Ballroom Dancing Beginners Steps

These ballroom dancing beginners steps will show you the basics of each style and get you moving around the floor. Once you learn a few steps in each style, you can start dancing with your partner in a coordinated way.

Ballroom dance moves are not only about footwork, but they are also about posture, timing, leading and following. Dancing with other couples on the floor also requires you to pay attention to where others are so you don't bump into or step on someone else. Since there are many rules to remember, starting with a few basic steps in different styles is plenty for the beginner. Here are some of the steps you may learn when starting ballroom dance lessons:

Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a good dance for beginners. It involves progressing across the dance floor around the perimeter with other couples on the floor. This means that the steps will take you and your partner in the same direction. The steps you will learn include the Forward Basic, which is two coordinated walking steps and a step to the side. This step follows a slow-slow-quick-quick pattern. You will also need to learn to turn, as that will be necessary to get you around the floor. Left and Right Box Turns are part of these basic steps. These turn you but follow a slow-quick-quick, slow-quick-quick pattern. You will also learn Promenade, with both partners facing the same direction, and the Underarm Turn.

Rumba
This medium-tempo Latin style dance features a hip sway called "Cuban motion." The steps are fairly simple, being a box step in slow-quick-quick, slow-quick-quick rhythm. You will learn an underarm turn with this style as well. This is a stationary dance style.

Swing
Basic Swing steps will be step-ball-change with a rock step behind. Underarm turns will also be learned. This dance is commonly done holding hands rather than in dance position. Rhythm and coordination are essential parts of this dance style. Fancy moves can be added after the basics. This dance does not move around the floor, but is more stationary.

Waltz
Waltz is in ¾ meter musically. Beginners will learn the Left Box and Right Box steps and a Six-Count Underarm Turn. These steps need to be practiced with attention to poise, posture and grace before learning more. They are enough to get you across the floor and flowing with the music.

Starting with these four ballroom dancing beginners steps will give you the chance to learn to move with your partner, follow your partner's lead (or lead, if you are the male), and get the feel of the different styles. Once you start, you'll find ballroom dancing enjoyable and fun.