HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 180

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF A STATE DANCE.

WHEREAS, the Maypole is a tall, vertical pole, usually made from the wood of a cedar or birch tree, decorated with streamers or ribbons and held by dancers who perform the Maypole Dance; and

WHEREAS, the Maypole Dance has a long history dating back to Medieval times; and

WHEREAS, the Maypole Dance also has a rich history in the State of Delaware including both Dover and Old New Castle; and

WHEREAS, in these communities and Delaware as a whole, there is a strong connection to the Maypole Dance, particularly at Dover Days, where it is performed annually; and

WHEREAS, the Maypole Dance is performed by local children; and

WHEREAS, the Maypole Dance involves the children dancers holding ribbons, moving in opposite directions around the pole, and intertwining the ribbons as they go.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend § 326, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 326. State Dance

Maypole dancing is the official dance of the State.

SYNOPSIS

This Act designates Maypole dancing as the official dance of Delaware.