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Step 1
Take your partner. The leader (usually the man) places his right hand on the follower's (usually the woman) waist. The woman places her left hand on the man's shoulder. The man and woman hold each other's free hand out to the side. Hold your arms up with your elbows slightly bent so that you create a strong frame. Your stance should be slightly off-set so that when dancing, the man's right foot steps between the woman's feet. This way, no one should have any toes stepped on.
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Step 2
Take two quick steps--the first half of the two-step. The man steps forward with his left foot, while the woman retreats with her right. Then the man steps forward again with his right, while the woman retreats with the left. These two steps are taken in quick succession, one to each beat of music. The steps should be smooth. Do not step in a bouncy fashion. Instead, take long, confident strides. When stepping, your thighs should brush against each other and your feet should track close together. In other words, do not take wide-legged steps.
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Step 3
Take two slow steps--the other half of the two-step. These steps take two counts of music each. Let your foot move more slowly to reach its destination in time with the music. Do not hurry then pause or freeze up. Do not let your step "stutter" through. The movement is still smooth, long and confident.
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Step 4
Repeat Steps 2 and 3, moving around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction. As you dance, keep in mind the basic rhythm: quick, quick, slow, slow.
