Q: Kansas lawmakers have been considering lots of legislation this session. One proposal would designate an official dance for the state of Kansas, perhaps even more than one. Disco and the Two-Step are not currently in the running. Which two dances are currently under consideration to become an official state dance of Kansas?
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A: Polka and the Square Dance
Polka, anyone? How 'bout Square Dancing? Or maybe both! Kansas lawmakers are considering proposals to designate an official state dance. Sure, they've also been debating more important legislation. But ideas have been put forward to choose an official state dance. Some say it should be the Polka. Others want the Square Dance. However, a compromise measure has also been in the works. It would stipulate that Kansas has two "official state dances."
State senator Bud Estes, of Dodge City, said many states have more than one official state dance, which gave him the idea of striking a compromise. The Senate Federal and State Affairs Committee favorably passed the bill that includes both the polka and the square dance. It's been sent to the full Senate for a vote. The Kansas House has been working on a similar bill. Under the provision, Square Dancing would become the state's official "folk" dance and the the Polka would be designated the state's official "ethnic" dance.
So, there you have it or... Do-Si-Do and there you go! KPR's Statehouse Bureau will continue to track this bill (and many, many others) to see what happens before the session ends for 2020. As we like to say around here: When News Breaks, KPR Will Fix It!
Check out this news article from KSNT TV in Topeka.
Get more info by exploring the Kansas Trivia archive,located under the EXTRA tab on the KPR homepage.