Basic steps in Standard Category
1. Waltz - Box Step
The basic step for waltz is a box step. It's named after a pattern it creates on
the floor (box or square) and forms the foundation of the dance.
A box step can be divided into two parts - a forward half box and a backward
half box. Each half box has three steps - a step forward or backward, a step to
the side, and a step to close the feet together.
The leader starts with the left foot and executes a forward half box, followed v
iby a backward half box. The follower performs the opposite – she
starts with the right foot and executes a backward half box, followed by a
forward half box.
The basic box step pattern uses three counts - slow, quick, quick, which is
repeated twice to create the box step. Timing is 1,2,3,1,2,3 or 1,2,3,4,5,6.
Instructions & Diagrams:
When dancing waltz someone has to lead and someone has to follow. Usually
the man will lead and the woman will follow.
Men's Steps:
1. Step forward with the left foot
2. Right foot step sideways to the right
3. Bring your left foot next to your right foot
4. Step back with the right foot
5. Step back sideways with the left foot
6. Bring your right foot next to your left foot
Lady's Steps:
1. Step back with the right foot
2. Left foot step sideways to the left
3. Bring your right foot next to your left foot
4. Step forward with the left foot
5. Step forward sideways with the right foot
6. Bring your left foot next to your right foot
Video: (The video was uploaded to the google classroom)
In this video Leon and Kim will show you the basic box step. You will also get
important tips on rise & fall movement which characterizes this dance:
https://youtu.be/HCch-zPc_BY
2. Foxtrot - walking steps and side steps
The basic elements of foxtrot are walking steps and side steps. The long
walking movements also involve a rise & fall action, which is similar to waltz,
although more subtle. The basic box step is also similar to waltz steps – the
main difference being timing (foxtrot is 4/4, waltz is 3/4). If you already know
how to waltz, then learning foxtrot will be just a matter of rhythm.
The basic rhythm is slow, slow, quick, quick. The slow steps use 2 beats of
music and the quick steps use one. The slow steps are long and elegant, and
the quick steps are short and energetic. As already mentioned, the music is
played in 4/4 timing.
Foxtrot is danced in a normal closed position, which means facing your partner
and holding them close.
Instructions & Diagrams:
Stand upright with your feet together. Face each other, lady puts her right
hand in his left. His right hand is on her left shoulder blade, her left hand is on
his right arm.
Basic Steps - Gentleman
Basic forward
1. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
2. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)
Basic backward
1. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
2. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)
Basic Steps – Lady
Basic forward
1. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)
2. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)
Basic backward
1. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
2. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)
Video: (The video was uploaded to the google classroom)
n the following video Leon and Kim will show you the basic forward. You will
also learn how to achieve smoothness in your movements:
https://youtu.be/uQl2tBdZlZc
3. Tango - Walking dance
Tango is a walking dance, meaning that all the steps are based on walking.
When you start learning it, you must first master some basic movements.
Don't worry, basic steps are not that difficult to learn. Beginners usually start
with 8-Count Basic or simply Tango Basic.
Tango Basic is made of five steps taken to 8 counts of music. The rhythm is
slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. The slow steps consume two beats of music and
the quick steps one. Tango music is usually written in 4/4 time (but also in 2/4
time) and played at a tempo of 30-33 measures per minute.
Instructions & Diagrams:
Tango is danced in a closed position, usually closer than in other dances. The
man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand. His right hand is placed on her
back, along the bottom of her ribcage. The lady's left hand is placed on his
right shoulder. You always bent your knees. Remember, this dance is the most
bent of all the ballroom dances.
The lead and follow mirror each others steps. The lead begins with the left
foot, the follow with the right. Walks usually curve gradually to the left.
Basic Steps for Men:
1. Step forward with your left foot
2. Step forward with your right foot passing the left foot
3. Step forward again with your left foot this time passing the right foot
4. Step forward and to the right with your right foot
5. Left foot close to right foot
Basic Steps for Women:
1. Step back with your right foot
2. Step back with your left foot passing the right foot
3. Step back again with your right foot this time passing the left foot
4. Step back and to the left with your left foot
5. Right foot close to left foot
Video: (The video was uploaded to the google classroom)
In the following video Leon and Kim will show you slowly and from all angles
how it's done. Ready, bend your knees, go: https://youtu.be/PSTPuzGhhQM
Reference: https://www.dancing4beginners.com/
