American Promenade

This is a couple's dance performed in pairs in a large circle, moving clockwise.

A simple handhold is used: the boy extends his right hand, and the girl places her left hand in it.

Steps: walk in march rhythm.

The Dance Step-by-Step

1. Start with the outside foot (left for the boy, right for the girl) and take four steps forward (1–4).

Turn 180 degrees by taking each other's other hand, and take four steps backward in the same direction (retreating) (5–8).

2. Repeat turn 1 so that you return to the starting position (1–8).

3. Take one side step towards each other and one side step away from each other (1–4).

Change places with each other by the boy leading the girl to his left side with four walking steps. The girl changes places by walking/turning in front of the boy, facing him (5–8).

4. Repeat turn 3, so that the girl returns to the right side again (1–8).

The dance is repeated from the start.

After all turns are completed, the girls wait for the boys dancing behind them, and get a new partner.

Short Version – to recognize the dance

1. Four steps forward – turn – four steps back
2. Four steps forward – turn – four steps back
3. Towards each other – away from each other – change places
4. Towards each other – away from each other – change places

Progression (Learning)

• It is easiest to practice the dance by walking in pairs in a line.
• First, practice walking in march rhythm to the music.
• Count to 16 and practice: towards – away – change places. For the youngest, this can be the whole dance.
• Then go down to 8 counts and practice turning and backing (4+4).

When the students master the dance in a line, they move on to dancing in a circle and perform it with partner changes.