The Lloyd Shaw Foundation is dedicated to the preservation, restoration and teaching of the folk dances of America.

FORWARD SIX AND FALL BACK EIGHT

Found in "Cowboy Dances," by Lloyd Shaw, all editions, pp 261-264. 

First couple bow and swing

Down the center and divide the ring

Lady goes right, gent goes left

And four in line you stand 

Forward four and four fall back

Sashay four to the right 

Forward six and fall back eight

Forward eight and fall back six

Sashay four to the right 

Forward four and four fall back

Sashay four to the right 

Forward six and fall back eight

Forward eight and fall back six

Sashay four to the right 

Forward four and fall back four

Forward four and circle four

Docey doe and a little more dough

Chicken in the bread pan kicking out dough

One more change and home you go

Swing, swing, everybody swing 

Note: the figure can be changed at the whim of the caller so that various numbers of dancers are called forward and back, first explaining that the directions "forward" and "back" are defined by the facing direction of the line of four. So, for example, the caller could say:

Forward six and fall back eight,

forward eight and fall back four,

forward four and ball back six, etc. 

Let your imagination run to give the dancers variation and challenge with this simple figure.