NATIONAL SQUARE DANCE MONTH

August 31, 2026August 7, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

Swing your partner and dosey-do, don’t let go. September is National Square Dance Month, here we go!

Square dancing was first documented in 16th-century England, but familiar in France and throughout Europe, too. As European immigrants settled in North America, they brought the dance with them. In the early years of the country, there was mixing of dancing styles between black and white people. The stereotype many Americans have of square dancing as an activity for old white people is a misjudgment. Early forms of square dancing actually have roots in the African-American slave communities.

The Western American square dance may be the most widely known form worldwide, possibly due to its association in the 20th century with the romanticized image of the American cowboy. Square dancing is, therefore, strongly associated with the U.S. Nineteen U.S. states have designated it as their official state dance. Though square dancing has undergone considerable development since then, many countries and regions have attained the status of square dancing as a folk dance.

GRAB A PARTNER

The art of square dancing requires a few standard requirements, beginning with dancers. Four couples, eight dancers total, arranged in a square, with one pair on each side facing the middle of the square. Women are positioned to the left of the men, known as the corner. The dance moves counterclockwise in a circular flow. The handhold is when one dancer’s hand comes together with the other dancer’s hand. When the grasp is broken, the handhold is over. To Allemande left means to hold left hands and walk around each other, then return to their original position. The Ladies Chain is when the ladies are singled out to walk towards each other and hold right hands. While walking through, they drop hands and give the left hands to each others’ partner.

HISTORY

While we were unable to identify the source of National Square Dance Month, in the early 1970s, efforts were being made for a Congressional resolution for September to be declared as National Square Dancing Month. No evidence has been found at this time that a decision, joint or otherwise, was made.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Participating in a local square dance club is also a great way to get involved in the community and make life-long friends. Joining a square dance class is the best way to learn how to swing your partner and dosey-do!

Use #NationalSquareDanceMonth in social media.

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NATIONAL SALSA MONTH

April 30, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

National Salsa Month in May a vibrant way to add flavor and color to any recipe. For extra fun learn to dance a Salsa as well. Or just watch the pros do it. Dancing with the Stars usually features the dance.

Salsa means sauce in Spanish. While we may be most familiar with tomato, pepper and onion salsas, any fresh fruit or vegetable can be made into salsa.

We can make fresh salsa all year long with produce that is in season. When our gardens produce a bounty, canned salsa preserves the flavor for the winter months. We can also purchase in bulk when the timing is right to save money.

In some parts of Indiana, if someone asks you for a mango, they might be asking you for a bell pepper!

Salsas don’t have to be spicy, but even when they are the heat can be a subtle flavor that only lingers for a moment on the tongue. These sauces burst with aromatic spices and go well with a variety of meats, dips, and desserts. They pair well with wine and cheese, too.

Don’t hesitate to experiment, but be cautious when using hot peppers. The capsaicin can be harmful depending on where the pepper ranks on the Scoville scale.

After making your salsa, keep the colors bright by adding a squeeze of lemon or lime to the recipe. The acid prevents the fruits from turning brown.

Salsa Daddy: A Cookbook: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking

Salsas and Moles: Fresh and Authentic Recipes for Pico de Gallo, Mole Poblano, Chimichurri, Guacamole, and More [A Cookbook] — Salsa Daddy: A Cookbook: Dip Your Way into Mexican Cooking

Relevant Observances

HOW TO OBSERVE

Make several different salsas in May. Try some popular flavors like mango, peach, or pineapple. Throughout the month, try new or exotic fruits and flavors. Tell us what salsas inspire you! Use #NationalSalsaMonth to share on social media. Salsa is a great food to watch the dance too.

Texas Texas Taco Truck Style Salsa, Medium, 16 oz Jar — Pace Chunky Mild Salsa, 64 oz Bottle

Jazz Playlist

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 7 Comments

Jazz has many forms and is the ultimate listening music. April is Jazz Appreciation Month, so celebrate people like Louis Armstrong, Glen Miller, The Dorsey’s, Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis, Frank Sinatra, some of the well known artists, singers and musicians.

Bunny Berigan, Herb Albert, Duke Ellington, Gene Krupa, Etta James, and countless more who contributed to the beginnings of jazz. Todays artists like Big Bad Vodoo Daddy, Norah Jones, Micheal Buble, Rod Stewart, Winton Marsalis, Diana Krall, among others, who help keep the art alive and continue to help it evolve.

Like what you hear? Check out your local community for Jazz Fests, Satchmo Summerfest, and smooth jazz brunch. Try your local radio dial or stream from an online one. Support local real artists as well, to keep it alive for future generations. Encourage exploration, and learning through churches, schools and local live musicians to keep the music playing.

NATIONAL JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

March 31, 2026March 5, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 6 Comments

All April long, National Jazz Month celebrates the heritage and history of jazz.

The roots of jazz can be found in the blues. The exciting history of jazz takes us through the deep south along back roads and into the big cities all across the United States and then the world. The thrum of the bass and sizzle of the snare make the nightclubs dazzle just a little more against the brass and lights.

Growing out of the deep south at the turn of the 20th century and working its way up the Mississipi Delta, jazz influenced musicians along the way. As it grew, it inspired more improvisation, and as a result, new methods formed and new styles of music, too. Music and jazz were developing and changing quickly. The impact of jazz on the country was profound.

Jazz History for Beginners: The Inspiring Story of Its Origins, Legends, Cities and How It Entertained While Integrating the Races#JazzAppreciationMonth — Jazz History for Beginners: The Inspiring Story of Its Origins, Legends, Cities and How It Entertained While Integrating the Races

Diverse Harmonies : Celebrating the Melting Pot of Jazz#JazzAppreciationMonth — Jazz History for Beginners: The Inspiring Story of Its Origins, Legends, Cities and How It Entertained While Integrating the Races

Kick back and listen to the sound of history as you listen to Miles Davis or any modern-day jazz musician. Let the music move you.

Here’s a great playlist of new and old for your listening delight.

Related Celebrations

HOW TO OBSERVE

Celebrate National Jazz Month by listening to your favorite jazz artist, attending a concert or reading about the history of jazz. Use #JazzAppreciationMonth #JAM