LINE DANCE STEPS
ACCENT – Emphasis on a particular step or move in a pattern, or, in music, the emphasis on a certain beat in a measure.
ACROSS – Movement across the Line Of Dance.
ACROSS RIGHT – The Left foot will cross in front of Right foot.
ADD – See Tag
ADVANCED A dancer with the ability to perform intricate moves and patterns and improvise freely within them.
ALIGNMENT – the alignment of the body part with respect to the torso. See Floor Alignment
AND– Used when 2 movements are to be done simultaneously, i.e.: 1. Step forward and clap hands.
& (ampersand) – The upbeat that precedes or follows the whole downbeat. &1 precedes the beat, 1& follows
the beat. Unlike the usage of the term “and”, the ampersand is used when “Step and clap” means two
separate movements (on the downbeat and the other on the up-beat) and is notated in step descriptions as:
1 Step forward on Left foot
& Clap hands
AND STEP Signifies weight change with a movement. For instance, in describing the first three steps in a
Grapevine right, the description would read:
- Step to the right with Right foot.
- Cross Left foot behind Right and step.
- Step to the right with Right foot.
Without the “and step” the Left foot would still be dangling behind the Right foot and, unless you can fly,
executing Step 3 will be quite difficult.
ANKLE ROCK – Feet are crossed and ankles are in a locked position. Shift weight one or more time from
forward foot to trailing foot and back maintaining the locked ankle position.
APART – Movement away from partner.
APPLEJACKS – A foot traveling movement in place as follows:
1 With weight on Left heel and ball of right foot, swivel Left toe to the left and Right heel to the left
(feet are in a “V” position, toes pointed outward.
& Swivel Left toe and Right heel back to centre.
2 With weight on Right heel and ball of left foot, swivel Right toe to the right and Left heel to the right
(feet = in a “V” position, toes pointed outward.
& Bring feet together
Move can be done with opposite weight changes. Also see Traveling Applejacks
ARCH – A curvature of the torso initiated by lifting the ribcage. Also See Partner Dance Positions Arch
ATTITUDE -The free leg is turned out, and extended backward with a bent knee
BACK – To the back of the dancer.
BACKWARD – The area behind the dancer.
BALANCE – A state of equilibrium or body stability. To keep the centre of the mass over the support base.
BALANCE STEP- A maneuver usually performed in waltz time, wherein there is a stride forward, or back, and the weight his
held on the stepping foot for the following two beats. For example: 1. Stride forward on Left foot 2, 3. Hold for two beats
BALL CHANGE – A quick change of weight from the ball of one foot to the other foot. This move is usually preceded by
either a kick or a heel touch.
BALLROOM – See Partner Dance Positions
BANJO – See Partner Dance Positions – Parallel
BAR-In sheet music a vertical line that separates measures. In music jargon a “bar” is a measure of music,
hence “12 bar blues” means there are 12 measures in a verse. See Measure
BASKET – See Partner Dance positions – Wrap
BEAT – The pulse of music. The basis for describing step descriptions and footwork.
BEGINNER –A dancer at the introductory stages of dance. .
BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE –
BEHIND – The free foot will go behind the opposite foot.
BODY ALIGNMENT – The position of the feet to the room. Includes: Down ‘ LOD, Backing LOD, Facing wall,
Facing centre, Facing diagonally to wall, Facing diagonally to centre, Facing diagonally to wall against LOD,
Facing diagonally to centre against LOD.
BODY RISE – The rise of the body as controlled by bracing the leg muscles or stretching the spine.
Used in C/W Waltz and Polka. See Rise (Rise & Fall)
BODY ROLL – Done forward, backward or sideways. A movement where different parts of the body move in
order respectively. a.k.a. “Ripple“
BOOGIE – The free hip and leg lifts and moves circularly in the direction of the non-weighted leg.
BOOGIE ROLL – Similar to Forward Cuban Motion, using a bent knee, but the hip stays back
BOOGIE WALK – While moving forward, the non-support hip and leg moves forward using a circular
movement transferring weight to moving leg.
BOX STEPS – A maneuver, usually completed in 8 beats, which forms a box on the floor. Example:
1 Step forward on Left foot
2· Step Right foot next to Left
3· Step to the left on Left foot
4· Touch Right foot next to Left
5· Step back on Right foot
6· Step Left foot next to right
7· Step to the right on Right foot
8· Touch Left foot next to right
BPM – Beats Per Minute. see Tempo.
BREAK – 1. Reverse direction.
- The 6 count pattern in Swing is called a break pattern.
- In music, the instrumental section within a song.
BREAK TURN – Also called Step Turn. A phrasing variation on the Military Pivot wherein the step forward
and the turn is done on the first beat. The weight change occurs on the second beat as follows:
1 Step forward onto Right foot while pivoting 1/2 turn CCW
2 Step down in place onto Left foot
BRUSH – On a Brush the free leg swings forward or back with the sole of the foot brushing the floor as it moves. See scuff.
