A 1902 popular song.
Words and music by Scott Joplin.
Joplin also wrote complete dance instructions for the song to be performed on stage. It is a dance for four couples with a caller. This song was published as an instrumental in 1906.
The sheet music:
The-Ragtime-Dance – SHEET MUSIC
Accompaniment by James Pitt-Payne:
Lyrics
I attended a ball last Thursday night
Given by the dark town swells
Every coon came out in full dress alright
And the girls were society belles
The hall was illuminated by electric lights
It certainly was a sight to see
So many colored folks there without a razor fight
‘Twas a great surprise to me
There was little Sam Smith the great “lady’s man”
Who had the honor of being manager of the floor
Told the people to get ready for the time is near at hand
And the dance begins at nine o’clock you know
Then the orchestra began to play the sweet entrancing music
Of the most popular dance of the day
Every couple took their places
All the coons had smiling faces
While they waited for the caller to say, “Well
Let me see you do the “ragtime dance”
Turn left and do the “Cake walk prance”
Turn the other way and do the “Slow drag”
Now take your lady to the World’s fair
And do the “ragtime dance”
Let me see you do the “clean up dance”
Now you do the “Jennie Cooler dance”
Turn the other way and do the “Slow drag”
Now take your lady to the World’s fair
And do the “ragtime dance”
Now “rag” and “circle to your left”
Be careful to do your best
Take your time, stay in line
You are the ragtime guest
Take partners, do the “rag two step”
I know you are enjoying yourselves
You are representatives of dark town’s wealth
Stop where you are
Everybody now “form a line”
Dance nothing but the real rag time
Do your best, “forward four steps”
You are all very fine
Let me see you do the “back step prance”
Be graceful at every chance
You are now enjoying the “rag time dance”
Everybody sing
“Cakewalk” soft and sweetly
Be sure your steps done neatly
Keep up a slow advance
‘Twill put you in a trance
Now “form a line” as you did before
You’re dancing with your best beau
But the only real thing is the “ragtime dance”
Everybody turn
To your right do the “dude walk”
‘Tis a wonderful sight is the “town talk”
This is your only chance, enjoy it while you can
Now “form a perfect straight line”
Get ready for the “Stop time”
You are the “easy winners” in the ragtime dance
Turn left, walk around
Walk “Sedidus” now
We’ve finished in a prance
The “Rag time dance”
Sung here by Fred Feild: