beautiful new Square Dance The Brownsmead Grange held a box social in Ventura County was the one recently staged Barn (more like a palace) out at the White and square dance recently at the Grange Hall. Oaks Ranch in Glendora on Feb. 11. This Enough money was raised to pay for a new at the Moose Hall in Foster Park by the place is some joint, and one that every square coat of paint for the building. Ventura Optimists. Callers, musicians and dance caller would love to work in, much PHOENIX, ARIZ. Mounted Quadrille Team the Order of the Moose contributed their less own. With loom for 100 sets, counting Presented Problem. talents and facilities in order to increase the patio dance area, a dozen or so built-in speak- The entry of the state champion mounted benefit fund which went to the projected ers to cover every corner of the room, a magic quadrille team, whose horses are owned by Westpark Swimming Pool. wall that opens out to provide a roof over the Gordon Hale of Phoenix, presented a head- U.S.A. Square Dance Callers Travel Widely. patio if a quick rain should blow up, and ache to festival committee heads of the Fourth With Bob Osgood traveling across the a perfectly beautiful floor, with spacious dress- Annual Square Dance Festival of the Valley country to New England and back, Ralph ing rooms and a snack bar—what a square of the Sun, held recently in Phoenix. Ad- Maxheimer on a Texas trek, Herb Greggerson dancer's paradise! Congratulations to Bill vertising that the festival was open to "all off to the Dutch West Indies, and Mildred and his partner, and many, many good wishes. square dance lovers," the entry of the danc- Buhler running all over the central and Besides enjoying seeing this square dance ing equines brought fire from the worried southwest states, square dance leaders are "palace," the trio of northern visitors en- taxpayers who felt the horses should be barred doing more than a bit of traveling these days. joyed the very fine dancing they witnessed, from the gym floors. Committeeman Johnny New ideas are bound to pop up all over the as well as the most gracious hospitality ex- A* Iton, in charge oi trie inside dance exhi- place. tended them.

APRIL, 1951 17 AMERICA DANCES BY HENRY ("BUZZ") GLASS SQUARE (Continued from Last Month") and participation of the group and the ESIDE historic change impinging upon engendered by good fellowshin was a. our dance movement, we must recognize value. With the development of the Set B the interests, tastes, and even the prefer- dancing that we know today, folk and square ences of people. One must concede that if a dancing received, a definite imprint of the by PEG ALLMOND dance form meets a demand and satisfies its American cultural pattern. This impression need it has a justifiable existence. The night not only directed the movement but it gave this writer saw "Red Shoes" there were 50 it its unique stamp. Those who find it dis- people in the theater. Around the corner at tasteful to lose the color and contrast of in- the same time there were hundreds seeing ternational dancing can direct their exple- a rousing Western. While people may be edu- tives at the same institution that gave us the cated to seek what some term the less arti- Ford, the coke, the home laundry, the can of ficial and more genuine type of dance, mere fruit, and the carton of.milk. Our American snobbishness and name calling will not di- institutions are moved by mass productions. vert a potent force. Certainly the quality of This has made itself felt in the desire of a Hora, Kolo, Morris Dance, La Jota, or Americans to have standardized products and Csardas has a genuine essence that pales some to be alike. of the seemingly anemic ballroom dances. It is interesting to note that patterned However, one must recognize that there are dances may have become popular because they many who do not share the universal taste of were like standardized products. Thus, a de- some folk dancers in their desires to probe mand has been created for packaged dances. more deeply into world dance culture. The Though we may deny or resist it, the -force "- situation should clarify itself when we realize is potent and prevalent. Compare the adoption that we must cater to various levels within the of a dance in which it is suggested that peo- folk and square dance movement. This_ should ple ad lib and improvise (such as Carlos be accepted, not as necessarily lowering cul- Rosas with his Mexican dances) to one that tural forms but more as recognizing differ- is definite in form and one has the answer. ences within our vast society. This does not mean that Americans are New officers of the