How to Perform an Inside Partner Step

While most dance moves with a partner require natural opposite steps, the inside partner step allows dancers to move in the same direction. In fact, one partner's feet will actually take the place of the other partner's feet. Obviously, timing must be impeccable or else someone's toes will be stepped on. It is best to start out slow and gain familiarity before attempting this mid-level dance figure move.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Open space
• Dance music
• Partner
• Water
• Dance floor
• Comfortable shoes

1. Begin slowly by taking your partner's hands in yours and deciding which direction you want head. The most common direction is front and back, but more advanced moves allow the dancers to move diagonally together one step at a time.
2. Look down in the beginning to be sure that you and your partner are moving to the same rhythm.
3. Step to the rhythm. One beat equals one step. Count as you go because it helps to maintain the fluidity of the movement.
4. Step backwards with your right leg as your partner steps forward with their left leg. Be careful not to extend too far and not to step too short. You should make your extensions frontward or backwards about 2 feet in length.
5. Repeat the backwards step with your left leg while your partner moves their right leg forward. The sequence can be done about three to four times, if you have enough space o the dance floor.
6. End on the original foot you started with by using a twirl, dip or change of direction to perform your inside partner step back the way you came. Most dancers use the inside partner step as a preliminary move to get across the dance floor to perform some other type of dance figure step.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to practice at home before getting on the dance floor with other couples.
• This step is a little harder than most because you and you partner must coordinate your positions to match exactly.
• Some dancers say that the less experienced dancer should begin by taking the role of the backwards walker. It is easier because it is not the lead role.
• Avoid walking too quickly at first. You should have a very good understanding of the dance move before dancing to faster music.
• Don't try the advanced diagonal direction until you have thoroughly mastered the front and back directions. It is an extremely advanced move and a little different than the regular inside partner step. You may get confused if you try to learn too much at once.