"Square dances have developed over five hundred years. The mainstays were the morris dance and the maypole dances of England. The royal ballroom dances of the French aristocracy and the Spanish church dances also made an impact.
"Most of the music for American Square Dancing has come to us from the English, Irish, Scottish, and Welsh. France, Spain, and other European countries contributed their music, too.
"It is interesting to note that the old dances of England, France, Spain, Germany, Poland, Austria and Mexico are interwoven like a musical carpet.
"The morris dance is one of the most ancient English dances of Old England and was one of the most popular dances of Old England. The name is derived from the word Morisco which shows that the dance has a Moorish origin. One of Shakespeare's characters says, "I've seen him caper like a wild Morisco."
"The roots of square dancing are deep and ahve been nurtured by every people, tribe, and civilization all over the world. We should continue these precious traditions."
from: Piute Pete's Down Home Square Dance Book by Piute Pete. Grosset & Dunlap, 1977
The Four Corners Dancers invite you to join us for a dance and linger long enough to enjoy the many natural and cultural features of the area: The San Juan National Forest, the geological wonders of the high desert canyons, Mesa Verde National Park, Hovenweep National Monument, the Four Corners National Monument, the Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad in Durango, and Arches National Monument in nearby Utah.
Come back frequently, this is a work in progress...
This page was last updated on: March 28, 2007
The History of the Four Corners Dancers...
Prior to 1989, there were 2 clubs in Montezuma County: the Circle 8's in Cortez and the Levis and Lace in Dolores. Both clubs were experiencing some difficulties (as all do at one time or another) and in February 1989, the two clubs merged, forming the Four Corners Dancers.
"Square dances have developed over five hundred years. The mainstays were the morris dance and the maypole dances of England. The royal ballroom dances of the French aristocracy and the Spanish church dances also made an impact.
