The play-party in Indiana

the long version

The play party was common in Indiana rural areas in pioneer days, especially where people belonged to churches that forbid dancing. It was an evening social event for young, single people that involved a variety of intricate dance-like steps accompanied by singing of folk songs, but without musical instruments. According to the author, the custom still survived in some parts of Indiana at the beginning of the 20th century, but was gradually disappearing.