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

SUZIE Q OR THE ARKANSAS TRAVELER

(Devised by Jim York) 

Richard G. Kraus, Square Dances of Today: And How to Teach and Call Them, New York (NY): A. S. Barnes & Co., 1950. 

Note: The Suzie Q is another (new) name for an old figure. It is the same as the "Arkansas Traveler" a version of the Docey Doe. A simpler alternative to the figure below is simply to have the head (or side) couples go forward and back, then with the opposite couple "Suzie Q" or do the Arkansas Traveler, finishing by all turning the corner with the right and partner left (or corner do sa do, or some other figure). p 43 

First and third balance and swing

Lead right out to the right of the ring

Circle four in the middle of the floor

Break to a line as you did before.

Forward eight and back with you

Back to the center, right and left through.

Turn right back for a Suzie Q ("Grange Docey Doe")

Turn the opposite with a right hand round,

Partner left when you come down

Now the opposite right hand round,

Partner left when you come down

And form new lines of four 

Forward eight and back with you

Back to the center, right and left through.

Turn right back for a Suzie Q ("Grange Docey Doe")

Turn the opposite with a right hand round,

Partner left when you come down

Now the opposite right hand round

Partner left when you come down 

Go to your corner do sa do (back to back)

Swing your partner before you go

And promenade boys, promenade.