Square dancing is an American pastime. It originated in America, during the California Gold Rush. It was typically done at barn raisings, community gatherings, birthdays, and other celebrations and parties. A popular song to square dance to is "Turkey in the Straw", an old farm classic. Square dancing sprung up in 1939 and spread across the country. It especially expanded during the years after World War II. By the 1950's, square dancing was poular all over the country.  Square dancing consists of a host who calls out the movements, and several pairs of people, normally a man and a woman, called "couples."  Some movements are promenade, allemandy left, circle left/right, dosado, and right/left grand family.  Square dancing still exists today, ever since President Ronald Reagan signed an Act of Congress in 1982 making  square dancing the National Folk Dance of America. Many schools teach square dancing in Physical Education, and there are actually square dance competitions.