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Session of 2000
          HOUSE BILL No. 2706           By Representative Alldritt           (By Request)           1-25          

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11             AN  ACT designating the square dance as the official state folk dance of
12             Kansas.
13      
14             WHEREAS, The State of Kansas has traditionally recognized a variety
15       of official state symbols as tangible representations of the proud spirit and
16       heritage of the state; and
17             WHEREAS, The sunflower, the buffalo and the meadow lark are ex-
18       amples that symbolize the hardy spirit of this state; and
19             WHEREAS, In keeping with this custom, the designation of the square
20       dance as the official state folk dance of Kansas will provide suitable rec-
21       ognition for this popular American dance form; and
22             WHEREAS, First recorded in this country in 1651, the original square
23       dances can be described as choreographic melting pots, containing ele-
24       ments of the Morris and Maypole dances of England, as well as the
25       French ballroom dances and church dances of Spain; as later immigrants
26       arrived on our shores, square dancing evolved to include the folk dance
27       traditions of nations such as Ireland, Germany, Italy, Poland, Austria,
28       Russia and Mexico; and
29             WHEREAS, Brought to Kansas by our pioneer forebears, square danc-
30       ing quickly proved a popular diversion from the hardships faced by many
31       settlers and brought together early-day Kansas neighbors, in weathered
32       barns or under starry skies, to enjoy the toe-tapping rhythms of these
33       dances, strengthening and affirming the bonds of community; and
34             WHEREAS, Today, square dancing continues to be enjoyed by count-
35       less individuals of all ages and backgrounds and, although still known as
36       square dancing, the term has expanded to include round, contra, clogging,
37       line and heritage dancing within its scope; and
38             WHEREAS, An integral part of our state's cultural legacy, the square
39       dance unites participants in a shared experience, crossing national and
40       social barriers with its warmth and liveliness and its enduring beauty
41       makes it an ideal choice for our official state folk dance: Now, therefore,
42       Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Kansas:
43             Section  1.  The square dance is hereby designated and declared to

2
  1       be the official folk dance of the state of Kansas. 
  2        Sec.  2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its
  3       publication in the statute book.