How to Dance the Two-Step

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Learning the basics of the two-step
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The world of country dance is wide and wild, and you’re raring to get on the dancefloor. Before you do, though, you need to learn a dance! The Two-Step is a simple, popular, and timeless dance that anyone can pick up in a few minutes. All you need is a partner and the ability to tell your right foot from your left. We’ll handle the rest as we show you how to get into position, perform the steps, and add a little twirl at the end to master the move.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Doing a Basic Two-Step

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  1. Your first 2 steps each last 1 quick beat—count out “1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,” and take your first 2 steps on “1” and “2.” The leader takes their first step forward with their left foot, and the follower mirrors, taking a step back with their right foot. Then take another quick, short step with your other foot. [1]
    • Take comfortable, even steps that feel natural for both you and your partner. Imagine that you’re just walking, but to the rhythm!
    • Some variations follow the first quick step with an immediate step or tap from your other foot to realign. If you like, incorporate this tap when you get a better grasp of the dance.

    Tip: An easy way to remember the Two-Step is to repeat the phrase, “Quick, quick, slow, slow.” 2 quick steps, then 2 slow steps.

  2. Slow your movement so that both of your next steps take 2 beats instead of 1. Step forward with your left leg if you’re the lead, or step backward with your right leg if you’re following. [2]
    • If you’re counting out the rhythm, take a slow step on “3, 4,” and another slow step on “5, 6.”
    • You’ll step the same way as you did for the first step, but this time it will be slow.
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  3. The line of dance is an imaginary line that goes around the dance floor. Faster dancers stay to the outside of the dance floor, while slower dancers move closer to the inside. The line typically moves counterclockwise, but always follow the flow! [3]
    • If people are line dancing, they'll do it at the center of the dance floor inside the line of dance.
    • Once you’re comfortable with the basic steps, mix it up by turning 180 degrees during the quick steps, so that the leader is now the follower.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Adding Turns

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  1. Turns go at the end of a quick, quick, slow, slow sequence. After you complete a set, the leader indicates that they’re starting a spin by pushing gently on their partner’s shoulder blade with their right hand. [4]
  2. Let go of each other’s shoulders. The leader then guides the follower under and through the leader’s left arm. Keep holding hands all the while, but keep your grip loose to help your hands shift during the spin. [5]
    • If you need to, temporarily release each other’s hands during the turn if necessary. Don’t twist your wrist as you turn.
  3. After the turn, get back into your dancing frame. Stay on the balls of your feet as you return to your starting position. [6] Then, take 2 slow steps to complete the set. Continue into your next set of steps.
    • The turn lasts the duration of the 2 quick steps. While the leader takes 2 quick steps, the followers spins.
    • You don’t need to do a turn every sequence–your partner will get dizzy! Throw a turn in here and there, just to mix things up.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Getting into Position

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  1. Stand tall with your back straight and your legs about hip-width apart. Position yourselves about 6 in (15 cm) apart with your feet slightly offset; the leader stands a bit to the left of the follower. [7]
    • Keep your body close to your partner’s to help you stay together and balanced while you’re dancing.

    Did You Know? Your starting position in a partnered dance is called your “dancing frame.” The standard Two-Step dancing frame has both partners facing each other in a “closed position.” [8]

  2. The leader wraps their right arm loosely around and under their partner’s left arm, placing their palm on the follower’s shoulder blade. The follower places their left hand just above the leader’s right bicep, resting but not pushing down. [9]
    • Don’t push, pull, or grip too hard—keep your stance loose and relaxed.
  3. As the leader, extend your left hand out and to the side, palm-up, about level with your partner’s eyes. As the follower, place your hand in your partner’s so that your palm faces down, with your fingers resting in the crook of their thumb, just like ballroom dancers do. [10]
    • Keep your grip loose to avoid hurting your partner’s hand.
    • For a more casual, comfortable posture, lower your hand to shoulder-level, or drop it even further. Whatever feels right!

