Line Dances for Beginners

Most line dances draw from a set of standard dance steps. This makes it easy for a new line dancer to learn, because you can try several different dances once you've mastered some basic moves.

Line dancers who want to learn not only the steps but the style of each dance move, as well as how to position their body during each step, should invest in a few line dancing classes. If you have a professional teach you the moves, you won't end up doing them incorrectly. That way, you can be proud of your performance when you head out onto the dance floor to try some of the trickier moves.

Elements of Line Dances
Line dancing is great exercise as well as entertainment. To start off with, try doing the following steps without music. Once you have mastered each step, add music and see how well you can keep up with the beat.

• Grapevine: The grapevine is one of the most popular steps in line dances. It is a little tricky at first, but once you have done it a few times, it becomes quite natural. Since this step can go either to the right or to the left, we'll start off on the left. Stand with your feet together. Using your left foot, step to the side. Cross your right foot behind your left foot and immediately move your left foot one more step to the side, followed by your right foot, again behind the left. The movement will be an over and under type of movement. When doing it to the right, do the opposite, starting with the right foot.
• Chasse: Chasse is a ballet term that literally means "to chase." When performing this step in line dances, remember that it is a chase and must be done quickly. Move one foot to the side and quickly bring your second foot toward it. As the second foot lands, the first is off again in the same direction, creating the illusion that your feet are chasing each other.
• Lock Step: A lock step is when you cross your feet tightly and lock them in that position.
• Hitch: To perform a hitch, raise one knee straight up so that your lower leg is at a 90 degree angle to the floor.
• Twist: Twists are done by standing with both feet on the floor together and then twisting your heels either to the right or to the left.
• Cha-cha-cha: The cha-cha-cha is a three-step move, either forward or backward. Simply take three steps in either direction. This is also called a shuffle or promenade.
• Scuff: The scuff is common in country line dancing. To perform a scuff, you must swing your foot forward gently, making sure the sole of your foot makes contact with the floor as it passes forward.
• Brush Kick: The brush kick is similar to the scuff. Instead of brushing the floor with the sole of your shoe, you touch the tip of your toe to the floor as you kick forward.

You won't see all of these steps in all line dances, but they are the basic steps you need to know to get started.