The buck dance, flat footing, hoedown, jigging, sure footing, and stepping are all traditional Appalachian solo dances. These names are often interchanged and dancers do not always agree on their use.
Most of these dances rely on a fiddle player.
Flatfoot dancing is mostly dancing with the feet low-to-the-floor. It is a relaxed style that can make the dance look almost effortless.
Buck dancing was popularized in America by minstrel performers in the late nineteenth century. Now days, many dancing clubs perform buck dance and regular clogging at folk festivals and fairs.
Welcome to the 58th Florida Folk Festival, a three-day celebration of the music, dance, stories, crafts and food that make Florida unique. From Irish fiddle tunes and kumquat pie, to the wide varieties of music brought by immigrants, the state’s cultural heritage reflects the lives of generations of Florida families and communities. Throughout the Memorial Day weekend more than 300 performances give voice and meaning to Florida’s heritage.
Folk artists and tradition-bearers presented each year in the Folklife Area reflect research and field documentation conducted by the Florida Department of State’s Folklife Program. The 2010 Folklife Area celebrates the diverse cultures of Alachua County, located in the heart of north central Florida.
Learn how for decades families have earned a living catching catfish in local lakes using trotlines more than 2,000 feet long, watch master fishing fly and artificial bait makers, and learn how to call a gobbler using several types of turkey calls. Sample tasty Asian Indian and Latin American foods and witness breathtaking demonstrations of the ancient Thai art of carving fruits and vegetables into delicate flowers and other forms. An African American gospel group will rock your soul, you’ll hear the high and lonesome sounds of bluegrass music, and traditional Irish music old-time fiddling will have your toes tapping. Fusion music and traditional dance will introduce you to the performing arts of Gainesville’s vibrant Indian community. You will delight in colorful tales of Cracker life at Cross Creek and enjoy woodcarving, instrument making, and stories in the ancient Yoruba tradition of West Africa.
On Saturday evening the Folklife Area stage will host a honky-tonk dance as the New Florida Favorites play a country music tribute to the original Florida Favorites band that played throughout the region more than half a century ago.
In addition to the Alachua County folks, master artist-apprentice teams from Okeechobee and Orlando will present traditional Cracker cowboy buckskin whip making, African American hymn lining, and Indian bharatanatyam dance. The cowboys will also demonstrate roping and conduct a public roping contest each day for cowboys and cowgirls of all ages.
Be sure to visit the Folklife Area to experience the compelling traditions and savor the flavors, sights, and sounds, of some of Florida’s oldest and newest cultural communities.
At the Florida Folk Festival you can sit with the masters who keep cultural traditions alive. In jam sessions, demonstrations and workshops, try your own hand at playing mandolin, telling stories, or making a pine needle basket. Learn how to collect your family’s history, call a square dance, or the importance of native plant and animal species. Take a shopping excursion and visit with Florida’s traditional and contemporary craftsmen. Then dine on collard greens and cornbread, chicken pilau and hoppin’ john, shrimp gumbo, barbecue, curries, gyros and lime fizzes. As the sun sets, settle in for concerts by moonlight or dance the night away at the Heritage Stage. At the end of the day you’ll have discovered new corners of the state from the people who call Florida home.
Join us along the Suwannee River at Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, home of the Florida Folk Festival for 58 years. The Festival is presented under the auspices of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Recreation and Parks.
The two-step is a basic dance move. It is done by singles, partners and groups. It is found in folk dance and in many dance genres. Once the two-step is mastered, dancers find it easy to learn many different types of dance. In the basic move, the dancer steps in a direction with one foot and then brings the other foot to that same position. In the 21st century, the most popular two-step dances are the Country/Country Western Two-Step and the Nightclub Two-Step.
Tempo Country Two-Step is a four-count tempo, and the best songs to dance to are eight-count songs like a "Better Man," sung by Clint Black. The Nightclub Two-Step is more of a romantic dance, and the tempo is slower. The tempo is 4/4 with a quick, quick step and then slow, slow step--like one and two, three and four. The song "Lady In Red" is a good example of the Nightclub Two-Step.
Popularity Many say that the Nightclub Two-Step was popularized by Buddy Schwimmer in 1965, while others attribute it to the bolero and rumba. During the disco era the Nightclub Two-Step was very popular with disco couples. Country Two-Step seems to have sustained its popularity, reigning as the most popular country western dance.