BUMP – Dancers bump hips to the side or with their partner.
BUTTERFLIES – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUTTERMILKS – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
BUZZ – A turn in one spot. Also called a Paddle Turn. See Paddle Turn Footwork
CAMEL WALK – A two beat maneuver in which a step forward is made on the first beat. On the second beat,
the forward foot does a knee pop while the trailing foot slides up to and under the upraised heel of the forward foot
CANTER RHYTHM – 3/4 time. An uneven pattern using one long count (1, 2) and one short count (3).
Two steps taken to 3 beats of music.
CATHEDRAL – See Partner Dance Positions -Arch
CCW – See Counterclockwise
CHA CHA STEP -Three steps done to two beats of music. Count 1&2 – Left, Right, Left (LRL), or Right, Left, Right (RLR)
and is used with Cha Cha rhythm.
CHANGE OF WEIGHT – Shifting weight from the supporting foot to the free foot. See And Step
CHARLESTON (Traditional) – A 4 count step pattern swiveling the feet in and out. Example:
1 Step forward on Left foot with heel swiveled inward
& Swivel Left heel outward
2 Kick Right foot forward while swiveling Left heel inward
& Swivel Left heel outward
3 Step back on Right foot with Right heel turned outward
& Swivel Right heel inward
4 Touch left toe back while swiveling Right heel outward
& Swivel Right heel inward
CHARLESTON KICK – Traditional Charleston without swivels; a.k.a. Charleston. Example is left lead:
1 Step forward Left
2 Kick Right forward
3 Step back Right
4 Touch Left toe back
CHASE – A figure where one partner pursues the other.
CHASSE’ – Pronounced Shah-say. A series of side steps. The free foot never passes the supporting foot.
May be done forward or backward
CHOREOGRAPHER – One who authors a dance or a sequence of movements in dance
CHOREOGRAPHY A planned sequence of dance movements in dance
CHUG with weight on ball of one foot lift the opposite foot and scoot forward. For Hip-Hop a Chug is a movement
with the weight on the ball of one foot while using the opposite foot to push off and complete a turn without moving
the weighted foot
COASTER STEPS – A Syncopated maneuver in which the starting footsteps in a given direction, then the traveling
foot closes with the starting foot and then the starting footsteps in the opposite direction
CORKSCREW – A Maneuver similar to an “unwind” in that it starts with the crossing of one foot over to the other side of
the other foot and placing the weight fully onto the balls of both feet. The turn, or unwind, is excluded. However, the
legs end up in an opposite crossed position on completion. A corkscrew can either be a 3/4 turn or a full turn in duration.
Upon completion a full corkscrew turn, the trailing foot is usually lifted off the floor to relieve pressure on t he hips and
to facilitate an easy transition into the next step
.
COTTON EYED JOE POSITION – See Partner Dance Positions – Side By Side,
COUNT – A call used to count the rhythm of foot movements and weight changes, or to count the beats of music.
CRADLE – See Partner Dance Position – Wrap
CROSS – The free foot will step across in front or behind the opposite foot. See Across Left and Across Right
CROSS BACK – See Partner Dance Positions – skaters
CROSS BALL CHANGE – See Sailor Shuffle
CROSS SHUFFLE – See Gallop
CUBAN MOTION – A discreet but excessive hip movement achieved by bending and straightening the knee with carefully
timed weight transfer. The foot is moved delaying weight transfer. Knee of the moving leg bends inward
CUDDLE -See Partner Dance Position – Wrap
DIAGONAL, – 45 degrees out from centre.
DIG -To place the ball or the heel of the free foot to the floor with a strong emphasis.
DIP – A slight of the support knee (pile) to a sitting position with the free leg extended forward.
The thighs are parallel. Also called Corte
DOUBLE FOOT BOOGIE – A Four beat pattern of toe & Heel
(Heel & Toe) swivels described as follows:
1 With weight on heels swivel toes outward diagonally
2 With weight on toes, swivel heels outward diagonally
3 With weight on toes, swivel heels inward
4 With weight on heels, bring toes together
DOWNBEAT – The accented basis in measure music. There are four of these in a 4/4 measure.
They are the numbers when counting 1&2&3&4& or &1&2&3&4, while the ampersands are the upbeats.
DRAG – Bring free foot slowly together to the supporting foot
DRAW – See Drag
ELECTRIC KICKS – This a Hip Hop maneuver and is done as follows
1 Step forward on right while kicking left foot backwards slightly off floor
2 Step back on left foot while kicking Right forwards slightly off floor
3 Step back on right while kicking Left forwards slightly off of floor
4 Step fwd on left while kicking right backwards slightly off floor
Double Electric Kicks is the above 4 beat manoeuvre dons twice
FALL AWAY – See Partner Dance position- Promenade,
FAN – See Heel Fan or Toe Fan
FAN KICK – A high, straight leg kick where the extended leg makes a circular sweep.
