OLD JOE CLARK

Let me teach you this old Party Dance.

Old Joe Clerk was a Party Dance called a "Game Dance". During the mid 1800's many young people were not allow to dance so they invented Party Games to familiar tunes, like Old Joe Clerk.

This is a circle dance, so lets all get into a big circle with the Lady on the right side of the Gents. If we are short of Guys a few of the Lady's will have to play the part of a Guy. Now we need one Guy to be in the center, he is Old Joe Clerk.

As with most Old Time Dance Music the A and B parts both have 32 beats. To start the dance each couple should face each other. Put up your right hand palm to palm.

Let me walk you thru the dance first:

PART A Walk around your partner, right palm to right palm. You have 8 beats to walk all the way around. Now back by the left, 8 more beats. Doe-Se-Doe your partner, right shoulder to right shoulder, 8 beats Swing your partner for 8 beats. (During the full 32 beats Old Joe Clerk is in the center missing out on the dance.)

PART B Stop swinging and walk past your partner, right shoulder to right shoulder, men on the inside, lady's on the outside. Lady' walk clockwise and men counter clockwise. Walk for 32 beats. As you past each other, it would be proper to do a little flirting, but only a little. At this time Old Joe Clerk gets into the line with the men.

As the music finishes the Part B put up your right hand with your palm out, the next person coming toward you is your new partner. now start the A part over again. One man will be left without a partner, he is the new Old Joe Clerk.

OK, Lets dance. Do we have a band to play Old Joe Clerk? Not to fast please. Give us 4 Introduction Beats..

1,2,3,4 Right Hand Around………………….. Back by the left……………………… Doe-Se-Doe your partner…………… Swing your partner…………………..

Pass you partner on the right and march around the circle……….. Meet your new partner, Right Hand Around..

You are now on your own, the band will pay on and on. Enjoy the dance and the music!

Have fun!