Callers' Association of Another interesting aspect of our present lacking in imagination or creative possibili- Northern California: (front row) Jack McKay, dance movement is its scope and numbers in ties, for these factors have developed our civ- research; Robert H. (Scotty) McLeod, mem- dances and dancers. In days past, the num- ilization. It does signify that people feel more bership; C. J. Yiery, program. (Back row, ber of participants in the folk dancing move- comfortable with an established form. As standing] William Castner, vice president; Ei- ment was limited in number. The dancers folk and square dancing have become mass leen Cullum, secretary; Jack Sankey, president; did not seem particularly anxious about new activities, they have undergone many changes Harry Cullum, historian; Dan Allen, treasurer. dances. The main emphasis was on recreation which contrast with original sources. Perhaps (Photo by Phil Maron.) we can more clearly see why some dances merge toward a more prosaic pattern and REPORT OF THE SECOND TRI-YEARLY executive committee for the new year. lose some of their identifying qualities. INSTITUTE OF THE SQUARE DANCE Things to be remembered: Anne Malkemus CALLERS' ASSOCIATION OF NORTH- passing out the peanut brittle . . . Phil Maron NE of the most interesting developments ERN CALIFORNIA. climbing around to get a picture . . . the on the American scene has been the de- stacks of doughnuts hauled out to treat the O velopment of square dancing. In the far The two-day institute started with luncheon west and southwest, urban people found at 12:30 Saturday, and in spite of rain and crowd, by Mr. and Mrs. Dan Allen . . . Art Valine calling to the failing electricity flow square dancing a wonderful diversion. Where 26 miles of the curviest road in Sonoma Coun- formerly there had been but a handful of ty, 60 arrived in time to eat! Classes were . . . the ladies' squeals in Fay Bowman's game session at same , . . the balloon break- callers, there suddenly blossomed callers by held in the main building, which also pro- the hundreds. With the generating of interest vided sleeping quarters in steam-heated dor- by-sitting game . . . the roaring fire kept burning by Wesley Duckworth from Stock- and mass participation, square dance lead- mitories. Following luncheon there were an ers not only created new variants of old fig- institute in square dance figures and choruses, ton . . . the bride and groom, Mr. and Mrs. Bradley Sonderman . . . the snow on the road ures, but introduced a maze of new patterns review of two contra dances and presentation and calls. of two new round dances. Following dinner, up ... the beautiful bend in the Gualala River from the clubhouse. To some extent, the new leaders as well as all new material was reviewed, and there was the dancers without a traditional background an hour of community singing led by Andree Another Institute goes down in our mem- created so many innovations that the standard Hull. Then Fay Bowman of Sebastopol had ories. Better sign up for the next one—you simple patterns known to generations were adults and children participating in a pro- and your family, that is. You will all enjoy it. gram of games aimed to make everyone laugh overshadowed by newer additions. While peo- and get better acquainted. This presentation Nice parties at the GRASSHOPPERS in ple enjoyed the new calls and patter, some was so successful that Fay was asked to pro- San Leandro every month—everyone is wel- became bewildered by the complexity of the vide instructions and material so other lead- come so get in touch with BETTY GRASS calls and the rapid pace of dancing. Tradi- ers could use his "bag of tricks" to help get and line yourself up for a good time. tionally, one could take his place in his local new groups acquainted in a hurry. grange group with a knowledge of basic pat- Begorra—and Top o' the Morning to You. terns. On the other hand, his city cousin dis- Then came the party at which all callers That was the greeting on the card inviting covered that he now had to walk through a were given an opportunity to call. Art Valine guests to the SWINGSTERS' party March 2 fairly complicated maneuver before "sets of Sacramento was M.C. in Laurel Hall. Sort of rushed St. Patrick were in order." Sunday morning breakfast started the sec- but everyone had so much fun St. Patrick could hardly object. To evaluate square dancing- in California ond day. An inspirational talk was given by one must consider the some 100,000 or more Bea Barnett of Eureka. Bea has a penchant CLIFF GARVIN of the YOKE AND WHIF- people square dancing today. The trend in for making even square dance calling