High Country Life

Music and dance have often been interwoven in traditional cultures; one feeding into the other. Music can energize dancers, while dancers feed off of musicians.

John Lomax and Ruby embarked upon a tour through Southern states recording ballads, cowboy songs, field hollers and spirituals – often considered essential contributions to country music today – while changing the term hillbilly music to country.

Line Dancing

Line dancing involves groups of dancers arranged in lines or rows who perform simultaneous steps simultaneously, choreographed to country music. It differs from other group dances such as square and two-step in that there is no physical contact between dancers although hand holding may occur; moreover, there are numerous types of line dances from simple to complex that can be done to any genre of music.

Line dancing can be performed to any style of music ranging from country, folk, jazz, big band and Celtic. It is easy to learn and provides an effective workout while being social activity. Line dancing has even had an influence on country music itself with Outlaw Country becoming an ever-more-popular subgenre that marries rebellious attitude with rugged aesthetic. As such, leather jackets and cowboy hats have become fashion trends due to its growing popularity among line dancers.

Line dances differ from other group dances in that they are designed specifically for specific country music songs. Line dancers will typically sync up with the beat of music while using phrases such as tags, bridges and skips to follow along with its flow; additionally body movements like arm gestures and clapping may add their own unique style of movement to create a distinct form of dance movement.

Although line dances were first developed in the 1970s, their widespread adoption came with Billy Ray Cyrus’ Achy Breaky Heart release in 1991. At first, this dance caused some members of country music’s older guard to mock it; by 1995 however, its influence could be felt across charts and genres alike.

Stomping

Stomping is an engaging dance that involves heavy stamping of the feet. It is typically performed to country music, and anyone of all ages can participate. Stomping should match up with the beat of the music – whether fast or slow; coordinated groups also perform this form of stomping dance for added excitement and self-expression. Stomping can help build self-confidence through this fun form of physical expression and can provide an outlet for expression and communication.

The Chickasaw culture embraces stomp dance as part of their Green Corn Ceremony to commemorate harvest, redemption and forgiveness. Also referred to as Four Corners Dance due to following four directions of compass; other Eastern Woodland tribes perform it as well.

Children of Chickasaw heritage can use this dance as an opportunity to discover their heritage and traditions as well as respect and appreciate their surroundings. Stomp dance is also an enjoyable way to connect with nature and the earth, often performed alongside singing and chanting; plus it’s an effective way of meeting new friends!

At a stomp dance, men and women gather in a circle. One person, known as the lead singer, begins by yelling four times; others respond in kind by repeating this action four times themselves. Following that, the leader sings an invitation dance song; finally women add rhythmic elements by shaking handheld turtle shell shakers.

Stomping has long been a part of country music culture, dating back over one hundred years. The term itself comes from the sound created when dancers stamp their feet heavily against the ground while performing. Old-guard fans might dismiss stomping as not really being part of country, yet younger audiences find its new sounds appealing.

Drinking

Country music and alcohol have gone hand in hand for decades, once with negative associations being associated with listening to drinking songs in country bars; but nowadays many embrace the image, including Sirius XM’s Red, White & Booze channel dedicated solely to honky-tonk music with drinks (Red, White & Booze). Even artists who do not drink realize its role in live performances – from Kenny Chesney’s rum to Blake Shelton’s Smithworks vodka or Toby Keith’s Wild Shot mezcal; which explains why so many country artists open their own bars in their shows!

At a recent concert, Case kicked off his set with “It’s My Party,” to which fans donned cowboy hats and twangy boots danced all night long – proof that these fans are willing to party along with Case as long as there are beverages flowing freely. Chesney himself referenced alcohol-related topics in 18 of 23 songs performed that night alone! His island-style escapism inspired an empire selling its promise; his infectious lyrics matched only by fiddle and steel guitar tunes!

Chattahoochee

Music and dance are integral parts of life in Georgia’s high country. From old-time Appalachian fiddles to contemporary country, a range of musical genres can be heard everywhere from stages in towns to parks and gardens as well as campsites, front porches and general stores – as well as on campsites themselves! Additionally, this region is famous for its southern hospitality and charm that pays homage to simpler times when family values were prioritized and traditions celebrated.

The Chattahoochee River is the heart and soul of its region and a source of vast scenic beauty. Since ancient times, its lifeblood has played an essential part in people’s lives as well as cultural heritage in the South; an amazing river with thousands of years of history to tell.

One defining characteristic of the Chattahoochee River is its “fall line.” Here, the river cascades from its mountain sources to power mills on the coastal plain. At this point is where its name arises – believed to come from an Indian phrase meaning “rock-painted,” likely alluding to numerous colorful granite outcroppings along its southwest curve.

The Chattahoochee River is one of the best-known natural landmarks in North Georgia and the upper Florida panhandle, tracing an idyllic path through Chattahoochee city renowned for its picturesque scenery, nature trails, historic sites, Lake Seminole and Apalachicola River and as a major eco and heritage tourism destination.

Mountain Music

Mountains provide a natural retreat, and those who reside there tend to be very conservative and eager to maintain tradition, evidenced by traditional mountain folk songs. Yet influences from other genres also had an effect on mountain music – minstrel shows, parlor songs and early vaudeville all played an instrumental role in shaping mountain musical styles; during the 1990s guitars as well as autoharps and squeeze box instruments could be purchased through Sears and Montgomery Ward catalogs.

Bill Monroe pioneered modern variations of old time music during the 1940s. When combined with Earl Scruggs’ 3-finger banjo picking style and other genres of American music such as jazz or soul music, bluegrass emerged. Today there are numerous groups who strive to preserve mountain music such as Doc Watson who was an expert at both playing and singing mountain tunes as well as other forms of Americana.

Are you seeking the unique mountain music and dance of Maggie Valley NC? Look no further than Stompin’ Grounds Dance Hall for an unforgettable experience that transports you back in time. Their band performs traditional fiddle, bluegrass and some contemporary country hits while there’s ample dance floor space with opportunities for two-stepping, square dancing, clogging and line dancing!

If you cannot travel to live performances, there are still ways to experience mountain music online. Groups such as Kanawha Valley Friends of Old Time Music and Dance (FOOTMAD) offer Facebook Live concerts as well as virtual Zoom classes on various traditional topics.