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Naturally
Yours
Dance Platform
Lipscomb, Texas
The
summer dance series at the Naturally Yours Gallery and
Dance Platform in Lipscomb, Texas, is a unique opportunity
to experience firsthand the authentic cowboy and ranch
dance tradition of the Texas Panhandle. Unlike the staple
of smoky barrooms and loud honky tonks that have come
to represent country lifestyle, the Dance Platform journeys
back to simpler times. Their inspiration is drawn from
the days when cowfolk shared a meal and then danced
on wooden planks under the stars to a serenade of frontier
fiddles. Unbeknownst to many, this tradition spanned
more than half a century. It is the roots of Texas music
and the legacy of Texas rural life.
Debby
Opdyke and the good folks of Lipscomb have gone above
and beyond the call of duty to reinvigorate this Texas
heritage. Through personal interviews with pioneer settlers
and painstaking research of the historical record, they
have reconstructed an old-time dance platform nestled
under the trees. Serving a home cooked dish before each
dance, their perseverance has brought families together
and fostered an incredible community spirit. Since its'
inception, the Dance Platform has seen a steady rise
in attendance. The August 2001 ranch dance drew over
500 to a rural community with a population of only 48.
It is no wonder. Where else can one step back into history
and experience the original West Texas Saturday night?
The
resourcefulness employed in this project echoes that
of the early Texas pioneers and their ability to make
do with what they had. During those days, settlers gathered
family, friends and neighbors in country homes cleared
of their furnishings to make way for dancing. In that
spirit, the town of Lipscomb has opened their hearts
and homes to a troupe of young Texas musicians who research
and study the ranch dance tradition. For four summers,
these youngsters have traveled all the way from Lubbock
and surrounding West Texas towns to perform at the Dance
Platform and learn from master cowboy fiddler Frankie
McWhorter. On those magical evenings, fiddlers, dancers,
and listeners of all ages have come together in a celebration
of their common heritage.
Such
an occasion for young and old to forge a bond is unequaled
in our great State. Given the chance to thrive, this
project is an incredibly positive force and an ideal
model for other rural communities to restore their culture.
From these humble beginnings, it is my fervent desire
that others will share the vision and reclaim a tradition
of Texas rural life that is all but lost and vanishing
from the landscape.
Lanny Fiel
September 2001
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Naturally
Yours Gallery |
Naturally
Yours Gallery and Dance Platform
Off the
beaten path, the Naturally Yours Gallery is located
in the renovated 1908 Bank of Lipscomb. With its original
pressed-tin ceiling and bank vault, this historic
structure lends itself well to the art and culture
of the Texas Panhandle.
Artisans
including knife makers, potters, furniture makers,
wildlife photographers, sculptors and painters are
featured year round. In addition, cowboy poets, singers
and ranch dance musicians frequent the gallery with
performances on the adjacent dance platform.
Naturally
Yours Dance Platform |
Visitors
can browse through a variety of regional wares including
books, cards, postcards, CDs, and homemade products
such as pickles, crackers and jelly. During the off
season, the gallery is a place for locals to gather
on Saturday afternoon and evenings to tell stories,
show old pictures, and catch up on gossip.
Naturally Yours Gallery is open throuhout the year
on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. For information call 806 862-2900
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