FIGURE FORE (FOUR) – The, The free leg moves as a pendulum in front of the weighted foot and is kept off the floor.
The toe is pointed downward.
FLARE – A low kick on or near the floor
FLEA HOP – A skip or scoot sideways in the direction of the non-support leg. The hip moves upward
FLICK – A lift of the foot bending at the knee.
FLOD – Line of Direction, Line of Dance, or Forward Line of Dance on the dance floor. The direction that the dance is
normally flowing in. The term FLOD is most often used when there are a number of direction changes in a step description.
FLOD is usually counter clockwise around the dance floor. Against FLOD is RLOD
(Usually anti-clockwise around the dance floor.) See ILOD, OLOD,
FLOOR ALIGNMENT – See FLOD, ILOD, RLOD, OLOD, Alignment
FOLLOW THROUGH – The non-support foot passes by the weighted foot before changing directions
FOOT BOOGIE A four beat pattern of toe / heel swivels (right or left) with one foot staying in as follows:
Right Foot Boogie
1 Keeping Left in place, swivel Right toe to right
2 Swivel Right heel to right
3 Swivel Right heel to centre
4 Swivel right toe to centre left
Left Foot Boogie is opposite above,
FOOT PARTS – Parts of the foot used in dance
1 Toe
2 Inside edge of the toe
3 0utside edge of the toe
4 Ball
5 Inside edge of the ball
6 Outside edge of the Ball
7 Heel
8 Inside edge of the heel
9 Outside edge of the heal
10 Flat
11 Inside edge of the flat foot (instep)
12 Outside edge of the flat foot
FOOTWORK – The use of the five positions of the feet in dancing.
1 Feet together 2 Feet Parallel
3 Heel to instep – instep to heel 4 Forward or back
5 Toe to heel, Heel to Toe
FRAME – Dance posture for the purpose of maintaining balance, posture & appearance.
FREEZE – A step – no movement. See Hold.
FRONT SIDE – The area half way between the front and the side.
GALLOP a.ka. Cross Shuffle – A sideway syncopated manoeuvre wherein one foot crosses over the other and
Steps and then the trailing foot pushes off towards the direction of travel. The leading foot hen steps again
towards direction of travel to complete the maneuver. For example:
1 Cross Right foot over left and step
& Push off to the left slightly with Left in place
2 Step to the left on Right.
GRAPEVINE – A continuous traveling step to the side with crosses behind and/or across in front.
VINE is an abbreviation. The Grapevine is a 3-count move to either side. The 4th count is an optional ending,
such as a brush, kick, scoot, etc. Any more than 3 counts is called a WEAVE. See Weave
GRIND WALK – Also called a Heel Twist and a Suzie Q. 1. The right heel is extended forward across left foot
with the right toe pointing toward the left. 2. Keeping the weight on the right heel twist the right toes to the
right as the left foot steps to side left.
HAMMERLOCK – a.k.a. Hammer. See Partner Dance Positions – Pretzel
HEEL BALL CHANGE – Touch heel forward on Count 1, quickly change weight to opposite foot on” & Count”,
followed by a quick weight change back to starting foot on Count 2. This move is done in place.
HEEL BOUNCE The simultaneous raising of both heels (either together or slightly apart) and lowering them to the floor.
a.k.a. Heel Raises, Executed on beats &1&2
HEEL FAN Feet are together, the heel of one foot move to the side & back together.
HEEL CLICKS – Fast heel spreads (splits) counted & 1 & 2, clicking the heels slightly together on the down beet
HEEL SPLITS – Feet together with weight on the balls of both feet
Push heels apart on count 1. Bring heels together on count 2.
A FAST HEEL SPLIT takes one beat of music and is counted as & 1 or 1 & See toe splits. Also known as Scissors,
Butterflies Buttermilks, Spits. Pigeon Toes, Heel Spreads, Texas Spread etc
HEEL STOMP – Lift both heels off the floor by bending the knees. Return the heels to the floor with emphasis.
See Heel Bounces
HEEL SWIVELS – With feet together and weight on the balls of the feet shift both heels either right or left and back to centre.
HEEL TOUCH -,See Touch
HIP BUMPS – Move hips out and back.
HIP LIFT– The hip lifts the leg by rotating the hips around the axis or the hips lift sideways
HEEL SWITCHES – A syncopated movement in which the weighted and un-weighted feet switch places from heel
touches to home position. Example: Usually done in multiples as below.
1 Touch Right heel forward.
& Step right to home.
2 Touch Left heel forward.
& Step Left to home
HEEL TWIST – See Grind Walk
HITCH – A lifting of a leg without executing a scoot
HITCH HIKE –Upper body movement either thumb points back over shoulders, usually while stepping back.
HOOK – The free foot moves as a pendulum in front or back of the weighted foot and is kept off the floor.
