A hoedown is a celebration with country and bluegrass music and square or counter dances. The term comes from putting down the hoe after work. Modern hoedowns can be held in various locations and have a country western theme. They are similar to hootenannies, which focus more on music than dance.
A hoedown is a type of celebration involving a particular style of dance and music that has its roots in America’s rural past. Originating as a type of barn dance, the music usually involves country and bluegrass, especially folk-style playing and singing originating in Appalachia and influenced by the Scottish and Irish heritage of the early settlers. The traditional music of these social gatherings is usually composed of fiddles, banjos and other stringed instruments.
The traditional dances of these festivals are usually square or counter dances. A caller guides the dancers through the movements similar to, but distinct from, what is typical of square dancing. The caller at a hoedown does not sing the steps as in square dance, but calls them in spoken or sung rhythm. Callers use a calling pattern known as a pattern which is played with the beats of the music. Traditional calls that might fit into a caller’s pattern include “allemande left” and “do-se-do,” which give dancers instructions on what their next move will be.
The origins of the term hoedown are believed to come from simply putting down the hoe or stopping work in the fields. This is what the hardworking farmer would do to attend an evening of dancing and merriment. Many of these peasants also played musical instruments and took up violins on hoe night.
Today hoes are sometimes still held in barns, but they can also be held in a cafe, hotel conference room, or gym, among other places. These parties can still be organized as a night of fun after a hard day at work, but are more likely to be a corporate function, fundraising event or themed birthday party. Hoedowns are not only found in the American countryside, but are now happenings in cities, towns, and even outside of the U.S.
Modern shoes usually follow a country western theme and attendees dress accordingly. Denim, plaid, and boots are appropriate party attire. A cowboy hat and bandana complete the ensemble for some musicians, dancers and partygoers.
A hoe is similar to another gathering that has its roots in Appalachia. While a hoedown is usually a planned gathering and focuses more on dancing, it is closely related to a hootenanny, and sometimes the words are used interchangeably. The word hootenanny, however, is usually used to describe a gathering that is more informal than a hoedown and that focuses more on music than dance.
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