Sandham Express

Note: Written in memory of John Sandham who passed away on Boxing Day 2022. John was a pioneer of line & western dancing in the UK with his dances still filling floors and the BWDA teacher training still in operation today. This dance is written using the first 10 counts of the classic line dance “Western Express” by John & Janette Sandham with permission of John’s Family. I hope you will have fun with it!

Starts in a circle around the floor facing anti-clockwise – You will travel around the floor line a train. If you need more space, start an inner circle facing clockwise – so both “Trains” will travel in opposite directions.

[1-8] “Western Express” Pigeon Toes x2, Down-Up-Down-Up.
1-2On balls of both feet, split heels apart, then back together.

3-4Repeat counts 1-2

5-6Bend both knees, straighten both knees

7-8Repeat counts 5-6

As you are going down and up, make 'locomotive' driving wheel movements with both arms.

[9-16] Pull The Whistle, Triple Step, Pull The Whistle, Triple Step.
1-2Hitch right knee twice

At same time raise right hand in air and 'Pull' that train whistle, twice, with a verbal 'Whoo, Whoo'
3&4Triple step in place stepping – right-left-right.

5-6Hitch left knee twice

At same time raise right hand in air and 'Pull' that train whistle, twice, with a verbal 'Whoo, Whoo'
7&8Triple step in place stepping – left-right-left

[17-24] Camel Walks Right & Left with Arms.
1-2Step forward right, slide left to right.

3-4Step forward right, scuff left foot forward.

5-6Step forward left, slide right to left.

7-8Step forward left, scuff right foot forward.

As you are travelling forward, make 'locomotive' driving wheel movements with both arms.

[25-32] Right Shuffle, Left Shuffle, Walk Forward, Stomp.
1&2Shuffle forward – right-left-right.

3&4Shuffle forward – left-right-left.

5-7Walk forward right-left-right.

8Stomp left foot in place.

THE FUN BIT! At any point in the music, the person leading the dance can tell the train to change direction. When the lead shouts “Change”, “Reverse” etc, everyone needs to change the last 4 counts of the dance to the below and the train will now travel clockwise around the floor (or anti-clockwise if you are the inner circle).

[29-32] Pivot ½ Turn, Stomp, Stomp.

If you want to cause more chaos, shout “derail” and let everyone disband the circle and head off in any direction on the floor.

Last Update: 6 Dec 2025

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