HOOK COMBINATION is a 4 count move using
1 Touch heel front
2 Hook free foot over opposite knee
3 Touch heel front
4 Step together
HOP – A spring into the air from one foot landing on the same foot.
HORSESHOE – See Partner Dance Positions -Side By Side,
ILOD – Inside Line Of Dance. Dance facing centre of dance floor
IMPROVISE – To add moves and variations within an original Choreography, i.e. rolling turns during Grapevines, etc.
JAZZ SQUARE – a.k.a. Jazz Box. A dance pattern with 4 weight changes as follows.
Left
1 Cross Left foot over right and step
2 Step back on Right foot
3 Step to the left on Left
4 Step right next to left
Right
1 Cross Right over Left and step
2 Step back on Left
3 Step to the right on Right
4 Step Left foot next to Right
JUMP – Spring into air off both feet and land on both feet
JUMPING JACKS – jump landing with feet apart on Count 1 Jump landing with feet together on Count 2.
These can be done quickly by jumping apart on Count 1 and back together on Count &.
KNEE POP – The non-supporting knee is ‘popped’ forward as the heel is lifted. As the heel is lowered and knee returned
is to straight position. May be done as a Double knee pop with feet together or slightly apart
KICK – A leg lift movement in any direction taken from the knee, The knee does not completely straighten.
KICK-BALL CHANGE – Kick foot out on Count 1, quickly change weight to Opposite foot on “& Count”,
followed by a quick weight change back to starting foot on Count 2. This move is done in place
LEAP– A transfer of weight from one foot to the other. Push off with a spring and land on the ball of the other
foot, letting the heel come down. Bend knee to absorb the shock.
LOCK – A tight cross of the feet
LOCK STEP – Step forward and slide opposite foot up to first foot with ankles crossed.
LOD – Line of Dance
LOUIE, LOUIE – a.k.a. Louis Louie Swivels. A manoeuvre done with one foot forward of the other and weight
On balls of both feet. The knees are bent slightly and both heels swivel inward and then back to centre.
LUNGE – A weight transfer to a bent leg with the other leg extended.
MASH POTATO – a.k.a. Mashed Potatoes. A syncopated maneuver traveling rearward which involves the stepping back
(usually behind the other foot) with the heel turned slightly inward, and then the quick swiveling of the heel on the
weighted foot outward.
Example:
& Step right slightly behind left with right heel turned slightly to the left
1 Swivel Right heel to the right & Step back on Left slightly behind Right foot with left heel turned slightly to the right
2 Swivel left heel to the left
This pattern may continue for as many beats as desired. Sometimes there is a variation in the middle of the pattern as follows
& 1&2 Same as above
3 Same as & 1 above
& With feet in place, swivel both heels inward
4 Swivel both heels outward
MEASURE– in 4 /4 time (most CIW music), a grouping of four accented beats (3 beats for waltz time.)
MILITARY PIVOT – A 1/2 turn maneuver using two beats of music where upon the first beat is a step forward with one foot,
and the other beat is a 1/2 turn on weighted foot while shifting the weight to the other foot.
MILITARY TURN – A 1/4 turn maneuver using two beats of music where upon the first beat is a step forward on one foot,
and the second beat is a 1/4 pivot on the weighted foot while shifting the weight to the other foot.
MINUET – Performed as a partner dance waltz move. A maneuver where the man and lady are facing each other
holding one or both hands. On beats 1-2-3, they close together holding hands about chest high.
On 4-5-6 they back away from each other, lowering the hands down to waist level.
MIXER – A dance or dance pattern during which couples change partners.
OLOD – Outside Line of Dance – Dancers face the outside of dance floor
OUT OF PHRASE – When the number of steps in a dance pattern are not equal to the number of beats or
measures of music, or verse.
PHRASE – In music, a division of a composition, usually consisting of two, four, or eight measures.
Also See OUT OF PHASE. In dance to execute the Correct Movements to a number of measures.
PIROUETTE – To do a complete turn on one foot
PIVOT – Turn by putting weight on the balls of one or both feet keeping feet in place
PLIE (plee-ay) -The body lowers with weight over both feet
POPCORN – This movement is done by roiling the knee while keeping the ball of foot in place using two beats of music.
POPCORN LEFT Roll Left knee in a half circle to the left then back to centre
POPCORN RIGHT – Roll Right knee in a half circle to right then back to centre
POLKA – Three steps done to two beats of music. See Shuffle,
POINT – Point the free foot forward, backward, sideways or Crossways without touching the floor. See Touch
PREP – A lead in move or step, a set up used as preparation for a turn or a change of dance position
PUSH STEP – A ball change pattern moving to the side, forward or backwards.
RAMBLE – A pattern traveling sideways (right or left) by alternating weight on both heels then both toes (or vice versa)
and fanning both feet to the direction of the ramble.
RIPPLE – See Body Roll.
