Footwork for the Country Two-Step

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.