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We have previously brought you the official song of every US state, and now it's time to delve deeper into America's cultural roots by bringing you the official dances and music symbols of US states. It should be noted that not every American state has an official dance, or indeed any other formally designated music symbol.
Here, we've compiled a list of those that have official state dances, official state instruments, and everything in between. Click through the gallery and get to know all about them.
Alabama named the square dance as the official state American folk dance in 1981.
Yup'ik dance, or Yuraq, is a traditional Inuit style of dancing. While it hasn’t been designated as Alaska's official state dance, it's an important state symbol.
The state also designated the square dance as their official American folk dance. The Natural State did so in 1991. Arkansas also adopted an official state musical instrument in 1985—the fiddle (violin).
As with many other states, the square dance is California's official state folk dance. However, west coast swing is the official state dance of California. Both were designated in 1988.
In 1992, Colorado also designated the square dance as its American folk dance. It combines elements of English reels, French quadrilles, Irish jigs, and Spanish fandangos.
Connecticut named the square dance as the official state folk dance in 1995. "The square dance is uniquely American... The format, many of the folk dances movements, and the terminology incorporated into the square dance were brought by early emigrants from other countries to the United States," writes Betty Casey in her 1976 book, 'The Complete Book of Square Dancing.'
Delaware designated Maypole dancing as the official state dance in 2016. According to the state's bill, "the Maypole Dance is a celebration of springtime, the month of May, and the end of winter."
Square dance has been Georgia's official state folk dance since 1996. "Had these Western dances been the dances of scholars, every variant would have been recorded and fully annotated. Chronologies and pedigrees and records would have been kept. But these were the dances of country folk, who kept all their essential knowledge written only on the uncertain pages of memory!" wrote Lloyd Shaw about the origins of the dance in his 1939 book, 'Cowboy Dances.'
Hawaii designated the hula as the state's official dance in 1999. The state's traditional musical instrument is the pahu, a type of Hawaiian drum used in the hula. In 2015, Hawaii named the ukulele ('auana) the official state modern musical instrument.
Idaho is yet another state that designated the square dance as the official state American folk dance. The Gem State did so in 1989. "The Square Dance, which was first associated with the American people and recorded in history since 1651, has consistently been the one dance traditionally recognized by the American people as a dignified and enjoyable expression of American folk dancing," reads the bill.
Square dance has been the official state American Folk Dance of Illinois since 1990. "The square dance provided pioneers with recreation and social contact with neighbors—and is still doing that today!" wrote Richard M. MacKinnon in 'An American Folk Custom.'
Surprisingly, it wasn't until 2007 that bluegrass music became Kentucky's official state music. The Bluegrass State adopted clogging as the official state dance in 2006. Clogging is a traditional social dance of the Kentucky Appalachian culture. The official state musical instrument of Kentucky is the Appalachian Dulcimer.
The diatonic accordion, also called a "squeezebox" or "Cajun accordion,” has been Louisiana's official musical instrument since 1990. As for the state's official folk dance, it's also the square dance.
In 1994, Maryland adopted the square dance as the official state folk dance.
The Bay State named the musician Taj Mahal (Henry St. Clair Fredericks) as the official state blues artist in 2006. As for Massachusetts state folk dance, it's the square dance.
The Magnolia State adopted the square dance as its official state American folk dance in 1995.
Missouri designated the fiddle (violin) as the official state musical instrument in 1987. The instrument has been present since the days of the pioneers, and played an important role at community gatherings and square dances (which also happen to be the state's official folk dance). Pictured is violinist Lucille Turner from Missouri.
Square dance has been Nebraska's official state American folk dance since 1997. "They were the dances of laconic folk who didn't tell all they knew even under questioning! They were often the dances of secretive folk who were somewhat jealous of their special talent and special knowledge... So all we have to go by in our speculations is the internal evidence presented by the dances themselves," wrote Lloyd Shaw about the vague origins of American square dance.
New Jersey is yet another state that designated the square dance as the official state American folk dance. The Garden State did so in 1983.
The New Mexico sunrise guitar was designated the official state guitar of the Land of Enchantment in 2009. This custom guitar designed by Pimentel and Sons takes more than a year to craft. The instrument is indeed special. Its exquisite features include inlaid Zia sun symbols and ten types of aged wood.
North Carolina named clogging as the official state folk dance and the shag as the official state popular dance in 2005. The shag is a type of swing dance that gained popularity in the 1930s and '40s.
North Dakota is yet another state that designated the square dance its official state folk dance. The Peace Garden State did so in 1995.
Oklahoma named the fiddle (violin) as the official state musical instrument in 1984. Oklahoma also recognizes the drum as the Sooner State's percussive instrument. "Drums are a vital part of many types of music in Oklahoma, ranging from Native American ceremonial rhythms to country, folk, jazz, and rock music," notes the Oklahoma Historical Society.
Oregon adopted the square dance as the official state dance in 1977. According to the Oregon Blue Book, "The pioneer origins of the dance and the characteristic dress are deemed to reflect Oregon’s heritage; the lively spirit of the dance exemplifies the friendly, free nature and enthusiasm that are a part of the Oregon Character."
The Philly Pops was designated the official state Pops orchestra in 1999.
South Carolina's official state dance is the shag, adopted in 1984. Then, in 1999, South Carolina designated the spiritual as the official state music. And in 2001, beach music was named the official state popular music. This type of music is associated with the shag dance.
South Dakota named the fiddle (violin) as the official state musical instrument in 1989.
Watauga Valley Fife & Drum Corps was adopted as the official fife and drum corps of Tennessee in 2014. In addition, the state has had the square dance as its official folk dance since 1980. "Among the traditions (of our ancestors) that have survived intact is the square dance, a uniquely attractive art form that remains a vibrant and entertaining part of Tennessee folklore," reads the legislation.
The Lone Star state designated the guitar as the official state musical instrument in 1997. In addition, western swing music was named the official state music of Texas in 2011. "Born and bred in Texas, western swing is a musical melting pot that represents the diverse groups that have contributed to the growth and prosperity of our state and the distinctive way of life that has flourished here, and it is indeed a fitting symbol for the rich cultural heritage that is shared by all Texans," reads the 82nd Legislature of the State of Texas.
The Beehive State designated the square dance as its official folk dance in 1994.
Virginia is yet another state that declared the square dance as the official state folk dance. The Old Dominion state did so in 1991.
Square dance has been Washington's official state dance since 1979. "When the pioneers came west, they brought with them a dance called the quadrille, which means square in French. The pioneers liked the simpler term and so the square dance was born. The dance is known for its series of figures and footwork. Dancers are directed by a caller. It is easy to learn, a good form of exercise, and fun," explains the Washington State Legislature website.
Wisconsin officially named the polka their state dance in 1993. A symbol of the state's German heritage, "the polka is deeply ingrained in Wisconsin cultural traditions," according to the Wisconsin Blue Book.
Sources: (State Symbols USA) (50States) (New Mexico Museum of Art)
See also: The best songs for each US state
US states with official dances and music symbols
Do you know yours?
LIFESTYLE Usa
We have previously brought you the official song of every US state, and now it's time to delve deeper into America's cultural roots by bringing you the official dances and music symbols of US states. It should be noted that not every American state has an official dance, or indeed any other formally designated music symbol.
Here, we've compiled a list of those that have official state dances, official state instruments, and everything in between. Click through the gallery and get to know all about them.