The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #36087   Message #4174611
Posted By: cnd
15-Jun-23 - 09:16 AM
Thread Name: Origins: Chinese Breakdown
Subject: RE: Origins: Chinese Breakdown
Here's a transcription from the Square Dance History Project's Otto Wood notes, linked above. Note that I indented the "And pass your partner by" line, which was not indented in the original:

CHINESE BREAKDOWN (square dance calls)

Now the first couple promenade,
  All round the outside ring.
Promenade, go all the way,
  And listen while I sing,
Chain two ladies across the set,
  Turn the ladies round,
Same two ladies chain right back,
  And now you're homeward bound,
Now chain your right hand lady,
  You're right hand lady chain,
Chain the ladies right back,
  And now you're home again,
Nov chain the left-hand lady,
  The left hand lady too,
Chain the ladies right back,
  And here is what well do:
Allemand left on the corner,
  Pass your partner by,
Turn the right hand girl with your right hand,
  And pass your partner by,
Allemend left on the corner,
  & Do-se-do your own,
Step right up & swing her,
  and promenade home,
Promenade, go round that ring,
  You promenade two-by-two,
Hurry boys, get right back home,
  Second couple its up to you!

Pattern -- Non-progressive: do the entire call through once for each couple.