Dance Steps
Every country dance is comprised of a series of
dance steps. If you know each individual dance step, the process of learning new dances
becomes quite easy. We have put together a comprehensive listing of common dance steps. As
country dance evolves, new steps will be created but this list contains the
most common dance steps that country dancers are using.
Coaster Step: Triple step takes up 2 counts of music. Count is 1 & 2.
Left Coaster
1. Step back with left foot & step back
with right foot.
2. Step forward with left foot.
Right Coaster
1. Step back with right foot & step back
left foot.
2. Step forward with right foot.
Grapevine or Vine: This is normally done in three counts to the side in
one continuous motion and the fourth count is usually a scuff or stomp, but can be
anything.
Left Vine
1. Step to the left with left foot (please make
this step small until you get real familiar with this move it will make it
easier to
dance at dance speed)
2. Swing your right foot behind your left foot
and put your weight on your right foot
3. Step to the left with your left foot and put
your weight on your left foot
4. The vine is finished on 3 counts. The fourth
count is whatever move the dance calls for Right Vine
1. Step to the right with right foot and put
your weight on right foot
2. Step behind with your left foot and put your
weight on your left foot
3. Step to the right with your right foot and
put your weight on your right foot
4. The vine is finished on 3 counts the fourth
is whatever move the dance calls for.
Heel Click:
Feet are together. Put your weight on the balls
of your feet and swivel your heels out to different sides while keeping
toes together. Bring heels back
together.
Heel Split: 2 counts
With weight on balls of both feet, swing heels
of feet away from each other. Bring heels back together on the second
count. *Some very fast
dances call for quick heel splits in one count of music.
Heel Swivel:
Feet are together. Put your weight on to the
balls of your feet,
Swivel both heels to the right,
Swivel both heels back to center,
Swivel both heels to the left,
Swivel both heels back to center.
*There may be cases where you swivel from side
to side without stopping in the center.
Hitch:
Lift foot slightly off the ground, bending
slightly at your knee.
You will see some people raise their leg very
high but this is just their style and is not necessary.
Jazz Box: 4 counts or steps
Left Jazz Box
1. Step across & in front of your left with
right foot.
2. Step back & to your left slightly with
your left foot.
3. Step back & to your right slightly with
your right foot.
4. Bring your left foot over & place it
beside your right foot.
Right Jazz Box
1. Step across & in front of your right
foot with left foot.
2. Step back & to your right slightly with
your right foot.
3. Step back & to your left slightly with
your left foot.
4. Bring your right foot over & place it
beside your left foot.
Kick-Ball-Change: Can be done with either foot
Right Kick-Ball-Change
Weight is on left foot.
Scuff your right foot in a forward motion on
the floor.
Shift weight to right foot and back to left
foot.
Put your right down, lift your left slightly
off the floor and then put your left back down on the floor & shift your weight to
your left.
Rock step:
Left Rock Step:
Weight is on your right foot,
Step forward on your left foot, put your weight
on your left foot and pick your right up slightly. Put your weight back
down on your right foot.
Right rock step:
Weight is on your left foot.Step forward on
right foot, and back on left.
Sailor Shuffle: Triple step taking up 2 counts of music. The count is 1 & 2.
Left Sailor Shuffle:
1. Cross left foot behind right foot & step
slightly to right with right foot.
2. Step left foot in place. Lean body to the
left during this shuffle.
Right Sailor Shuffle:
1. Cross right foot behind left foot
& step slightly to the left with left foot.
2. Step right foot in place. Lean body to the
right during this shuffle.
Shuffle Step: 3 small steps normally taken on 2 beats of music.
Use 3 counts "One and
Two" on 2 beats of music.Use small 1-2-3 steps.
Right Shuffle:
Step right, step left, step right.
Left Shuffle :
Step left, step right, step left.
Step - Slide- Step:
Step forward with one foot.
Slide the other foot up behind the forward
foot.
Step forward again on the first foot.
Strut Step:
As you step forward place the heel of your foot
on the ground first, then place the front part of your foot down.
Toe Fans:
Feet are together. Weight is more on the heel
of your feet. You will fan only one foot at a time. Keep heels together,
move so that the toes of one foot
are pointing out Bring toes back together.
Toe Splits: 2 counts
With weight on heels of both feet, Swing toes
or feet away from each other. Bring toes together on second count.
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