Even if you have never swung a partner to a stamping fiddler’s call, it is not hard to imagine a square dance, that exuberant American social occasion in calico and straw. The caller was the most important part of the dance, for it was he who got folks on their feet and made them mix. Many a romance has started from the clever calls of the fiddler who kept a sharp eye out for matchmaking. Here are some of his lively directions. You supply the music and the dancing and see whom you end up with!
Salute your partner! Let her go!
Balance all and do-si-do!
Swing your gal, and all run away!
Right and left, and gents sashay!
Gents to right and swing or cheat!
On to the next gal and repeat!
Balance to the next and don’t be shy!
Swing your partner and swing her high!
Bunch the gals and circle around!
Whack your feet until they sound!
Form a basket! Break away!
Swing and kiss and all git gay!
All gents to the left and balance all!
Lift your hoofs and let ’em fall!
Swing your opp’sites! Swing again!
Kiss the sage-hens if you can!
Back to your partners, do-si-do!
Gents salute your little sweets!
Hitch up and promenade to your seats!
— Kemp P. Battle, from his book Great American Folklore: Legends, Tales, Ballads, and Superstitions From All Across America (read for free)
