Re: Request starter squares ("Of course everybody knows this dance")

John, I say everybody knows this dance because back when the square dance (including contra chestnuts) was part of the New England fabric and culture and Ralph Page was known as a singing caller, certain figures became associated with certain melodies (Americana) Perhaps the availability of dance recordings helped. So folks knew Dip and Dive was Red Wing, Just Because was Ladies Chains and Golden Slippers had a cutaway figure. It's been noted that My Little Girl was a sensation when it came out. First Couple *Promenade* around the outside - around the outside of the ring. Head Ladies *Chain* right down the* Center* - and you *Chain* them *back* again You *Chain* to the *Right* with the Right Hand Couple - and you *Chain* them *back* again You *Chain* to the *Left *with the Left Hand Couple - and you *Chain back* home again *Dosado* with the *Corner Girl*, *Dosado* go 'round *Your Own* - go back and *Swing* your *Corner* round Runaway Home and *Swing* your *Darlin' - *She's the sweetest girl in town. *Allemande Left *with the ole left hand - *Partner* Right with a *Right and Left Grand* - go all the way go 'round It's all the way go 'round, you are homeward bound - to the... 2ND COUPLE TAKE A WALK.. don't stop at home...round the outside... --- The routine or route of the dance is simple and there is no partner change - a single couple goes round the outside as they may do to any music. when they separate from each other or promenade together.. Then a little something at home and a finish using up a couple of phrases (or more) to go once around the set. It doesn't have to be Grand Rights and Lefts and it doesn't have to be Ladies Chains. For those who dance once a year dancers its Promenade once around - just some Forward & Backs or Dosadoes, etc at home and a Promenade. Modify it but the music is great! But for the dancers who dance this regularly in New England it's set in stone as above and on the old 78s. The break may vary on record and in books I've seen, but this one I've typed here allows no recovery or stopping at home. The figure flows. Two Dosados in one phrase starting with left shoulders around the Corner and one large circle (not a figure 8) around the Partner - back to a Corner Swing It's the way I picked it up in Heath, MA (1st & 3rd Saturdays into the late '90s) and I still have Heath dancers. Bob Livingston Middletown, CT