In the States the most popular form of folk dancing since the earliest days has been square dancing. In early times, when men and women worked in groups to build a barn (building where animals are kept) or harvest crops, they danced when the work was done. The music came from a violin for the most part, but if there was no one to play an instrument, clapping was used to produce the rhythm by which to dance. The early settlers danced in a store, in a barn, or in a farm kitchen.
A square is formed by four couples who stand facing the center of the square. Each couple stands on one side of the square, the boy on the left and the girl on the right.
The caller is an important part of the dance since he tells the dancers which steps to do. If the dancers do not know the steps, he teaches them. It takes time to learn to be a good caller, and good callers are always in demand.
These are the names of some of the steps the dancers do: Form a square; Circle; Honour your partner; Promenade (walk about slowly); Swing your partner; Form a star. There are many more. As the caller tells the dancers what to do next, they move to form the pattern he calls.
Large or small numbers of people can dance at one time. Sometimes 800 or 1,000 people may be dancing at the same time. Or there may be only one square of eight people.
Costumes are worn by some who square dance. This makes the dancing more colorful to watch. The costumes vary from place to place. Women often wear full skirts of various colors with a pretty blouse. Men have colored shirts and western trousers that they wear only when square dancing. In some country areas everyone wears his best clothes.
Today in some part of the States you will find in some school, club, or other group square dancing is for fun.
(339 words)
Choose the best answer:
1. From the passage we know that square dancing came from __________ .
A. the schools B. the countryside C. big cities D. factories
2. In the past people danced __________ .
A. when they were doing their work
B. before they did their work
C. after they finished their work
D. before a big party
3. In the sixth paragraph the word “costume” means __________ .
A. suit B. blouse C. trousers D. skirt
4. Which of the following is true according to the text?
A. Folk dancers always dance along with some music.
B. The dancers can do whatever they want to in dancing.
C. Men usually have their women partners, and women have their men partners in dancing.
D. Now farmers hardly dance in such a way.
参考答案：1.B 2.C 3.A 4.C
