An expansive resource of square dance history, repertoire, and more. Also contains a vast collection of stories, photographs, video, and audio.
The Performing Arts in Colonial American Newspapers, 1690-1783
This publication fills a major gap in access to eighteenth-century American sources for research in the performing arts and related humanities fields. It includes all references to music, poetry (lyrics), dance, and theater in American newspapers, from the earliest extant copy (1690) through the end of the Revolutionary War (1783).
Compiled by Mary Jane Corry, Kate Van Winkle Keller, and Robert M. Keller
The Full English Project is the world’s biggest free digital archive of traditional folk music and dance tunes, and songs.
From EFDSS
The Folk Scholarship Roots and Geopolitical Boundaries of Sacred Harp’s Global Twenty-first Century
This article by Jesse P. Karlsberg describes the history of Sacred Harp from its infancy until today.
From CD+S Online
Digital Video Research Archive of Morris, Sword and Clog Dancing
This video archive contains hundreds of videos of morris and sword dancing both from English and American teams 1912 – present.
From Anthony G. Barrand & Francisco J. Ricardo, Boston University
This online collection contains an extensive set of dance notes from various traditions as collected by Roy Dommett. It also includes articles on other topics such as sport injuries, playing music for morris, clowning in morris, and more.
by Dr. Anthony Barrand
One Hundred Years of Morris Dancing in America
An article on the history of morris dance in the US by Rhett Krause.
From the CDSS News
City Folk: English Country Dance and the Politics of the Folk in Modern America
A book describing the history of English country dance, from its 18th century roots in the English cities and countryside to its transatlantic leap to the U.S. in the 20th century. Written by a renowned historian and folk dancer, immersed in the rich history of the folk tradition.
By Daniel Walkowitz
Thanks to the Massachusetts Cultural Council for their generous support.