Ralph Page Dance Legacy Weekend Syllabi 1998-2017
This is a very extensive collection of traditional dances from New England as called at each annual dance weekend. A significant portion of the program celebrates the tradition’s roots and includes choreography for traditional contras and quadrilles, triple minor dances, singing squares, and couple dances as part of the program.
From RPDLW and UNH
This book by Patrick Napier (available online as a PDF) provides a wonderful introduction to Kentucky Mountain Square Dancing. The book includes a bit of history and general calling tips prior to describing many Big Set and Running Set figures. It also includes fillers and closing calls.
From CDSS
A useful and informative introduction, plus a variety of figures for big set, square, and two couple formations.
From Hugh Stewart
Contra, square, grid square, and mixer dances composed by Rick Mohr.
A collection of square dances for seated dancers. Descriptions of the figures are here.
From Fred Wersan
Contra and square dances composed by North Carolina caller Bob Dalsemer.
The Challenge Square Dancing Handbook
This handbook by Clark Baker includes terminology and concepts used in higher levels of modern Western square dance.
This online version of Bob Dalsemer’s book describes dance figures as done in five rural West Virginia communities in the 1970s and reports on their regular dance events, including programming, type of audience, price and method of admission, and the traditions of figure calling and musical performance.
The Old-Time Kentucky Running Set
This article by Stu Jamieson covers variations on the Southern Appalachian big circle/set formation, including descriptions of the dances, calls, and more.
This is a free software for organizing your collection of dances. It comes with Colin’s collection of over 2000 dances, including English country dance (Playford and traditional style), American squares and contras, Scottish dances, and more.
From Colin Hume
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.