Chinese Breakdown

Source: Barry Moule; published in English Dance & Song, Summer 1974, Vol. XXXVI No. 2
Formation: Square

Break
A1 Corner Allemande Left; Pass your Partner by the Right; Allemande Right the Next
A2 Pass your Partner by the Left; Corner Allemande Left (x2)
B1 Partner Balance (8) & Swing (8)
B2 Partner Promenade

Figure
A1 #1s Promenade around the Set
A2 Heads: Right & Left Through x2
B1 #1s Face Right: Ladies' Chain x2
B2 #1s Face Left: Ladies' Chain x2


As danced at Manley (nr. Chester), provided by Mo Waddington
Break
A1 Allemande left your corner, pass your partner by
Allemande right the one you meet, and pass your partner by
A2 Allemande left your corner dosido your own
Swing your partner (once around and promenade the town)
B1 Promenade around the Set
B2 Partner Swing

Figure
A1 #1s Promenade around the Set
A2 Heads: Ladies' Chain x2
B1 Heads Face Right: Ladies' Chain x2
B2 Heads Face Left: Ladies' Chain x2

Music:
64 bars.

Notes:
The B figure leaves a lot of people stationary for a long time. I would probably use "Heads Face Right: Ladies' Chain x2" to provide more dancing for everyone, as in the Manley version above.

Although it wasn't published in the magazine until 1974, Ann Gibson remembers dancing it in the early 1960s at an evening institute country dance class in North Yorkshire.


Original page from English Dance & Song, Summer 1974


Chinese Breakdown

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