The art of dance has been a part of Maryland's culture since the days of the state's ancient Native American inhabitants. With the arrival of Europeans, various other dance styles were introduced to Maryland's performing arts culture. Now, dances from all over the world, including folk dance, modern, and contemporary steps, are established in the Old Lines State's line-up of dance offerings. Vacationers can experience this rich part of Maryland's culture by visiting any of the state's numerous dance studios, dance festivals, or scheduled dance performances.
Native American Dance
Nanticoke Indians were one of several Native American tribes living in Maryland prior to the arrival of European colonists. The lifestyle of the Nanticokes incorporated many cultural practices, including dance. Dance was mostly used in celebrations and gatherings called powwows, any gathering of native people. In the Nanticoke community, powwows were celebratory events of music, dancing, and communal fun. Dancers at Nanticoke powwows performed to the sounds of singers and drummers.
Native American dance echoes tribal history and culture, as well as personal style. The choreography of the dancers, music to which they move, and ceremonial apparel all speak to the performers' family line and tribal affiliation. Nanticoke powwows open with a Grand Entry, a procession of dancers that serves as the "bringing together of tribes." During the Grand Entry, the dancers go into the dance circle by age and style of regalia, guided by two lead dancers, one male and one female. This is followed by the presentation of flags and the Flag Song, similar to the National Anthem.
Several Native American events are held annually throughout the state of Maryland, where vacationers can witness dance performances. The Annual Healing of All Nations Pauwau, held in Marion Station, features traditional tribal dance performances along with food, crafts, demonstrations, and more. In Mardella Springs, the Lenapehauken Education center has been hosting powwows for more than five years. This event is another great opportunity to experience authentic Native American dance.
From Colonial Era to 20th Century
Maryland's dance traditions were further enriched with the arrival of European colonists to the Mid-Atlantic region. Historical records of folk dance in the Old Line State indicate that upper class citizens performed formal dances. Their favorites included the minuet, a French dance for two people danced in three-fourths time, and English country dance, a folk dance dating back to the late 16th century. The lower classes, on the other hand, danced lively jigs and reels, two of the four styles danced in traditional Scottish country dancing.
In 1752, all classes embraced theater in Maryland, which brought about performances of light dance capered to incidental music. The most contemporary and popular dance styles could be found in cities like Annapolis, Baltimore, Upper Marlboro, and Chestertown. At the turn of the 19th century, Maryland's middle class held regular dances which included the cotillion, quadrille, schottische, polka, and waltz. Brought over by immigrants from various countries, Eastern European dances also became popular. With the end of the Civil War, black cultures began to mix, integrating African American dance and music styles into the Maryland dance scene.
Controversy of the Official State Dance
Square dancing is perhaps the most popular style of folk dance in the U.S., and the majority of the states have proclaimed it their official state dance. In 1994, a bill to make square dancing Maryland's official dance was introduced. In March of the same year, a dancer named Stan Fowler testified against the bill, arguing several points against the implementation of square dancing as Maryland's official state dance. One of his basis was that the purpose of a state symbol is to distinguish the state, and it didn't make sense to choose a symbol that so many other states used. He also argued that there is nothing unique about the square dancing proposed by the state legislation, as one can visit any state and see the same kind of dancing that was supposed to uniquely represent Maryland. Despite his protests, the committee approved the legislation on April, 9, 1994 to make square dance the official state dance for economic reasons.
Studios, Performances, and Festivals
Mid-Maryland Performing Arts Center is a facility that focuses on educating its students in the art of various dance styles. Located in Frederick, MMPAC offers youth classes in ballet, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, and liturgical dance genres. K2 Dance Studio in Beltsville features programs in a variety of dance styles for both adults and children. The studio offers workshops, classes, dances, and other special events for novice dancers, more experienced movers, and everything in between. Classes are offered in dance styles like swing, lindy, jazz, afro-modern, blues, ballroom, and hip-hop. Dances staged by the studio fall in the categories of swing, ballroom, and salsa.
The University of Maryland's dance department puts on a number of performances throughout the year at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center. Dance performers include companies like Making Dances/Taking Chances, the Maryland Dance Ensemble, and the Margaret Jenkins Dance Company.
The Maryland Council for Dance Festival has been a part of the state's performing arts itinerary for over 35 years. The dance festival offers classes and workshops in styles like modern dance, tap, jazz, theater dance, point, variations, hip-hop, African dance, flamenco, and more. Lectures and auditions for the Annual Dance Scholarship Awards are also held during the festival.
Several Arthur Murray Dance Studios operate throughout Maryland, in cities like Silver Spring, Columbia, and Gaithersburg. Each studio offers dance instruction in a number of different dance styles.
Dance has made a mark on Maryland's culture, history, and heritage. Vacationers can experience many dance traditions and styles, from a traditional Native American powwow to a local ballet performance. And if you want to learn a few steps of your own, plenty of dance schools throughout the state are ready to help you put a spring in your step. Whether in the audience or on the dance floor, travelers will find many opportunities to enjoy Maryland's dance scene.