a career FLETREE_CLUB of Seattle paid a visit to California, which is largely urban, perhaps of importance, pointing out that a caller is a San Francisco recently. Cliff was down on reflects the restlessness of the time and the leader in his area and it is his obligation to business for the telephone company and desire for "bigger and better" square danc- see that his group activity is kept clean and mixed up a few squares with business. He ing. It means that many of those who adopted wholesome, and that the members of his group called a good square and danced with the square dancing found in its patterns an out- get to know each other as neighbors should. Square Cutters. His group dances the second let for their energies and a new challenge. Bea gives a comforting talk, and holds her and fourth Fridays—and have a party on the Certainly it met a need for social recreation audience to the last word. first Saturday of each mouth. His is an open in the era of commercial entertainment when Followed more institute-luncheon-review-—• group and welcomes visitors, so step in and the usual pattern was for people to pay to and then the most important of all business square dance with them the next time you are have others entertain them. meetings—the election of members to the in Seattle. Like an American success story, the sqi

18 LET'S DANCE! dance movement found itself propelled and of the traditional folk dances were eliminated boosted by more callers, record companies, from the repertoire or watered to a sterile department stores, recreation departments and melange. The positive approach is not merely schools. Its recent growth with its attendant to condemn or to sneer snobbishly. Attempts problems has caused some to ponder its di- and efforts have been made to perform more n. Many feel that the true charm of widely some of the English and delightful square dancing has been obliterated by Scandinavian dances, but the efforts have not tendencies. Any desire to return to been felt by the greater body of folk dancers. BOOKSHELF former times must take into account the thou- Some believe that it is unfortunate that more sands of new dancers and leaders that have American dancers enjoy the Irish Waltz as LUCILE CZARNOWSKI, EDITOR given square dancing its present form. While contrasted to a rousing Kolo, but one must square dance leaders are generally optimistic be aware of the quality that appeals to the that people will continue to form their sets, American diet. In reality, if we are under- \DVANCED SQUARE DANCE FIG- its tendencies will be influenced largely by standing, we will realize that, as a mass move- present day society throughout the nation. ment, American folk dancers will react as URES OF THE WEST AND SOUTH- others would in other climes throughout the WEST. By Lee Owens and Viola S WITH square dancing, folk dancing world—they will interpret and select those Ruth. Palo Alto, Calif.: Pacific Books, likewise has been shaped by forces op- dances that are nearer to their cultural pat- 1950. 143 pp. $3.00. Calls, descrip- A erating within our cultural patterns. As terns. folk dancing moved from small units to larger Other problems of the present folk and tions and music. groups, changes occurred. The growth of square dance movement stem from the com- greater numbers meant a greater demand for petition in leadership which has been influ- I have, with a pleased sigh, just laid leaders, more leaders developed competitive enced by commercial values. It did not take down Lee Owen's newest and latest groups, and thus the cycle developed. So long for the cultural movement to be evaluated book, Advanced Square Dance Figures great was the demand that teachers who were in dollars and cents and this in itself influ- of the West and Southwest. actually neither teachers nor trained dancers enced the dance movement. That the effects served to fill the need. Many of these did have been beneficial as well as deleterious This is an excellent book that will ap- outstanding missionary work in spreading the must both be considered. peal to the advanced square dancer as gospel, and gave time, energy and money to Unable to slow the movement, leaders found bring to others the message of folk dancing. well as the caller. The thirty-odd figures members of their groups pressuring for new and fillers and breaks are for the more With the great increase in folk dancers, and more dances. Unable to fill the demand, certain trends developed which brought criti- many dancers began to shift from group to versatile square dance groups and some cism from various national leaders. Some have group thus adding a new problem for leaders