Variations Variations of the Country Western Two-Step are the Texas Two-Step, sometimes called the Double Two-Step, the Triple Two-Step, the Fort Worth Shuffle and shadow dancing. There are not really other dances that have evolved from the Nightclub Two-Step, but different steps can vary. A sway and back check, lunge, free spin, drag, leg hook and hip leans can be added to the Nightclub Two-Step.
Importance of the Leader When dancing either the Country Western Two-Step or the Nightclub Two-Step or any other variation, the leader's job literally sets the pace for the dance, and a good leader can make or break the dance. The follower is important as well, but it is easier to follow a good leader.
Beginner Mistakes Beginning dancers often bounce when they step, step close instead of step-pass-step and hold incorrect posture.
Why is this dance so popular? The answer is simple. Buy any new top Country artist's CD and very likely half the music on it will be Triple Two-Step tempo. Go to a C&W club any night of the week and be prepared cuz so much of the country music is Triple Two-Step.
Is this a new trend? Not at all. Learn to Dance introduced this dance to the Austin area in 1991. We anticipated the growth of this music and therefore the dance. It was already popular in many other areas of the U.S. and Austin was just next.
Triple Two-Step has some of the Hottest moves in all Country Dancing! This Dance is a must for anyone who wants to learn the Hottest Country Dance in Texas.
The Triple Two-Step (formerly know as the Double Two-Step) is often called `Swing on the move" because it incorporates the fancy variations of Swing into the smooth peppy movement of the Two-Step and Polka.
Need to learn the Texas Two Step dance pattern? If you don't want to embarrass yourself on the dance floor, you'll want to practice the Two Step at home before you try it in a bar. It's especially important for men to know how to do the dance properly before trying it in public because men lead and ladies follow in this dance style. Sign yourself up for Two Step dance lessons, or learn from a friend before you get out on the floor. These tips can help you figure out what to expect, but you won't know the Two Step until you practice.
Lucky for you, the Two Step is relatively easy to learn. The dance is made up of a simple, steady dance pattern: two steps quick, then two steps slow. You may wish to say to yourself silently "quick, quick, slow, slow" as you learn the step routine.
As you dance Two Step, you will rotate around the room in a counter-clockwise direction. All the couples on the floor will rotate in this same direction. If you are new, you'll want to head for the inner circle of the crowd, allowing the outside ring to remain free for faster, more adept dance couples.
The dance is always performed with a partner. You'll face your partner and put one hand on your partner's waist and hold your partner's hand with the other. Your arm should be held out, slightly bent, and there should be a significant amount of tension along your arm so that you can lead if you are the man or sense his lead if you are the woman in the couple.
The man in the couple moves forward, the woman moves backwards. The Two Step is danced such that the man moves his left foot forward and the woman steps back with her right foot, then the man quickly moves his right foot forward as the woman moves her left foot backwards. These two steps should happen quickly, taking one beat each. Remember: Quick, quick.
The next two steps follow much the same, only you'll take two beats to complete each step. Remember: Slow, slow. You'll actually stay still for the third beat, step slowly through the fourth beat, stay still for the fifth beat and step slowly through the sixth beat. Then you'll repeat the pattern.
The Dallas Two Step is sometimes called the Triple Two step, Double Two step, or Progressive Swing. Although it has a more leisurely pace than the Polka typically 120bpm, the same music is used. The Dallas Two Step is danced gracefully with the triple-step, triple-step, walk-walk rhythm. Combining steps of the Two Step, Polka, and Western Swing, the Dallas Two Step become a unique western style dance.
Step 1 Purchase a CD of slow country swing music written in 4/4 time in the tempo range of 116 to 156 beats per minute or polka music and play the music repeatedly while driving or cleaning.
Step 2 Count the steps to the timing of the music and call them out 1, 2, 3,1,2,3 as you listen while driving or sitting. Learning the correct timing to the music is essential to dance the Dallas Two Step. Continue this listening exercise until you can automatically count the steps in time to the music with ease.
Step 3 Practice the basic step including the step timing until it is automatic and you no longer need to count. Practice the triple step, triple step, rock step basic until its automatic as well.
Step 4 Practice these basic steps to music until they become automatic. You can practice the basic steps without a partner until you get the timing down without counting.
Step 5 Say 1&2, 3&4, 5, 6 out loud as you shuffle, shuffle, walk, walk to get the timing down. The Dallas Two Step is sometimes referred to as swing on the move because the dance uses a progressive version of the triple timing swing basic. Then try practicing the basic steps with a partner, step forward, touch opposite hands, step backward, touch opposite hands, walk walk. As you do the walk walk step, your partner should have his right arm gently around your shoulders, almost like an escort.