RISE – RISE. & FALL – The coming up on the toes by bracing the ankles and stretching the spine Used in C/W Waltz,
BODY RISE – The rise of the body as controlled by bracing leg muscles or stretching the spine. Used in C/W Waltz and Polka
RLOD – Reverse Line Of Dance
ROCK – With feet apart, shift weight from Left to right foot or from Right to Left foot. This movement is a weight change
so you will not be changing the position of the feet although they may tilt slightly off of the floor.
ROCK STEP – A usually done in two beats of music, initiated by stepping
in any direction on the first beat while bending the knee slightly, and by using a rocking motion, returning the weight
onto the other foot on the second beat.
ROCKING MANEUVER – Two weight changes in opposite directions, usually done while feet are already in place.
ROCKING CHAIR – A 4- Beat manoeuvre where one foot (either right or left) remains as an anchor point while the
dancer rocks forward and back (or vice verse) on the other foot. For example:
1 Step forward on Right
2 Rock back on left foot in place
3 Step back on Right
4 Rock forward on Left in place
RODEO KICKS -A two beat Kick with either foot, the first kick forward and the second kick to the side it is
common to follow these kicks with a Triple -Step in place or a Sailor Shuffle
ROLL– The indicated part of the body circles right or left
ROLLING TURN – A 3/4 to Full turn while progressing in any given direction usually requiring 3 to 4 steps.
RONDE’ – a.k.a. Ronde-de-jamb. A movement where the un-weighted leg moves from one leg position to another in a
circular arc in either a CW or CCW direction. Moving foot does not have to be in contact with the floor and is never
raised higher than the knee.
ROTATION – To rotate or turn.
ROUTINE– A choreography in which the steps and moves are performed to exactly fit the phrasing of a certain rendition
of a song. The routine usually has a fixed pattern but will be altered with Tags’ and/or truncations in order to match
the phrasing of the song used. See Tags, Truncations
RUNNING MAN – This is a movement being used in Hip Hop dances.
1 Step forward on Right
& Scoot back on Right while lifting Left knee
2 Step forward on Left
& Scoot back on Left while lifting Right knee
3 Step forward on Right
& Scoot back on Right while lifting Left knee
4 Step forward on Left foot
SAILOR STEP – A dance pattern. A shuffle step starting with a cross behind. The name derives from the stumbling
type a sailor does when he first hits dry land. The style is accomplished by leaning in opposite direction of the crossing foot.
Also called a Sailor Shuffle.
Left
1 Cross Left behind Right
& Right
2 Side left
Lean to the left throughout
Right
1 Cross Right behind Left
& Side left
2 Side Right
Lean to the Right throughout
SCHOTTISCHE – See Partner Dance Positions-Side by Side
SCISSOR STEPS – A 3 beat crossing maneuver initiated with a side step and completed with a crossover step.
Example;
1 Step to the right on Right foot
2 Step Left foot next to Right
- Cross Right foot over Left and
Weight is distributed evenly on both feet; legs slide past each other sideways, forward or backward.
SCOOT – A scoot is a slide of the weighted foot forward, backward or sideward, raising the opposite leg with a bent knee.
SCUFF – Also see Brush, On a Scuff the free leg swings forward with the heel scraping the floor with accent, after which
the foot is lifted slightly
SEMI-OPEN – See Partner Dance Positions – Promenade
SHADOW – See Partner Dance Positions-Tandem
SHIMMY – Upper body movement. Rapidly move shoulders alternately forward and backwards.
Left shoulder moves forward while Right shoulder moves backwards and vice versa.
SHINE – See Partner Dance Positions – Challenge
SHRUG -A roll of one or both shoulders either backwards or forwards in a circular motion.
SHUFFLE – A direction movement beginning with one foot then the bringing of the opposite foot together with the
starting foot and then stepping again with the starting foot in the initial direction
These steps are taken to 2 beats of music, counted 1 &2
SIDE -The area to the side of the dancer.
SIDE CAR – See Partner Dance Positions- Parallel
SKATERS – See Partner Dance Positions
SKIP – See Scoot
SLAP – Use one hand to slap the opposite foot or knee.
SLIDE – Moving an un-weighted foot in any direction keeping foot in contact with the floor.
SPIN – A full or 3/4 turn executed on one foot in one beat of music
SPLITS – See Heel Splits or Toe Splits
STAMP – See Stomp Up
STARTING POSITION – The position required to begin a dance. Also we Partner Dance Positions
STEEPLE – Sea Partner Dance Positions – Arch
STEP – The transfer of weight from one foot to another.
STEP PATTERN – See Choreography
STOMP – Strike the floor with the complete foot causing a stomping noise.
STOMP DOWN – The weight may end up evenly distributed on both feet
STOMP UP – No weight applied; the foot may rebound ready to use again depending on the next movement
STRIDE – A term used in Waltz descriptions for the slightly longer step occurring on the first and fourth count of a Waltz basic
as these counts are the heavy downbeats in the Waltz rhythm.
