Radiolab Birdie in the Cage
9 snips
Jun 21, 2024 
Tracy Hunt, a Radiolab producer and reporter, dives into the fascinating world of square dancing, tracing its roots and cultural significance in America. She questions whether this dance should be our national folk dance, exploring its complex history from Appalachian porches to Congress. The conversation highlights issues of inclusion and identity within the dance, revealing a humorous critique of political dialogues and the joy of community through dance. Hunt captures the spirit of square dancing as a celebration of heritage and unity, urging listeners to rethink its role in American culture.
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Square Dancing's Prevalence
- Tracy Hunt had never seen square dancing before reporting this story, only knowing it from Oklahoma.
- Square dancing was taught in almost every U.S. school and is the state folk dance in roughly 30 states.
Search for American Identity
- In the late 1800s, newer immigrants were viewed differently, prompting discussions about American identity.
- This led to a search for "pure" American culture, exemplified by Cecil Sharp's study of Appalachian music.
Sharp's View of Square Dancing
- Cecil Sharp believed that Appalachian residents held the purest Anglo-Saxon heritage, including dance.
- He saw square dancing as a blend of European styles and assumed it was a pure Anglo-Saxon tradition.