Step 6 Adding some of the other steps and patterns. Reach out and touch your partner's hand like you are going to shake hands and release. Touch your partners opposite hand with your other hand and release. Take your partners other hand, lift it over your head and twirl around underneath. Continue spinning clockwise around the dance floor while you do these steps. At the same time, you both place your hands on your hips and spin in a circle, and then continue around the dance floor.
Step 7 Dance around the perimeter of the dance floor in a counterclockwise fashion while playing either Polka music or slow country swing music. Hold each other loosely, only your arms should be touching, not your bodies. As your partner shuffles around the dance floor you continue to spin under his arm.
Step 8 Dance progressive triple step, progressive triple step, then two walking steps. A triple step is three weight changes made within two beats of music. The triple step is usually counted 1and 2. The walking steps each receive one beat of music. There are eight weight changes, utilizing six beats of music to complete one full basic step.
Step 9 Practice with a partner trying to maintain a progressive step pattern that uses six beats of music and includes two triple steps, followed by two walking steps that each receive one count .
Step 10 Change positions constantly with your partner. Popular basic figures include weaves, lariats, pretzels, ducts, tunnels, and free spins. Ladies should allow their arms to soften and droop while maintaining frame and connection. The lady should always dance into the man’s right hand and provide equal resistance in the connection to the man’s left hand.
These are terms used throughout all types of dancing. Many who are new to dancing can only guess at their meaning and how each relates to dancing. To keep things basic we will only refer to the above terms as related to couples dancing. There are probably more profound explanations for the above terms but below is my interpretations of them.
Everyone likes to start dancing patterns. Once learned they become easier to dance. When men first learn a pattern they need to watch out for their partner. Most new men dancers try to put every lady through the new pattern. Just keep in mind that all women dance and react to leads differently. The most admired male dancers not only know enough patterns, but also how to interpret the lady's reaction to the lead. They then make adjustments in frame and footwork reacting to the lady. The most avoided men just plow on ahead virtually ignoring their partner in the quest to finish the pattern.
Usually, the second pattern a beginner to nightclub two step learns is the outside under arm turn. Here are some tips to help making it easier to learn this step.
Leader: one good way to prepare for the outside underarm turn is to dance the basic step. Just before stepping to the left, on any even count, raise your left hand up above the followe'rs head and nudge her to start turning with your right hand (which should be on her left shoulder blade). Your feet do the same pattern as in the basic except that on the first quick after the slow step to the side, you can step with your right foot so that your toe comes near the heel of left foot (this is known as fifth position) Tip: think of leading this turn with your right hand. Guide the follower with your left.
Follower: when the leader raises your right hand, that's a door way for you to go through. So as you step side to the right point your toe to the right and start pivoting on it to the right. On the first quick, step across your right foot with your left. On the second quick, pivot on the ball of your right foot (keeping your right foot in place the whole time), so that by the slow, you end up facing your partner again.
Trap: most beginning followers will not keep their right foot in place while doing this turn and will lift up right right foot and spin away from their man -- not a good thing. Ladies, pretend that you like this guy; this will help you remember to keep your right foot in place and come back to him when turn, rather than spin away from him.
I love Nightclub Two Step ("Two Step" for short). I decided to introduce Nightclub Two Step on this American Folk Dance blog as my dance studio in Borivali, Mumbai teaches it every Sunday.
First you need to understand the basic step to music. Then we show you how to do that move with a partner, then we add additional basic moves like the side-cross-side traveling step and some simple turns and open breaks. We explain and demonstrate moves, technique, and style so that beginners feel comfortable and capable.
The Nightclub Two Step basic step can be counted as One & Two - Three & Four. The dance position for Nightclub Two Step is with a more relaxed hold than typical ballroom dances. The leader rocks back on his left foot, the follower on her right, for one beat. "The toe is to the heel, but not further. Don't twist your hip. If your hip opens up, you have gone too far. A gentle but noticeable resistance is maintained during the rock step. Both partners replace weight on the second part of the first beat. On the next beat, the leader takes a step to the left and the follower to the right. Then both partners repeat, but on opposite feet (the man rocks back on his right foot and moves to the right).
The quick rock steps should be matched with the quick drum beats in the music. The "slow" drum beat and slow step can occur on either the second and fourth, or the first and third beats of a measure. Although other rhythmic interpretations of the music are possible, including the use of "breaks" in the music, they are beyond the scope of this article.
