How to Dance the Boogie Woogie

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The boogie woogie is a fun partner dance traditionally danced to the song “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” Once you have a partner to dance with, you just need to get down the basic step sequence. From there, you can start adding in fun variations and doing some improvisation on the dance floor.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Getting Down the Basic Steps

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  1. A rock step is where you step back with one of your feet and then rock back into your starting position. As you step back with your foot, lift up your other foot that’s in front of you. Then place your front foot back down and step back into your starting position. Your upper body should feel like it’s rocking backward, then forward. [1]
    • For example, to do a rock step with your right foot, step back with your right foot and lift your left foot (which hasn’t moved from your starting position) a few inches above the ground. Then put your left foot back down and step back into your starting position.
  2. A triple step is when you do three steps while standing in place. As you stand in place, lift and step down with your right foot, then your left foot, and finally your right foot again. You can also start with your left foot instead of your right foot. [2]
    • Your feet should only be coming up a few inches off the floor with each step.
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  3. If you started your last triple step with your right foot, start this one with your left foot, and vice versa.
  4. If you stepped back with your left foot the first time you rock stepped, step back with your left foot for the second one. [3]
  5. Make sure you've got it down before you head onto the dance floor with a partner. Remember, it's a rock step, then two triple steps, another rock step, and repeat. [4]
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Dancing with a Partner

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  1. You can’t dance the boogie woogie alone. Once you find someone to dance with you, decide who will lead on the dance floor.
  2. Both of you should be facing the same direction. Stand so you’re 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) away from each other. [5]
  3. Don't turn toward your partner quite yet. Both of you should run through the steps once while you're facing the same direction. [6]
    • Try to do the steps at the same speed as your partner. It's OK if you turn and watch them for some guidance.
  4. Don't join hands just yet. Run through the steps once while facing each other before you come together. You and your partner should be 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) away from each other.
  5. If you’re leading, put out your left hand in front of you with your palm facing up. If you’re following, grab the leader’s hand with your right hand so that your palm is facing down. Once you've joined hands, continuing running through the basic steps. [7]
  6. As you’re beginning the second rock step, you and your partner should start moving over to the opposite side. Don’t let go of your partner's hand. The leader should lift up the follower’s hand and cross behind the follower so they’re facing their back during the transition. [8]
    • If you’re the follower, cross over so that your back is to the leader when you meet in the middle.
    • Once you reach the other side, turn and face your partner again.
  7. Stick with the basic steps and switch sides every so often to make the dance more exciting. As you get more comfortable dancing the boogie woogie, try dancing faster and adding more complex moves.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Adding Variations

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  1. If you’re the leader, lift your partner's hand and press your palm into their palm. Both of your hands should be vertical. Gently push with your palm so your partner knows to do a spin.
    • If you’re the follower and you get the cue to spin from your partner, do a 360-degree spin in place. Rejoin hands with your partner.
  2. At the start of a triple step, do a 360-degree spin in place as your partner does the same thing. One person should spin clockwise while the other person spins counterclockwise. Try to finish your spin at the same time as your partner so you can meet back where you started and rejoin hands. [9]
  3. If you're leading, step back and pull your partner close to you after you do the two triple steps in the basic step sequence. Place your free hand on your partner's back. Spin around with your partner until you're back to where you started. Let go of your partner's back and step back into the basic step sequence position. [10]
    • If you're following, place your hand on your partner's back after they pull you in close to them.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I be a good dance leader for my dance partner?
    Katie Van Note
    Dance Teacher
    Katie Van Note is the lead dance teacher and the owner of The First Dance Place in San Diego, California. With over 10 years of dance experience, she specializes in partnered dance styles, including East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Salsa, Bachata, Merengue, Rumba, Waltz, and Hustle. Katie's goal is to make dancing fun, accessible, and exciting for all couples to enhance whatever occasion they are celebrating.
    Katie Van Note
    Dance Teacher
    Expert Answer
    You don't have to master or know all the fancy steps; the most important are the basics like footwork and dance rhythm. Knowing the downbeat counts that go along with the footwork and also understanding how to hold hands with your partner, whether that's an open position or a closed position, how do you like to embrace those positions in that dance style? Another aspect of being a successful leader is having a repertoire of at least two to four different moves that you can do throughout a dance.
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  • Question
    Can I dance boogie-woogie without a partner?
    Alonah.nichole
    Community Answer
    Yes, it is just going to be more difficult to learn. Usually the boogie woogie is easiest when dancing with someone else.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=15
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=15
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=15
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=15
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=9
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=9
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=49
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vb-krRFIb4Q&feature=youtu.be&t=62
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuCbqs0Mcy0&feature=youtu.be&t=88
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prRE-0wGEes&feature=youtu.be&t=17

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