    Variation: Change up your dancing frame once you’ve mastered the standard Two-Step. Stand side-by-side, or position the lead behind the follower, with their left arm over the follower’s shoulders.

  4. Stagger your stances so that your line of sight is slightly to the right of your partner’s head. This allows both of you to see your surroundings, and offers a slightly more natural dancing position. [11]
    • Line up your right foot so that it points between your partner’s feet for a sturdy, agile stance.
    • If you can’t see over your partner’s shoulder, allow them to be the leader so they can guide you around the dance floor.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How do you do a two step for dummies?
    Hebert Aguilar
    Professional Dancer & Choreographer
    Herbert Aguilar is a Professional Dancer, Choreographer, and the Director of Timba Heat Dance Company. With more than a decade of experience, he specializes in performing and teaching dance styles such as Cuban Salsa, Hip-Hop, and Acrobatics. Hebert has performed at a variety of venues and locations including San Francisco, Washington, Hawaii, and Miami.
    Hebert Aguilar
    Professional Dancer & Choreographer
    Expert Answer
    It's easy! Leaders start with the left leg going to the side first, while the right foot brings both feet together. Then, the right foot goes out to the side and the left foot follows right after. Followers do the same movements, but mirrored. All you got to do is repeat it!
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  • Question
    How does a couple turn together?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    As you take either your 2 quick or slow steps, pivot yourselves 180 degrees, so that the follower is now the leader.
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  • Question
    You are dancing the two step to a 4 x 4 beat, but counting to 6. I am a drummer and that is throwing me off. Are the “quick” steps 1/8th notes and the “slow” steps quarter notes?
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
    wikiHow Staff Editor
    Staff Answer
    It is a bit confusing if you're practiced in music! Here, we count to 6 for the benefit of the dancers, as a simple guide. But in reality, Two-Step music follows 2-4 timing, so each quarter note receives 1 count, which accommodates the dancers keeping time by counting to 6.
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      Tips

      • Look for Two-Step classes at local dance studios, your local community center, or at nearby dance halls.
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      • Also try the “Sweetheart Position,” where the leader’s right arm is around the follower’s shoulder, holding the follower’s left hand so that both dancers face forward.
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      • If you make a mistake, laugh it off and resume the dance on the next beat. Learning is part of the fun.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://youtu.be/YORegW3-hOc?t=166
      2. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyWv6rHtLPw&t=106s
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyWv6rHtLPw&t=124s
      4. ↑ https://countryswingaz.com/2018/10/13/arm-push-spin/
      5. ↑ https://countryswingaz.com/2018/10/13/arm-push-spin/
      6. ↑ Hebert Aguilar. Professional Dancer & Choreographer. Expert Interview. 25 October 2021.
      7. ↑ https://youtu.be/YORegW3-hOc?t=139
      8. ↑ https://www.ndca.org/pdf/Holds%20and%20Positions.pdf
      9. ↑ Hebert Aguilar. Professional Dancer & Choreographer. Expert Interview. 25 October 2021.
      1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YORegW3-hOc&t=121s
      2. ↑ https://youtu.be/YORegW3-hOc?t=139

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To do a two step, stand facing your dance partner with your arms at your sides. Both of you should keep your back straight and your head up. Close the gap between you and your partner so that you’re about 6 inches (15 cm) apart. Stand on the balls of your feet with your legs slightly offset from your partner’s. Put your right arm behind your partner’s back and over their left shoulder. Your hand should be gently wrapped around their shoulder. With your left hand, grasp your partner’s hand at the wrist and hold it out to the side at eye level. Either of you can take the lead. Move in time to the music in a counterclockwise direction around the outside of the dance floor. Complete a full sequence of steps and twirls, then turn 180°. Push your partner’s arm down as you turn, then let go as you complete your new position. Take 2 slow steps with your other foot, then 2 quick steps with your partner’s foot to complete the dance. To learn how to follow the line of the two-step and add turns, keep reading!

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