Part 1 – The Gallops (first 16-count):
• Gallop forward R foot (1, & 2).
• Gallop forward L foot (3, & 4).
• Gallop forward R foot (5, & 6).
• Gallop forward L foot (7, & 8).
Repeat – Gallops (last 16-count):
• Gallop forward R foot (9, & 10).
• Gallop forward L foot (11, & 12).
• Gallop forward R foot (13, & 14).
• Gallop forward L foot (15, & 16).
• Gallop forward R foot (1, & 2).
• Gallop forward L foot (3, & 4).
• Gallop forward R foot (5, & 6).
• Gallop forward L foot (7, & 8).
Repeat – Gallops (last 16-count):
• Gallop forward R foot (9, & 10).
• Gallop forward L foot (11, & 12).
• Gallop forward R foot (13, & 14).
• Gallop forward L foot (15, & 16).
Instructions for partners
Now that you know the footwork for the Cotton Eyed Joe, let’s try it with the partner handhold.
Partner handhold:
• Partners stand side by side. Lady on the gentleman’s right.
• Varsouvienne Handhold: Gentleman’s R arm reaching across the back of the lady, meeting her R hand at her R shoulder. Gentleman’s L hand reach across meeting Lady’s L hand, her arm bent at elbows, palms by shoulders facing up.
• Handhold lasts through the entire dance.
Now that you know the footwork for the Cotton Eyed Joe, let’s try it with the partner handhold.
Partner handhold:
• Partners stand side by side. Lady on the gentleman’s right.
• Varsouvienne Handhold: Gentleman’s R arm reaching across the back of the lady, meeting her R hand at her R shoulder. Gentleman’s L hand reach across meeting Lady’s L hand, her arm bent at elbows, palms by shoulders facing up.
• Handhold lasts through the entire dance.
Cotton Eyed Joe Jigsaw - Gallops (YouTube)