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Progressive Barn Dance Steps

The barn dance came from Scotland to the US in the 1860s, where it was known as "Pas de Quartre" or the "poor peoples ballroom." Barn dances became associated with barn raising, weddings and other festive occasions. Progressive barn dance steps are full of energy and are fun to perform. Barn dances fell out of favor after the 1930s, but they are experiencing a comeback.
  1. First Section: Man

    • Stand in a circle. You and the other men will be on the inside of the circle with your left side turned toward the center of the circle, and the right shoulder pointed toward the outside of the circle. Hold the woman's left hand in your right. Walk forward four steps starting with your left foot, then walk backwards four steps.

    First Section: Woman

    • Stand on the outside of the circle with all of the other women. Your left shoulder will be next to the right shoulder of the man. Place your left hand in the man's right. Step forward four steps, starting with your left foot, then step back four steps.

    Second Section: Man

    • Release your partner's hand and take two steps toward the middle of the circle. Turn to the right so that your back is to the middle of the circle and you are facing your partner.

    Second Section: Woman

    • Release your partner's hand and take two steps toward the outside of the circle. Turn to the left so that your back is to the outside of the circle and you are facing your partner.

    Third Section: Men

    • Move to the right to the woman who is standing on your partner's left. She will be your partner. Take your new partner's left hand in your right hand, and place your left hand on your partner's right shoulder blade. Turn your partner around in a circle in a clockwise direction, and end the turn with you left side pointing toward the middle of the circle. Start again from the beginning.

    Third Section: Women

    • Stand while your partner moves to the woman to your left. As your partner moves left, another man will move left to take his place. He will be your partner. Place your right hand in your partner's left hand, and place your right hand on your partner's left shoulder. Turn with your partner around in a circle in a clockwise direction, and end the turn with your right side toward the outside of the circle. Start again from the beginning.

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