Traditional American Dance

In the days when immigrants and travellers landed at the coasts of the young United States of America during the last centuries, they brought goods, news, dances and songs which have been very popular during that time: quadrille, waltz, polka, English, Scottish and Irish folk dance. Adapted and regionally different historical American dance has been developed out of that, such as prompted quadrilles, early square dance, Kentucky running sets and others.

The historical COLORADO Ranchers group is cultivating the North American dance traditions of the 19. century.

The re-experience of ballroom etiquette and old dance formation is interesting, especially for square dancers, as a part of the square dance roots could be found in the quadrilles and lanciers of that time. The collection of dancing steps is not as extensive as in modern square dance, so that non-square dancers are warmly welcome, if they bring along engagement, care and empathy. The search of old documents and melodies of this era and region is very costly, just as sometimes the expensive authentic costumes and clothing. Any further suggestion and help from your side is greatly welcome.

Documents partly originate from the library of the American Congress and the American History Society. The public performance in such costumes is very desired and we are prepared to organise such a performance if you are interested in.

In accordance with the general re-enactment principles, we assume names like “Alias” from this time and enjoy this very much. So ranks from North and South and the time thereafter together with their wives’ names are also represented, like Wyatt Earp from Monmouth, Illinois, Jack Daniels from Lynchburg and other persons from the general public, such as Johnes Sutter on whom's land gold was found in 1849 which aroused the gold fever. An own Prompter and caller, such as Mr. Judge Roy Bean as well as Mr. Gatsby from Trenton, New Jersey among others, support us.