Barn Dance – Let the music roll
Barn dancing is the right first step for those who are shy to dance.
Jan 21, 2007
There's nothing like real music and a lively atmosphere to get things going with a swing. With an experienced 'caller' to lead the way with his musicians, even the shyest of people will he encouraged to join in and have fun. The relaxed atmosphere barn dancing creates helps people to feel instantly at home and, whether they're used to dancing or just beginners, they join in from the very first dance.
Barn dancing is often confused with a Ceilidh, as it is a similar kind of event. Traditionally Irish or Scottish dancing, barn dances are generally danced to folk music, often played by a live band, and involve a caller who instructs the dancers which step to use. Barn dances can involve a wide range of ages, and often children dance alongside adults. Ceilidhs, on the other hand, are often much louder and more frenetic, involving mainly young people.
One of the most popular and longest running programs on radio was WLS Radio's National Barn Dance. The show blended music, comedy and down-home theatrical skits that lasted well over five decades. The National Barn Dance debuted on April 19, 1924, the first Saturday night after WLS signed on the air.
During wartime, the Barn Dance hit the road and performed at several state fairs around the Midwest. Thousands of listeners who had never been to Chicago would pour into the fairgrounds to catch a glimpse of their "WLS friends." The shows were also scheduled at several downstate locations where the price of admission was simply rubber or scrap metal to help the war effort
By the late 1950s, audiences finally began to wane and the National Barn Dance stopped its live performances after 1957. The show continued to air on WLS until the station was sold to ABC and switched formats to contemporary music. At that point, the show moved over to WGN, where it continued to air for several more years.
Countless numbers of performers shared their talents with the live theatre audiences and over the radio. Many went on to become celebrities, while others were happy to get the chance to join in on the rollicking good times.
