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Although square dancing is considered a typically American form of dance, its origin can
be traced to earlier European folk dances. The traditional formation, a square
consisting of four couples facing each other, can be found in many old European
formation dances, including English Morris dancing, Scottish reels, and Irish jigs, as well
as the elegant ballroom dancing of the royal courts.
Historically, square dancing in America has followed two separate lines of development,
referred to as eastern square dance and western or cowboy square dance. The eastern
dance was clearly related to New England country dancing, with the four-couple square.
In contrast, western square dance was adapted from Appalachian Mountain dances
such as the Kentucky running set. In the running set, couples from a circle of any
number of couples, although often traditional four-couple circles are preferred. Western
dance was also influenced by the dances already found in the region,
especially those of Spain and Mexico.
Modern American square dancing includes elements of both the eastern and western
varieties. The traditional four-couple square is popular, but all four couples join hands for
circle figures around the square as well. Unlike the original dances, which could be
memorized, modern dances are more spontaneous. Square dances rely on a caller to
cue the steps while they are dancing. They must listen carefully to stay in step with the
other dancers in the square.
Aunque el baile cuadrado se considera una forma típicamente americana de danza, su origen se
remonta a los bailes populares europeos anteriores. La formación tradicional, una plaza formada
por cuatro parejas enfrentadas entre sí, se puede encontrar en muchas antiguas danzas de
formación europeas, incluyendo baile inglés Morris, carretes escoceses, y jigs irlandeses, así como
el elegante baile de salón de las cortes reales.
El baile americano moderno incluye elementos de las variedades oriental y occidental. La plaza
tradicional de cuatro parejas es popular, pero las cuatro parejas se unen para figuras de círculo
alrededor de la plaza también. A diferencia de las danzas originales, que podrían memorizarse,
las danzas modernas son más espontáneas. Los bailes cuadrados dependen de un oyente para
dar los pasos mientras bailan. Deben escuchar con atención para permanecer en el paso de los
otros bailarines en la plaza.