Side-cross-side. Another pattern in Night Club 2 Step is the side-cross-side move. Typically, the lead starts this move by stepping side with his left foot and then crosses in front with his right foot. This is followed by another step to the side with the left foot. The rhythm, here, is Quick, Quick, Slow. The follower does the same thing, but starts with her right foot. Both partners cross in front.
Basic (Quick/Quick/Slow)
Outside turn (elbow leads out)
Inside turn (elbow leads in)
Outside to Inside turn with Elbow Lead (from both the single- and two hand hold)
Triple Turn (Outside single hand turn, Elbow Lead to Inside Turn with two-hand hold, unwrap on second Outside Turn)
"Around the World" (cross Right arm over left, lead an Outside Turn, send the Ladies around in complete circle, finish with and Outside Turn)
Back Slide (Outside two-hand turn, go under the Ladies Right arm, switch places while back to back, bend and come out from under the Ladies left arm, finish with Outside turn)
Gent's Walk
Footwork: turn to the left on Quick/Quick, cross Right leg in front on Slow, on the next Quick/Quick/Slow step on the ball of the Left foot, change weight to Right leg, and cross in front with the left leg, repeat as long as desired, turn to face the partner on a Slow;
Armwork: use the Left arm - turn under it or let it slide around the back of the neck as you turn, on left ball-change, put the Left arm over the head and let go on the cross; let the Ladie's hand slide behind your neck, take it back as you get to the left side and repeat again on the Left side.
Travel Steps:
Changing the count - step forward after Quick/Quick, twice on Slow/Slow (starting on either leg), the next Quick/Quick step remains the same (ball-change).
Lead Outside/Inside turns as you travel on Slow/Slow (Lead an Outside turn when you start traveling on our Left, lead an Inside turn when you start traveling on your right)
Changing direction - travel side ways on Quick/Quick/Slow - instead of stepping back, step to the Right or to the Left (depending on where you want to go),cross in front or back and step side again on Slow I. Lead Outside/Inside turns as you travel on Quick/Quick/Slow (Outside - going to your left, Inside - going to your right)
After the basic movements of the Texas Two-Step dance is mastered, keep dancing exciting with your partner by learning how to do turns. Stay looking smooth on your feet on the dance floor by lifting your feet minimally so it looks like you're gliding across the floor.
Step 1 Stand facing your partner and step into the beginning position. The leader will put his right hand on the follower's waist and hold his left hand out to his side with his arm slightly bent. The follower will place her left hand on the leader's right shoulder and lightly grasp his left hand with her right.
Step 2 Move backwards as the leader steps forwards. Standing as close together as possible will make it easier to follow the motions of the leader. When the leader steps forward with his right foot, the follower will step backwards with her left.
Step 3 Follow the traditional Texas Two-Step movement of 2 quick steps followed by 2 slow steps while dancing in a straight line before the turn.
Step 4 Begin the turn with the leader raising his left hand and letting go of his hand on the follower's waist. The follower will take her hand off of the leader's right shoulder and begin to turn towards the leader. As she begins to turn, the leader will take his right hand that was on the waist and gently guide her under his arm.
Step 5 After the first turn is completed, instead of going back to the beginning dance position, the leader will once again begin to turn his partner.
The cuddle position in country western dance is done with both partners facing the same direction with their arms around each other. Done in a variety of country western dances, the cuddle looks flawless and natural when done properly. These instructions show you how to lead in cuddle position.
Step 1 Stand side-by-side with your partner, holding hands.
Step 2 Move to your left in a quarter turn to bring yourself face-to-face with your partner.
Step 3 Step again to your left, let go of one hand and hold on to the other, turning another quarter turn. You should now be facing the opposite direction you began in.
Step 4 Go forward again, swing your partner out and pull her back in a wrap. Her hand wraps around her front to hold your hand that is behind her back. Take hold of her free hand with your free hand in front of the two of you.
Step 5 Walk forward and keep the tempo of a 2-step while you lead your partner's movements. Once you return to the cuddle, you both move forward doing the two step.
Now you needn’t sit on the fence looking in, you can confidently hit the floor and two step your way to applause. The Houston Two Step had its origins in the early 1950s and as its name suggests, is danced with two quick steps and two slow steps, moving counter clockwise, to pure country and western music. In complete form, it also includes many fun spins and turns, making it a truly enjoyable dance experience. The following are the dance steps that the Leader will take, with you as a Partner.
Step 1 Face your dancing partner and stand with your feet together.
