Aaron Copland captured the American west in his score for the ballet, Rodeo. Copland included folk tunes such as "If He'd Be a Buckaroo By Hish Trade," "Sis Joe," and "Old Paint." The "Hoe Down" is famously associated with the "Beef. It's What's for Dinner" campaign. I heard two of the four movements of this composition performed by the Eastern Symphony Orchestra.
The ballet tells the story of a young Cowgirl. Aware of men and romance for the first time, she seeks the attention of the Head Wrangler and the Champion Roper. After the opening, in which the Western scene is immediately set, we find the Cowgirl in the corral with the men. They pay no attention to her, concentrating on their riding and ranch work. They gallop off without even a parting glance, and she rides away in anger and tears.
In 'Corral Nocturne,' girls from the city, wearing pretty dresses instead of dungarees, have come to visit the Rancher's Daughter and to enjoy the Saturday night dance. Once more the Cowgirl is ignored; she cannot compete with feminine frills. A tranquil, somewhat sad mood pervades the scene as darkness falls. The couples move off, eager for the dance. The Cowgirl is left behind again.
Saturday night at the ranch is the time for dancing. The Cowgirl, still in dungarees and boots, sits alone, watching the festivities. The Roper and the Wrangler take pity on the wallflower and ask her to dance. She is too shy and misses her opportunity. As the 'Saturday Night Waltz' begins, the Roper insists that the Cowgirl dance. She starts to, then sees the Wrangler dancing with the Rancher's Daughter. Jealous, confused, she stands seemingly paralyzed amidst the dancers. Annoyed, the Roper turns and leaves her. The Cowgirl runs from the dance floor.
The dancing reaches a climax in the hilarious 'Hoe-Down'. Suddenly the Cowgirl reappears, this time wearing a party dress. She is vivacious, pretty, the center of attention. The Roper again asks her to dance. Though she would rather have the Wrangler, she wisely accepts the Roper and joins the others in the wild dancing as the ballet ends.
