Edited by Azizi Powell
This pancocojams post showcases some YouTube videos of people in New Orleans, Louisiana second lining (buck dancing) while holding a handkerchief.
Some of these videos also show second liners or musicians in bands (first lines) with a sweat towel around their neck or draped on their shoulder.
The content of this post is presented for historical, socio-cultural, entertainment, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
Thanks to all those who are featured in these videos and thanks to the videographers and publishers of these videos on YouTube.
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INFORMATION ABOUT SECOND LINING
From https://secondlines.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqkoF_2q181jKuoH9k4A0MTMQZG57tBHAm_cGfHEMxc2O0QAa0X
"A Second Line is a cultural parade organized by Social, Aid,
and Pleasure Clubs in New Orleans, Louisiana. The first line is the parade's
main section, which consist of the Social, Aid, and Pleasure Club, and the
brass band. The Second Line consists of people who follow the brass band to
enjoy the music and dance. Second Lining is a dance form where participants
dance and walk along the S.A.P.C. in an African-based, free-form style. Second
Lining is one of the most African retentive cultures in the United States."
-snip-
"Buck jumping" is a referent for the type of dancing that is done by second liners.
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PANCOCOJAMS EDITOR'S NOTE
Handkerchiefs that are carried by New Orleans second liners serve the utilitarian purpose of wiping away the person's sweat. However, handkerchiefs carried during New Orleans second liners also can serve aesthetic purposes of enhancing the way the dancing looks.
This custom of carrying a handkerchief or some other item such as a small towel or a long scarf has spread to some other forms of African American dancing such as some examples of Soul line dancing.
Click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/09/the-probable-ghanaian-sources-for-new.html for the pancocojams post entitled "The Probable Ghanaian Sources For The New Orleans Customs Of Twirling Parasols & Waving White Handkerchiefs During New Orleans Second Line Parades (Reprint)."
Also, click https://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2026/09/a-youtube-video-compilation-of-creative.html for Part I of the two part pancocojams series entitled "The Creative Use Of Handkerchiefs In African American (Soul) Line Dancing - From Sweat Cloths To Dance Movement Embellishment". The link for Part II of this series is given in that post.
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SHOWCASE VIDEOS OF SECOND LINING (with a focus on second liners carrying a handkerchief, or towel, or some other type of cloth)
These YouTube videos are presented in chronological order based on their publishing date with the oldest videos presented first.
Numbers are given for referencing purposes only.
SHOWCASE VIDEO #1- Buck-jumping dance-off on Oak St. during the Pigeon Town Steppers Easter Second Line
Lisa Palumbo, Apr 6, 2010
Meet my Sunday runnin' podnas, Stooges Brass Band trumpeter Eric Gordon, (blue shirt) and Jerel James Brown (white wife-beater) plus two other guys I don't know and check out their footwork with the Free Agents Brass Band providing the beat.
4-4-10, New Orleans, LA
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #2 -2010 Lady Buck Jumpers Second Line
Come See About Me, Dec 18, 2010
The Lady Buck Jumpers strut their stuff through Uptown, New
Orleans to the sounds of the Rebirth Brass Band.
Shot on a 550d, home-made camera rig and edited in Final Cut
Express 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yIHmxYjjEP0
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #3 - 'Only in New Orleans': second line flow featuring music by
TBC Brass Band
at the Brothers of Change 2012 second line parade
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM0qzOunCJU
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #4 - "If Yo Foot Aint Hurting Then Yo Feet Aint
Working." Single Ladies & Men annual Second Line.
Cik Cycles, Jun 2, 2013
http://www.onenawlins.com
For more history on this wonderful and unique culture please visit and
my website.
Single Ladies and Men Annual Second line Parade.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHgJFutF5vs
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #5 - New Orleans' Second Line Dancers Carry Joy and History | If
Cities Could Dance
KQED Arts, Apr 26, 2018 #footwork #NewOrleans #ifcitiescoulddance
Meet one of New Orleans' most beloved second line dancers, Rodrick "Scubble" Davis, known for this exuberant, athletic footwork and dancing through the Crescent City's streets. While tourists are familiar with Mardi Gras processions that attract hordes of tourists to #NewOrleans every Carnival season, for locals, the real-deal is the second line parades, which fill the streets with joyful dancing and live brass bands every Sunday, ten months out of the year.
Scubble grew up in the historic African-American
neighborhood Tremé, known as the birthplace of jazz and center of second line
tradition. Its parades took off after the end of slavery, when African
Americans formed Benevolent Societies and Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs as a
form of mutual social aid. Then, in the early 20th century, second lining
merged with New Orleans’ burgeoning jazz culture.
Today, club members and their bands burst out onto the streets often wearing matching, brightly-colored outfits with elaborate hats and headdresses; they wave banners as the crowd parts to make way for them and their high-stepping dance moves. Scubble, a club member with the Tremé Sidewalk Steppers, was introduced to second-lining when he was four years old by his mother, and his love for it grew. “I was always a hyped-kid, couldn’t keep still, and anytime I heard the band, I was moving,” he says.
Watch as Scubble dances his way through historic Tremé,
including in front of the popular Candlelight Lounge, and as he joins in a
Sunday parade, stopping to show off his moves on raised porches and atop bus
stop shelters. Featuring music by New Orleans' Rebirth Brass Band and the Big 6
Brass Band.
#ifcitiescoulddance #footwork #secondlinedance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGhFpCc3tTw
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #6 -Perfect Gentleman Social Aid & Pleasure Club Father’s
Day Secondline. Ft Da Truth Brass Band.
Harold Enclarde, Jun 19, 2023
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPna-gccHng
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SHOWCASE VIDEO #7-New Orleans Second Line | Original Big Seven | 2026 | 30th
Annual Mother’s Day Celebration
Subject Matter Experts,
Experience the unforgettable energy of the 2026 Original Big
Seven New Orleans Second Line, celebrating its 30th Annual Mother’s Day Parade
through the historic streets of New Orleans! 🎺💐
This iconic second line is one of the city’s most beloved traditions, bringing together thousands of revelers, stunning parade fashion, live brass band music, and the unmatched culture of New Orleans.
From the dazzling suits and custom umbrellas to the electrifying dancing and soulful music, the Original Big Seven Social Aid & Pleasure Club continues to showcase the heart and spirit of the city on this special Mother’s Day celebration.
If you love New Orleans second lines, brass bands, Mardi Gras Indian culture, and authentic street traditions, this video captures it all in stunning detail.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jb7E2I_tNDE
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