How To Dance the Quickstep

If it seems like you were born with two left feet, this guide will have you cutting a rug in no time.

Instructions

• Step 1: Finish by stepping to the left with your left foot and then sliding your right to meet your left again.
• TIP: Practice each half of the dance slowly and separately from your partner before performing it together.
• Step 2: Repeat the steps in the opposite direction to finish a whole quickstep routine.
• FACT: In the 1930s, the dance marathon industry employed an estimated 20,000 people.
• Step 3: Move in the opposite direction by first stepping backwards with your right foot for the slow movement.
• Step 4: Perform the two quick steps by stepping to the left before sliding your right foot together with your left foot.
• Step 5: Count four times per measure to get a feel for the beat. The pattern for the quickstep is one slow step followed by two quick steps that each take half as long as the first slow step.
• Step 6: Step forward with your right foot for the first slow movement and remember to always start with that foot if you are the leader.
• TIP: Your partner will step opposite for each movement, so if you start on your right foot and step forward, your partner will step back with their left.
• Step 7: Stand straight and tall with your head aligned with your spine and hold your arms up and out with your elbows just below your shoulder line.