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| | | THE STATE DANCE
The Shag was designated as the official State Dance by Act Number 329 of 1984. The Shag is performed to music known as rhythm and blues. Both the music and dance are structured on time signature and can be performed to almost any tempo, as long as the basic step is maintained and kept in time to the music. | | THE STATE FOLK DANCE
The Square Dance was designated the official State Folk Dance by Act Number 329 of 1994. Square Dancing is the American Folk Dance that is called, cued, or prompted to the dancers and includes squares, rounds, clogging, contra, line and heritage dances. Square Dancing has been recorded throughout South Carolina’s history. |
| THE STATE WALTZ
The Richardson Waltz was designated as the official State Waltz by Act Number 389 of 2000. The Richardson family of the 1800s was known for their love of music and dancing. The melody for the Richardson Waltz was created by a member of the Richardson family and an arrangement was later created by Mary Richardson Briggs. | THE STATE SONGS
South Carolina has two official State Songs. "Carolina" was designated as the State Song by a Concurrent Resolution on February 11, 1911. The poem "Carolina" was written by Henry Timrod and set to music by Anne C. Burgess. Complete Lyrics - "Carolina" Audio of "Carolina" - Performed by the Lexington County Choral Society and Southern Bronze Handbell Choir "South Carolina on My Mind" was designated as the official State Song by Act Number 302 of 1984. "South Carolina on My Mind" was composed and recorded by Hank Martin and Buzz Arledge, native South Carolinians. Complete Lyrics - "South Carolina on My Mind" | | THE STATE MUSIC
The Spiritual was designated as the official State Music by Act Number 64 of 1999. The Spiritual is song usually derived from a religious or sacred theme. The origin and development of the Spiritual is deeply rooted in this State, as much of this music originated in the coastal regions.
The spiritual was passed down orally for many years and first committed to writing in South Carolina on St. Helena Island by a freed black woman and a white Union Army officer during the Civil War. The publication of an 1867 book on slave songs was the result of the work done by an educational mission on the Port Royal islands in 1861. | | THE STATE POPULAR MUSIC
Beach Music was designated as the official State Popular Music by Act Number 15 of 2001. Beach music is primarily a rhythm and blues style based on 4/4 rhythms with a moderate to fast paced tempo. Beach music has become synonymous with the Shag Dance and contributes tremendously to the enjoyment of the citizens of South Carolina. | | THE STATE OPERA
Porgy and Bess was designated as the official Opera of the State by Act Number 94 of 2001. Porgy and Bess is an opera based on the novel Porgy written by Edwin Dubose Heyward. The opera dealt with African American life in the 1930’s fictional Catfish Row of Charleston, South Carolina. The opera premiered in New York in 1935. | | THE STATE POET LAUREATE
The official State Poet Laureate was designated by Joint Resolution Number 736 of 1934. The resolution authorized the Governor of South Carolina to appoint a Poet Laureate for the State. The current Poet Laureate is Marjory Wentworth of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina. She was appointed South Carolina Poet Laureate in 2003. |
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I am an enthusiast with a deep knowledge of South Carolina's cultural heritage, particularly in the realm of music and dance. My expertise stems from a genuine passion for the state's rich artistic traditions. Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article.
State Dance - The Shag:
The Shag, designated as the official State Dance in 1984, is performed to rhythm and blues music. This dance form is structured on a time signature and can adapt to various tempos while maintaining a basic step in sync with the music.
State Folk Dance - Square Dance:
In 1994, the Square Dance earned the title of the official State Folk Dance. This American Folk Dance involves squares, rounds, clogging, contra, line, and heritage dances. It has a historical presence in South Carolina's cultural tapestry.
State Waltz - Richardson Waltz:
The Richardson Waltz, designated in 2000, pays homage to the Richardson family of the 1800s, known for their love of music and dancing. The melody was crafted by a family member, and an arrangement was later created by Mary Richardson Briggs.
State Songs - "Carolina" and "South Carolina on My Mind":
South Carolina boasts two official State Songs. "Carolina" earned its designation in 1911, with lyrics by Henry Timrod and music by Anne C. Burgess. "South Carolina on My Mind" became official in 1984, composed and recorded by Hank Martin and Buzz Arledge.
State Music - The Spiritual:
The Spiritual gained recognition as the official State Music in 1999. Originating from religious themes, this music has deep roots in South Carolina, particularly in the coastal regions. It was first written down on St. Helena Island during the Civil War.
State Popular Music - Beach Music:
Beach Music, designated in 2001, is a rhythm and blues style with a moderate to fast-paced tempo. It is closely associated with the Shag Dance, contributing significantly to the enjoyment of South Carolinians.
State Opera - Porgy and Bess:
Porgy and Bess, designated in 2001, is an opera based on the novel Porgy, offering a glimpse into African American life in the fictional Catfish Row of Charleston, South Carolina, during the 1930s.
State Poet Laureate - Marjory Wentworth:
The State Poet Laureate, established in 1934, is currently Marjory Wentworth of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, appointed in 2003.
If you have any questions or if there's a specific area you'd like more information on, feel free to ask.
