How to Dance the Two-Step

Download Article

Learning the basics of the two-step

Co-authored by Hebert Aguilar and Luke Smith, MFA

Last Updated: May 3, 2024 Fact Checked

Download Article

Doing a Basic Two-Step

|

Adding Turns

|

Getting into Position

|

Video

|

Expert Q&A

|

Tips

ARTICLE

VIDEO

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

Download Article

1
Begin the dance with 2 quick steps. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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
Take 2 slow steps that last for 2 full beats each. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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.
Advertisement
3
Move counterclockwise around the room as you dance. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adding Turns

Download Article

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]
X
Research source}
2
Push the follower clockwise under your left arm. 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]
X
Research source}
- If you need to, temporarily release each other’s hands during the turn if necessary. Don’t twist your wrist as you turn.
3
Return to your dancing position on the slow steps. After the turn, get back into your dancing frame. Stay on the balls of your feet as you return to your starting position.^{[6]
X
Expert Source

Hebert Aguilar
Professional Dancer & Choreographer

Expert Interview. 25 October 2021.} 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.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Getting into Position

Download Article

1
Stand facing your partner, with your bodies about 6 in (15 cm) apart. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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]
X
Research source}
2
Put your right hand on your partner’s left shoulder blade if you’re leading. 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]
X
Expert Source

Hebert Aguilar
Professional Dancer & Choreographer

Expert Interview. 25 October 2021.}
- Don’t push, pull, or grip too hard—keep your stance loose and relaxed.
3
Hold your partner’s hand out to the side at eye level. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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
Stand to the left so you can see over your partner’s right shoulder. 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]
X
Research source}
- 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.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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!

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 10 Helpful 2

See more answers

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Video

Read Video Transcript

Tips

Look for Two-Step classes at local dance studios, your local community center, or at nearby dance halls.

Thanks
Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
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.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
If you make a mistake, laugh it off and resume the dance on the next beat. Learning is part of the fun.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0