Step 2 Extend your right hand forward and hold your partner’s waist. Keep your arm steady and firm. Extend your left hand outward to your side, while keeping your arm slightly bent. Then reach out and gently hold your partner’s hand.
Step 3 Maintain dancing posture with your partner and wait for the music to begin.
Step 4 Step quickly forward, using your left foot on the first beat.
Step 5 Once again, step quickly forward, using your right foot, on the second beat.
Step 6 Step slowly forward with your left foot on the third beat.Pause for a moment
Step 7 On the forth beat, pause for just a moment. Continue dancing. Step forward slowly with your right foot on the fifth beat.
Step 8 Return to original posture. Bring both your feet together while you pause for a moment through the sixth beat.
Step 9 Repeat dance sequence. Take initial dance posture (see step one), then repeat the dance sequence (as per step two above).
Step 10 The following are the dance steps that the ‘Follower’ should take along with the Leader. Take initial position. Face the leader and stand with your feet together.
Step 11 Hold your Leader. Extend your left hand forward and place it on the Leader’s right shoulder.
Step 12 Make palm contact. Place your right hand palm gently on the outstretched left palm of the Leader, while keeping your right elbow bent.
Step 13 Use opposite steps. Make sure to do the opposite of what your Leader does. In other words, when the Leader moves his left foot forward, on the first beat, move your right foot back. Repeat each consecutive forward step, doing the opposite of the Leader’s step, every time.While moving in reverse direction ( When he steps forward with his right foot, step back with your left foot and repeat the sequence, ensuring that you do the opposite of what your Leader does, every time.
Dancing, no matter what the style, rests on the dancer's ability to keep pace with the beat and, if a partner dance, to keep that flow going with each other as complements rather than obstacles. Moving your feet requires a lightweight approach, always keeping in mind that you need to move quickly and steadily. Read on to learn how to move your feet for the country two-step.
Make sure that the hand and arm positions are correct: guy's right hand on small of back or upper shoulder blade, guy's left hand holding girl's right hand at about shoulder height, and girl's left hand on guy's right shoulder. This helps you have proper balance, which allows you to get and keep to the proper rhythm while dancing together.
Remember that the woman will follow the man's lead. When two people try to lead at the same time, the footwork is easily messed up, because each person has his or her own idea about where the couple is going to go.
Step toe-heel when going backwards, and heel-toe when going forwards. This will help you both keep to the rhythm, again, without getting too heavy on your feet.
Listen to the music to get the sense of the rhythm and the flow, as well as to help you match with the overall flow of the other dancers in the room. You need to share the space with several couples at any given time, and, when done correctly, you all share in the country dancing movement.
Dance with your partner, not for your partner. Though the man will lead, that doesn't make it possible for the following partner to just "go along for the ride." Work together, stay light and loose on your feet, move your hips with the motion and you will have an enjoyable time country dancing together.
The Texas (or country-western) two-step is the most performed country dance in America. It is a graceful dance derived from the foxtrot. Couples move counter-clockwise around the dance floor in a steady timing of quick, quick, slow, slow. Good two-step dancers are fun to watch---they are not only graceful, but move quickly to approximately 170 beats per minute.
Identification The Texas two-step is danced six counts to a four-count rhythm. The footwork timing is quick, quick, slow, slow. The couple moves around the perimeter of the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction. The man leads with forward steps, and the woman follows with backward steps. As the couple moves, it looks as if they are walking. There is no bouncing, only smooth strides that follow the music. The posture for the Texas two-step is upright yet relaxed. The man directs his partner by placing his right hand on her back. The woman puts her left hand on the man's right shoulder. The man's left hand and woman's right hand are held together. Elbows are at shoulder height and chins are level. Eyes are focused on each other and other dancers, not on the floor. The man guides the woman around the floor starting on his left foot forward as she starts on her right foot backward.
History The Texas two-step is based on the collegiate foxtrot of the 1920s, which is danced more with hopping steps instead of the two-step's sliding motion. The 1940s and 1950s saw a revival of collegiate dances. By the '50s, the collegiate foxtrot had become the one-step, which then led to the popular two-step. During the '70s, the movie "Urban Cowboy" reintroduced the public to country-western dancing. The two-step in the movie is not the "quick, quick, slow, slow" version taught today, however.
Benefits Dancing's benefits are well documented. The constant movement provides good exercise. The Texas two-step has a greater benefit for a couple---it brings the two people together as they are learning it. Because the basic "quick, quick, slow, slow" steps are considered beginner steps, the dance can be learned quickly. The woman must learn to read the signals the man gives with his hand on her back. The man leads, and the woman follows. The concept of leading and following in sync creates a oneness that can bring couples closer together.
