eHow launches Android app: Get the best of eHow on the go.

How To

How to Dance the Two-Step

Contributor
By Jillian Downer
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Dance the Two-Step
Dance the Two-Step
www.nature.com

The two-step is a popular dance combination in Country-Western partner dancing and group line dancing. The two-step combination is used in many traditional dances like the foxtrot and polka, while modern twists on the two-step combination have been created for dances like the Lindy Hop and the West Coast swing, made popular by Benji Schwimmer, the winner of season 2 of “So You Think You Can Dance”. The two-step is marked by its simple 6-count step combination of quick, quick, slow, slow. A simple dance once you’ve mastered the basic movement, the two-step can be easily implemented into your everyday dance routines. Here’s how to dance the two-step.

From Quick Guide: Slow Dance Basics
  • How to Slow Dance

    When a slow song comes on at a dance, you have two options, you can go sit down or slow dance with a partn… More

  • How to Learn to Slow Dance

    The essence of dancing is the ability to move one's body to the music. There are various types of dance, w… More

  • Dance Steps For Slow Foxtrot

    The slow foxtrot is a smooth and soft international ballroom dance that was made memorable by the orchestr… More

  • Slow Dance Tips

    Whether you are preparing for a school dance like Homecoming and Prom or you just want to brush up on your… More

  • How to Dance the Two-Step

    The two-step is a popular dance combination in Country-Western partner dancing and group line dancing. The… More

  • Slow Belly Dancing Undulation

    A slow belly dancing undulation is broken down into four chest isolation steps. Slowly practice undulation… More

  • American Tango in Ballroom Dance

    American tango began in the 1920s with Latin Americans influencing American ballroom dancing. Learn to Ame… More

  • How to Dance at Prom

    When dancing at the prom, the girl will go on the left side of the partner, the dance will usually be some… More

  • How to Dance Like the Stars

    Popular dance shows such as "Dancing With the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" make us all want to … More

  • About Dance Steps

    The popularity of dancing that requires a set of standardized steps is coming back into style after a brie… More

  • Learning How to Dance

    There are a number of ways to learn how to dance, including watching music videos, dancing at home and tak… More

  • How to Dirty Dance

    Dirty dancing is all about confidence, feeling sexy, feeling the music and trading technicalities for raw … More

  • How to Learn to Dance the Waltz

    The waltz is a partner dance performed to music in three-quarter time with variations such as the Slow Wal… More

  • Demo of Waltz Dancing Steps

    See a demonstration for all waltz steps in this free video lesson on elegant dancing.… More

  • Bolero Dance Steps

    The bolero dance steps are very slow and romantic, beginning by holding for two beats, stepping to the sid… More

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Master the count. The two-step is characterized by its combination of quick, quick, slow, slow step movements. Each quick step has 1 count, while each slow step has 2 counts.

  2. Step 2

    Get into position. The lead partner places his left hand on the small of the secondary's back, and his left hand is cupped around his partner's right hand, elbow up and bent at a 90-degree angle. The secondary partner's left hand is on her partner's right shoulder, and her right hand is closed in her partner's left hand, elbow up and bent at a 90-degree angle.

  3. Step 3

    Start the movement. The lead partner will be stepping forward with his left foot, while the secondary partner will be stepping backwards with her right foot.

  4. Step 4

    Continue the steps. Alternating your legs on each step, continue moving backward or forward according to your partner position. The lead moves forward as the secondary moves backwards.

  5. Step 5

    The lead partner's step combination is as follows--on count 1, step with you left foot forward, count 2 step with your right foot forward, count 3 and 4 step with your left foot forward and count 5 and 6 step with your right foot forward.

  6. Step 6

    The secondary partner's step combination is as follows--on count 1, step with your right foot backwards, count 2 step with your left foot backwards, count 3 and 4 step with your right foot backwards and count 5 and 6 step with your left foot backwards.

Tips & Warnings
  • If you are the lead, make sure you are leading. Your partner should be following the lead of your movement.
  • If you are the secondary, follow the lead of your partner. You should be in sink with his movement, allowing him to guide you.
  • Once you've mastered the basic steps, you are free to try more advanced moves like dips and spins.
Subscribe

Post a Comment

Post a Comment

Related Ads

  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This
Get Free Arts & Entertainment Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US Portions of this page are modifications based on work created and shared by Google and used according to terms described in the Creative Commons 3.0 Attribution License.

Demand Media
eHow_eHow Arts and Entertainment