STROLL – A forward step followed by a cross behind, and another forward. Usually moving diagonally forward
STRUT – A strut takes two counts and is two movements, Step forward on the heel with toe remaining in the air
On the next beat the toe goes down.
STUDIO – See Partner Dance Position- Traditional Closed
SUGARFOOT – The alternate touching of the toe and then the heel of the un-weighted foot next to instep of
Of the weighted foot
SUGARFOOT SWIVELS – The alternate swiveling of one foot (see Ramble) in the direction of the
un-weighted foot while the un-weighted foot touches the toe and then the heel
Example:
1 Swivel Left heel to the right while touching Right toe next to left instep
2 Swivel left toe to the right while touching Right heel to left instep
SWEEP – The foot brushes front diagonally across the standing foot and is carried around in an Arc to the side
before it is lowered. a.k.a. Fan Brush
SWEETHEART -See Partner Dance Position – Side-By Side, Wrap, Dancing Skaters, Tandem
SWING – The free foot is raised and moved forward, backward, or crossways
SWITCH – Return one foot together with a hop while at the same time putting the opposite foot out
SWIVEL – With feet together, move the heels or toes in the given direction by putting the weight on the opposite
part of the foot
SWIVEL LEFT – Start with feet together. Keep toes on floor and move both heels to the left. Now leave the heels on the
floor and move both toes to the left. Keep repeating as many times as necessary. First heels then toes, then heels, etc
SWIVEL RIGHT – Same as Swivel Left but move toward the right
SWIVET– Performed either right or left. Move is done on the ball of one foot and heel of the other.
A Right Swivet: On the ball of left foot and heel or Right foot swivel left heel to the left and Right toes to the
A left Swivet: On the ball of Right foot and heel of Left foot, swivel Right heel to the right and Left toes to the left.
Swivet to about 45°
SYNCOPATION – A manoeuvre that employs steps between the downbeats. Example: Shuffle, Kick-Ball Change.
TAG a.k.a. Add – A repeated (or an entirely different) choreography for a section of the existing dance pattern
Inserted where required in order to allow to dance to be phrased to, or comply with, the phasing of a certain
rendition of a song. Also see Routine.
TAMARA – See partner Dance Position – Pretzel
TANDEM – See Partner Dance Positions -Tandem
TAP – See Touch
TEMPO – The speed of the music. Usually measured in Beats Per Minute (BPM)
TIME – the number of beats per measure
TIME SIGNATURE -A fraction at the Beginning, and sometimes within, music notation that signifies the number of
beats per measure and the duration of the notes, the upper number identifies number of beats in one measure,
while the lower number identifies which kind of note gets one beat.
Example:
4/4 = Four beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat.
3/4 = Three beats per measure, a quarter note gets one beat.
6/8 = Six beats per manure. an Eighth note gets one beat
TOE FAN – Feet arc, the toes of one foot move to the side and back together.
TOE SPLIT – With heels in place, fan both toes out and back together – See Heel splits
TOE TOUCH -See Touch
TOGETHER – Move free foot next to opposite foot.
TOUCH -The heel or toe touches the floor in a given direction without putting weight on that floor
TRAVELING APPLEJACK – A pattern traveling sideways bringing the toes together leaving the heels apart,
Then bringing the heels together leaving the toes apart. Weight is on one toe and the opposite heel, then reversed
to result in sideways travel – See Applejacks
TRIPLE STEP – Three steps, L-R-L or R-L-R, taken in place within two beats of music.
TRUNCATION – A sequence of steps purposely eliminated from the fixed pattern of choreography in order to fit
the remaining pattern exactly to the phrasing of certain Rendition of a song. Also see Routine.
TURNING – changing position in a circular fashion.
TWIST – With feet together, move the heels in the given direction by putting weight on the balls of the feet.
UNWIND -A manoeuvre, which starts with the crossing of one foot in front of and to the opposite side of the other.
A turn is then executed with the feet in place, which then in effect unwinds, and returns the legs to a normal
position. An unwind can be either 1/4 or 1/2 turn in duration. If the turn is more than 1/2, the manoeuvre then
becomes a Corkscrew. See Corkscrew.
UPBEAT – The unaccented beats in a measure of music. There are four of these in a 4/4 measure.
They are the &, when counting 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & or & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4
VARIATION – Any movement of footwork that is different from the original footwork.
VARSOUVIENNE – See PARTNER dance Positions – Side by Side
VAUDEVILLE LEFT. A syncopated crossing pattern as follows:
& Step Slightly back and to the left on Left foot.
1 Cross Right foot over Left and step,
& Step slightly to the left on Left while turning body diagonally to the right
2 Touch right foot forward and diagonally to the right
Note: Beats “& 1” may vary in that ” Right foot may Cross behind the Left. In this instance
the steps on the previous “&” would be directly to the left.
VAUDEVILLE RIGHT – A syncopated crossing Pattern as follows:
& Step slightly back and to the left on Left.