Warning Before going onto a crowded dance floor, learn the rules of etiquette. No drinks, cigarettes or purses are allowed on most country-western dance floors. Socializing on the floor is not tolerated.The floor is usually crowded when popular songs are playing. Different types of dances have specific locations. Line dances and swing dances are usually delegated to the center of the floor, while two-step dancers circulate on the outside. If you are a beginner, stay in the inner circle. The outer circle is for experienced dancers who will move faster and include different moves to the dance. Time Frame Learning the Texas two-step does not take long. An adult class that meets once a week for six weeks will give a couple enough background to go out on the floor and feel comfortable. You'll even learn to do an inside turn and outside turn. Classes usually run one to two hours, with individual guidance and group work. Couples will have time to practice to slow and faster music, so they can learn to adapt on a dance floor. Practice should continue at home several times a week for an hour or two.
The Texas two-step is danced with two quick steps and two slow steps. After reading this eHow you'll be equipped with the basic knowledge of dancing the Texas two-step. Practice it at home and after you've learned it it's time to go show off what you've learned to some country tunes.
Leader
Step 1 Stand with your feet together facing your partner.
Step 2 Put your right hand on your partner's waist.
Step 3 Put your left hand out to your side with your arm slightly bent.
Step 4 Gently grasp your partner's hand.
Step 5 Wait for the music to start.
Step 6 On the first beat, step forward quickly with your left foot.
Step 7 On the second beat, step forward quickly with your right foot.
Step 8 On the third beat, step forward again with your left foot, but slowly.
Step 9 Pause through the fourth beat.
Step 10 On the fifth beat, step forward slowly with your right foot.
Step 11 Pause through the sixth beat, then pull your left foot even with your right.
Step 12 Repeat.
Follower
Step 1 Place your left hand on the leader's right shoulder.
Step 2 Bend your right elbow and place the palm of your right hand lightly on his outstretched palm.
Step 3 Do the opposite of what your partner does. Move your right foot back when the leader moves his left foot forward on the first beat.
Step 4 Continue following the directions for the leader, but in reverse - stepping back with your left foot when he steps forward with his right.
Though dancing can deliver exercise, fun and a great social opportunity, inexperienced dancers can be intimidated by the intricacies of ballet, tap or ballroom. Country-western dance--also known as line dance--can bridge that gap. You can find many different country-western line dances for people of all levels. Bars and social clubs across the nation offer lessons, followed by a night of dancing.
Do the "C.C. Shuffle." For counts 1-4, step forward toward the right corner of the room with your right, left, right, and touch the ball of your left foot next to your right with no weight on it. For counts 5-8, step back toward the back left corner, with your left, right, left, and touch the ball of your right foot next to your left with no weight on it. Refer to the You Tube video in the Reference section for a visual demonstration.
Repeat Step 2 for the next eight counts, stepping back toward the right corner behind you with the right foot and then completing the four-step pattern as above. Step forward toward the left corner with left foot and then complete the four-step pattern once again.
Cut the four-step pattern in half, making it a two-step pattern. For counts 1-2, step forward toward the right corner with your right, and touch the ball of your left foot next to the right, keeping the weight on your right. For counts 3-4, step back on your left toward the back corner, and touch the ball of your right foot next to your left, keeping the weight on your left foot. For counts 5-8. repeat this entire step in reverse starting with your right foot back toward the right corner behind you, touching your left foot next to it, and then stepping forward on your left toward the left corner and touching the right foot next to it.
Touch your right heel in front of you for counts 1-2. Touch your right toe behind you for counts 3-4. Heel forward count 5, toe back count 6. Touch your toe out to the side for count 7, and lift your right knee and turn a quarter turn toward your right shoulder, for count 8. Begin the entire dance for the top, now facing a new wall. Continue repeating the dance facing each wall until the song ends.
Try a two-step. Most dance halls or clubs that offer country western dancing, will teach the two-step. Step back on your right if you are a woman, forward with your left if you are a man, then alternate feet. Use two quick steps and two slow. If you partner with someone, do the dance in a circle around the outer rim of the floor. Refer to the You Tube video in the Reference section for a visual demonstration.
The buck dance, flat footing, hoedown, jigging, sure footing, and stepping are all traditional Appalachian solo dances. These names are often interchanged and dancers do not always agree on their use.