of the figures are definitely of exhibi- indicated that the dances all seem to look and a new shade of color to the movement. tion calibre. alike, that a whirl and a clap seem to be the The idea of keeping up with the Jonses has common ingredients while others have been had its share in the dance program and has A word regarding terminology might shocked with the pseudo forms taken from contributed to the sterility of dances incom- be appropriate. Mr. Owens' Western traditional folk dances. On the other hand pletely digested in style and form. "do-si-do" is the same figure as we. in the scene of thousands of costumed folk danc- ers overflowing municipal auditoriums thrill- OME of the dancers who would call them- California, call "do-pas-so." There are ing both dancers and spectators became a selves traditionalists are shocked by the other minor variations from our accept- common sign of the times. Spresence in the dance scene of what they ed local terminology, but his terminol- As in square dancing the mass movement would term a low mongrel form. They of ogy fits the greater part of the United of folk dancing has created its own needs and course refer to the ballroom type dance and interests. The greater number of dancers sig- composed dance finding its way into the folk States and therefore is correct. nified that the skill, individuality, style and and square dance scene. Some look with dis- This is a cover-to-cover book. Lee the folklore of traditional forms became dis- gust at Tea for Two, Altai, Square Tango, Owens' interesting selection of figures sipated or diffused in the swaying masses. Down the Lane and others. However, before In common with the tendency to "put things one levels the accusing finger, one should see and calls, his detailed descriptions, and the increasing numbers enjoying these round Viola "Mom" Ruth's appropriately se- in the bank," the pressure was put on leaders dances throughout the West. The round dance to give more and newer material. Aided by is vigorously nresent upon the scene. Only lected music will keep you reading and record companies, dance journals, as well as dancing from preface to Home Sweet these same national leaders, more and more the passage of time will denote whether it will material was presented to dancers without it pass into oblivion as other dance forms of Home! yesterday. Suffice it to say, that people have WILLIAM E. CASTNER, being completely digested. With the aid of an appetite and interest in these dances. As pressed records and P. A. systems, tradition- Berkeley 3, California. al dances of other countries as well as those in other movements, the dances of the mo- of ethnic groups received the markings of ment will be supplanted by others with more character. People and time will ferret the A WORD ABOUT THE AUTHORS: mass participation. more interesting and appealing from those Lee Owens is an experienced dancer and URING the span of years, California that are dull. On the positive side, new dances caller of the square dance and has demon- dancers have had the opportunity to con- will appear that show originality and skill in strated his ability with dance groups in all D tact rich folk dance material with the composition. The desire of a great section of sections of the country where the square presence of May Gadd, Frank Smith, Herb the American public for packaged dances dance flourishes. In this, his most recent work, Greggerson, Ralph Page, Lucile Czarnowski, that provide relaxation and recreation cannot he was aided by the leading callers in each Vyts Beliajus, Carlos Rosas, Gert Kaufmann, be denied. Round dancing may be the realiza- locality from which calls were selected. Elizabeth Rearick, Lloyd Shaw and others. tion of dancing for thousands who have not Viola Ruth, known to her friends as "Mom" On one hand, the presence of these leaders been brought in contact with the present folk Ruth, is the undefeated champion fiddler of would not have been possible without the and square dance program. At least, the Arizona. Her music has the fundamental mass activity of folk and square dancers who round dances will definitely supplement the stamp of tradition gained through many years provided a ready market. In spite of the other types. of playing for square dance gatherings.