1 Cross Left foot over Right and step.
& Step slightly to the right on Right while turning body Diagonally to the left
2 Touch Left foot forward and diagonally to the left.
Note: Beats “&1” may vary in that the left foot cross behind the Right. In this instance,
the steps on the previous “& ” would be directly to the right.
VAUDEVILLE STEPS – One or more combinations of both vaudeville Right and vaudeville left (or vise versa) maneuvers.
VINE – See Grapevine, Weave
WAGON WHEEL – Like the spokes in a wagon wheel, to turn around on a spot in any dance position using two or
more people. Cotton Eyed Joe is often danced in this formation.
WEAVE – A maneuver to the right or left accomplished with two or more side steps and two or more crossing steps
The crossing alternate between crossing behind and crossing in front of the side steps. Also see Grapevine,
WEIGHT CHANGE – Shifting body weight from the supporting foot to the free foot. – See And Step.
WESTERN POLKA – See Partner Dance Positions – Side By Side
WHIP– An abrupt turn away from previous patterns – Also a dance pattern in Swing and Lindy Rhythm
WHISK – A Waltz pattern in three beats using a forward or backward step left, followed by a side step right,
And a cross behind left
WILLIES – Step forward with toe pointing in and weight on the balls of the feet.
WILLIE WALK – See Strut
WOOLY BULLY – Kick Right foot forward; Cross Right ankle in front of Left shin; Pivot 1/2 turn left on the ball of Left
while bringing the Right foot back beside the Left knee (Right foot remains raised with knee bent for the previous 3 counts).
Step back on to the Right. Scoot forward on right with Left knee bent and raised. Step forward onto Left Bring right forward
and cross Right heel in front of Left shin Pivot 1/2 turn left on the ball of the Left while bringing Right back beside Left knee:
Step back onto Right foot. Scoot forward on Right with Left knee bent and raised.
WRAP AROUND – See partner Dance Position – Wrap.
YOKE – See Partner Dance Positions – Bow
ZIGZAG – 1. To move diagonally across the Line of dance as you alternate directions.
2 The longest distance between two straight lines.
~ PARTNER DANCE POSITIONS ~
1.TRADITIONAL CLOSED – Partners face each other slightly offset. The man holds the lady’s right hand in his left
(shoulder height). His right hand is placed on the lady’s left shoulder blade, with the fingers and thumb held together.
The lady rests her left hand on the man’s upper arm, or slightly behind his right shoulder, with thumb and fingers together.
a.k.a. Ballroom, Studio
- 2. COUNTRY / WESTERN CLOSED – Partners Face, with toes pointed towards each other. The man holds the lady’s right hand
in his left (shoulder height). His right hand or wrist rests on lady’sleft shoulder, or on the back of her shoulder. The lady’s left
hand rests on the man’s upper right arm, or slightly behind his shoulder, with fingers and thumb held together.
3 INDIAN – Dancers are in single file. Lady is in front. Use a double handhold. Their joined hands are on lady’s shoulders.
Note: – The man may also be in front of the lady using this handhold.
- Reverse Indian – Dancers are in single file. Lady is behind man. The man uses a double handhold.
Their joined hands are together, placed behind the man’s hips.
Note: The lady may also be in front of the man using this handhold.
- WRAP, Left or Right (Right is assumed)
For a Right Wrap, couple is facing in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his right side, with her left
foot slightly in front of his right foot, using a double hand hold, the man’s right arm is wrapped behind the lady’s back.
Their joined hands rest on her right hip. His left arm is crossed in front of the lady.
For a Left Wrap, couple is facing in the same direction. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his left side, with her right
foot slightly in front of his left foot. Using a double handhold, the man’s left arm is wrapped behind the lady’s back.
Their joined hands rest on her left hip. His right arm is crossed in front of the lady a.k.a. Cuddle, Cradle, Basket, Sweetheart.
- 6. DANCING SKATERS – (Elbows are always equal in both right and left positions.)
Right: The couple faces the same direction; the lady is slightly in front of the man’s right hip. The man’s right arm is crossed
behind the lady’s back. Their right hands rest on the lady’s right hip. The lady’s right hand may also be held behind her back.
Their left hands are held in front of the man at chest level.
Left The couple face the same direction, the lady is slightly in front of the man’s left hip. The man’s left arm is
crossed behind the lady’s back. Their left hands rest on the lady’s left hip. The lady’s left hand may also be held
behind her back. Their right hands are held in front of the man at chest level. a.k.a. Sweetheart
- SKATERS – RIGHT: The couple face the same direction. the lady is on the man’s right. The man holds the lady’s right hand
in his right hand, and her left hand in his left hand. The arms are crossed right over left and are held at about waist level.
a.k.a. Promenade
Left: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man’s left. The man holds the lady’s right hand in his right hand,
and her left hand in his left hand. The arms are crossed right over left and are held about waist level.
REVERSE RIGHT: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man’s right. Their arms are crossed behind their backs.
