-- The "Hoe-Down" was done originally in the Minstrel shows of days gone by. Each dancer of the troupe would come out and dance a few steps, while the rest of the dancers circled around and watch and cheer them on, clapping and stomping their feet, as one dancer would finish another of the dancers would take their place in the circle. This would repeat till all danced. This Hoe-Down would also make it's way to the Barn Dance.

The Hoe-Down incorporated a variety of American Negro elements such as Foot Stomping, Hand Clapping, Ring Games and Spirituals.

-- In later years the Swing dance community adopted this same type of Hoe-Down, but it would be called a "Jam" usually happening spontaneously and was done just for fun. This Jam would be used to showcase the "Hottest" dancer's in the place or maybe a challenger who thought they were good enough. The best dancer's would usually finish last as no one would want to replace them on the floor, The Music got to Fast or occasionally the music would just end and the dancer's would go back to general dancing.

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The Basic Step