— unique lilt of the Lithuanian folk dances, the Today and tomorrow America will be danc- L. K. C. buoyancy of the Israeli dance or the pleasant ing. Its direction and impetus will be geared jogging of the running set brought from its by the taste, influences and standards of the indigenous home, dance leaders were not able dancers and leaders. In its course, it will re- America will be dancing. In both square and to "sell" these dances to their constituents. flect the tensions and interests of our present folk and round dancing thousands of Ameri- To understand why folk dancers would en- generation and perhaps be submerged merely cans who previously never danced will be joy the strains of Lili Marlene or the Irish to rise again, altered but continuous in its having recreation in school, recreation centers, Waltz to the challenge of a Lithuanian folk presence. For the traditionalist who sees and private groups, granges, churches and count- dance one must take into account the patterns rebels against the trends of the present move- less other institutions in our society. While of a culture which more readily accepts that ment in square and folk dancing, there will the problems of the present seem to be vexa- which is familiar and near at hand. Again, the be kindred folk to carry on dance activities tious and confusing, tomorrow will cast great- larger numbers of dancers with their own that will reflect their approach to world and er light on the influences of American cul- ideas oi •vrtwA \k&y dtsi^ed meant that many national dance activities. All can agree that tural patterns in our dance scene. 19 APRIL, 1951 WANTED—Lady Square Dancers to take "1 have gotten more good out of American orders for exclusive factory original-styled Squares and books that I ordered from you K U R A N T' S Square Dance Costumes, Pantaloons and than from any other source in my fifty years Petticoats from your own home, for individ- of calling."—F. A. SPRUNGER, Bristol, Ind. WESTERN OUTFITTERS uals and clubs. Large assortment of smartly- trimmed full swing ankle length. You will en- Only $1.00 for 12 months of the joy this pleasant work with its high earnings. Small investment required to cover samples. finest square dance magazine for the folk dancer Virginia Reel Co., 416 E. Kiowa St., Colo- rado Springs, Colo. AMERICAN SQUARES A full line of Western Outfitting for men, women and children 121-6 Delaware St. Woodbury, N. J. SISKEN—BACHELOR'S WALTZ COWBOY BOOTS - SHIRTS - PANTS, Etc. Same record, new label: Johnny Calvin 5001 We sell books and records. Write for our EXbrook 2-5518 San Francisco 82 Third St. Coming soon catalog at the same time. CHESTNUT TREE — TUCKER'S WALTZ Johnny Calvin 5002 Send dealers' orders to HERE ARE THE LONG-PLAYING RECORDS YOU HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR

THREE DOUBLE-FACE TEN-INCH DISCS, WITHOUT CALLS

2363 Pacific Ave. Stockton, California Recorded by us and pressed on pure Vinylite in our own plant, thus guaranteeing Superior workmanship and quality throughout.

Stc mrttaasec Continuous recordings from seven and a half to eight minutes to a side. Conventional groov- ing, not microgroove, so you can play these discs on your present 33 r.p.m. equipment. Selection of all numbers and production of same personally supervised during recording by Don Mills, the Pacific Northwest's foremost folk dance authority. Music by ROGER CRANDALL and his BARN DANCE BOYS. Each side consists of a medley of two numbers which add to the musical interest of the dance. The beat is solid and the tempo is. even and sustained throughout each dance. Here are the numbers with pertinent data on each:

1001. Aside DOWN HOME RAG and Key of A; MBM: 134 KELSO RAG Playing time: 8 min. Bside MISSISSIPPI SAWYER and Key of D; MBM: 134 RAGTIME ANNIE Playing time: 8 min.

CMARLC3iCRETE CARPENTER 82 s.Hormlton st.Dcpf-C-z -New ADDRESS- POUGHKEEPSJt, N.Y 1002. Aside THE CAMPBELLS ARE COMING and Key of D; MBM: 132 IRISH DANCE Playing time: 7 min. 55 seconds Bside ARKANSAS TRAVELER and Key of G; MBM: 132 Sets In Order TENNESSEE WAGGONER Playing time: 7 min. 30 seconds A SQUARE DANCE MAGAZINE 1003. Aside OLD JOE CLARK and Key of G; MBM: 136 DEVIL'S DREAM FOR SQUARE DANCERS!! Playing time: 8 min. 3 seconds Bside THE GAL I LEFT BEHIND ME and Key of G; MBM: 132 Each issue filled with new ideas, new calls, new patter, round dances, book and record BUFFALO GALS Playing time: 7 min. 55 seconds reviews and coverage of important Square Dancing events—all slanted toward the true IF YOU CANNOT OBTAIN THESE RECORDS FROM YOUR LOCAL DEALER YOU MAY fun and enjoyment of this hobby. ORDER DIRECT FROM US, BUT WHEN ORDERING, PLEASE LET US HAVE YOUR DEAL- ER'S NAME AND ADDRESS. Have SETS IN ORDER mailed directly to your home every month _for a whole year. RETAIL PRICE PER DISC—$3.00 Your subscription — sent in today — starts with the very next issue. Price $2.50 per 12-month year. Send subscriptions to:

SETS IN ORDER No. Robertson Blvd. 2417 -SECOND AVENUE SEATTLE 1, WASHINGTON