The right hands are on the lady’s right hip, the left hands on the man’s left hip. a.k.a. Cross Back.
Reverse Left: The couple face the same direction, the lady is on the man’s left. Their arms are crossed behind their backs,
The right hands are on the man’s right hip, the left hands on the lady’s left hip. a.k.a. Double Reverse
- ARCH – Right: Partners face in the opposite direction. The right arms are hooked at the elbows. The left hands are joined
above their heads in an arch. The right hands may be joined and held at the right sides.
Left: Partners Face in the opposite direction. The left arms are hooked at the elbows. The right hands are joined
above their heads in an arch.. The left hands may be joined and held at the left sides. a.k.a. Steeple, Cathedral, Hook.
9 SIDE BY SIDE – (Elbows are held at an equal level in both right and left positions.)
Right: The couple face the same direction, lady is on the man’s right side. Her left foot is slightly in front of his right foot.
The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s right shoulder. The left hands are slightly forward of the lady’s left shoulder.
Left: The couple Face the same direction, lady is on the man’s left side. Her right foot is slightly in front of his left foot.
The left hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s left shoulder. The right hands are held slightly forward of the lady’s
right shoulder a.k.a. La Varsouvienne, Horseshoe, Schottische, Western Polka, Cotton Eyed Joe, Jody, Sweetheart
- 10. BOW – Right: Partners face the same direction; lady is to the man’s right. Using a double handhold, his left arm is
crossed behind his neck. His right arm is crossed behind the lady’s neck.
Left: Partners face the same direction; lady is to the man’s left. Using a double handhold, his right arm is crossed
behind his neck. His left arm is crossed be hind the lady’s neck. a.k.a. Yoke, Neck Crass,
- 11. PRETZEL Right: Partners face the opposite direction using a double hand hold, her tight hand is in his left hand,
her left in his right hand. The lady is slightly in front of the man on his right side. The man’s left arm, and the lady’s right,
are held up, elbows down. His right arms, and lady’s left arm, are crossed behind the lady’s back.
Left: Partners face the opposite direction using a double handhold, her right hand in his left hand, her left in his right hand.
The lady is slightly in front of the man on his left side. The man’s right arm, and the lady’s left, are held up, elbows down.
His left arm, and lady’s right arm, are crossed behind the lady’s back. a.k.a. Hammerlock, Hammer, Tamara
- 12. OPEN – Partners face each other. Hand Holds for Open Position
Single Man’s left hand is joined with lady’s right hand. The free hands are held close to the body.
OPEN POSITION CROSS: Man’s right hand is joined with the lady’s right hand (as in a hand shake)
The free hands are held close to the body.
Double: The lady’s right hand is in the man’s left hand. The lady’s left hand is in the man’s right hand.
Open Position Crossed Double: The lady’s right hand is in the man’s right hand. The lady’s left hand is in the man’s left.
Either hand may be on top. However, Right hand is on top is the most common.
13. CHALLENGE- Partners face each other. They are standing apart. There is no body contact. a.k.a. Shine.
- PROMENADE – From Closed dance position, the man and the lady step forward in a “V” position down the line of dance.
a.k.a. Conversation, Semi – open.
15. SWING – The couple stand in Promenade dance position. His right hand is on the lady’s back on her left shoulder blade. The joined hands are held lower, about the lady’s waist level, in a cup & pin position.
16. OPEN PROMENADE –
Right: The couple are in Open Dance Position. The lady is to the right of the man. The lady’s left hand is
held in the man’s right. They are facing the same direction, both traveling down the both traveling
down the Line of dance
Left: The couple are in Open Dance Position. The lady is to the left of the man. The lady’s right hand is held in
the man’s left. They are facing the same direction, both traveling down the line of dance.
17. PARALLEL
Right: From Closed Dance Position (Traditional or Country/ Western) the man steps forward and slightly to his left
(outside) to place the lady into Right Parallel Dance Position. They face each other, but the lady is to the right side of the man.
Her right foot is slightly in front of the man’s right foot. They should be the same width apart as they were in the Closed Dance
Position. Although the couple have moved slightly sideways, the man’s left arm and the lady’s right arm are still in the same
place as they were in the Closed Dance Position.
Left: Traditional or Country/Western) The couple face each other, but the lady is to the left side of the man, in Left
Parallel Dance Position. The lady’s left foot is slightly in front of the man’s left foot. They should be the same width apart as
they were in the Closed Dance Position. The man’s left arm and the lady’s right arm are in about the same position as they
were in the Closed Dance Position; The lady should not be directly beside the man. a.k.a. Banjo , Side Car
18. TANDEM The lady stands directly in front of the man. He holds her left hand in his left hand, mid-chest to shoulder level.
His right hand is placed on her right hip, fingers together, pointing to her left side. The lady places her right hand on top of the
man’s right hand, or under his right hand. Their right hands may also be placed it the lady’s centre waist. a.k.a. Sweetheart,