How to Perform a Lock Step

The lock step is a basic crossover dance move where the crossing foot and the legs come together closely and seem to be locked. A dancer can perform the lock step as a single step or as a whole step pattern. It can be performed forwards, backwards, sideways to the right or left and diagonally. The lock step is a chasse movement used in the waltz, quickstep or cha-cha.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Quick dance music
• Dance partner
• Water
• Dance floor
• Understanding of basic dance steps
• Dancing shoes

Perform a Lock Step Forward Combination

1. Begin on a count "1" rhythm beat and step your right foot forward. Lock your left foot in a step behind the right foot. Use your right foot to step forward again and count "2."
2. Step your left foot forward and count "3." Use your right leg to step behind the left foot. Lift the left foot, step forwards and count "4."
3. Continue with the right foot and step forward counting "5." The left foot steps behind the right and the right foot steps forward again, count "6."
4. Count "7" and place the left foot forward.
5. Count "8" and pivot your body by making a half turn to the right.

Perform a Lock Step With a Rock

6. Count "1" and step diagonally forward with the right foot. Step the left foot behind the right, then the right foot next to the left and count "2."
7. Step the left foot diagonally forward and count "3." Put the right foot behind the left foot, then step the left foot next to the right foot and count "4."
8. Rock forward with the right foot and count "5," then shift your weight to the left foot and count "6."
9. Rock behind with the right foot and count "7," then shift your weight to the left foot and count "8."

Tips & Warnings

• This move is usually danced to triple step timing with quicker rhythms.
• It can be done solo or with a partner.
• A fancy addition to the lock step is to add a small kick to the foot that moves forward immediately after the other foot has crossed behind it.
• You can perform the lock step with dramatic movements that are very sharp and very quick.
• Do not cross behind the standing foot with a small step. You should extend your leg far across and behind. This gives the dance move a more dramatic flair.