![[Color photograph of square dancers]](/msa/mdmanual/01glance/images/folk.jpg)
In 1994, Square Dancing was designated the State Folk Dance (Chapter 707, Acts of 1994; Code State Government Article, sec. 13-313).
This art form integrates dances from various cultures: the Morris and Maypole dances of England, ballroom dances of France, Church dances of Spain, and folk dances of Australia, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Mexico, Poland, Russia, and other nations. Square Dancing originally referred to any folk dance performed in a square formation, but now encompasses any folk dance tradition brought to these shores.
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