For Beginners
A Short History of Line Dance
Line dance can be traced to traditional European folk dances, in which communities would come together to celebrate special occasions and events through synchronized movements. These dances often involved individuals forming lines and moving in unison, creating a sense of unity and camaraderie. As European settlers migrated to different parts of the world, they brought these dances with them.
In the United States, line dance gained prominence in the country and western music scene during the 19th century. American pioneers, cowboys, and settlers engaged in line dancing as a way to socialize and express themselves through rhythmic movements. The dances were often simple and characterized by repeated sequences of steps that could be easily learned and performed by a group.
The widespread popularity of country music in the mid-20th century fueled the popularity of line dance. Country and western dance halls became hubs for social gatherings, where enthusiasts could showcase their dance skills in organized lines. This era marked the emergence of iconic line dances like the "Texas Two-Step" and the "Cowboy Cha-Cha," which became staples in country dance culture.
Line dance continued to evolve in the late 20th century with the rise of disco and other music genres. The 1970s and 1980s witnessed a fusion of traditional country line dance with contemporary music. Dances such as the "Electric Slide" and the "Macarena" became global sensations, transcending cultural differences to become popular staples at weddings, parties, and social events. In the 1990s, choreographers started developing line dances that incorporate elements from various dance styles, including hip-hop and Latin dance.
Today, line dancing is a mainstream activity with its inclusion in music videos, television shows, and movies. What began as a simple form of communal expression has transformed into a dynamic and inclusive dance culture that continues to thrive in communities worldwide. Whether performed in country dance halls, urban clubs, or social gatherings, line dance remains a testament to the enduring appeal of synchronized movement and shared joy on the dance floor.
Basic Steps—Video Tutorials
Some Basic Line Dance Terms
Cha Cha Triple step, in place, to two beats.
Charleston Four steps involving a kick and ending on a back toe touch. Example: 1) step forward right, 2) kick forward left, 3) step back left, 4) tap right toe back.
Coaster Step Series of three steps, back and forth, to two beats. Example: 1) right step back, 2) left step together, 3) right step forward.
Hitch Two movements to two beats: 1) slide in any direction, 2) lift the knee of the other leg. Also called a Scoot.
Jazz Box Series of four steps with (typically) the first step being a crossover. Example: 1) step right over left, 2) left step back, 3) right step, 4) left step to meet right. Also called Jazz Square or Box Step.
Lindy Series of four steps to four beats: Side shuffle, rock back, recover forward. Example: 1) right shuffle—right-left-right, 2) step left behind right, 3) step right over left.
Restart Specific point in the dance where participants begin the routine again from a designated starting position. This may occur during the dance to align with particular musical accents or to correct timing discrepancies.
Rock Step Weight change from one foot to the other, to two beats, in any direction. Example: 1) right step forward (stay on ball of the foot), 2) left step back. Also called Ball Change.
Rumba Box Series of six movements to eight counts, with holds on beats 4 and 8, that forms a square. Example: 1) step right, 2) step left to meet right, 3) step right back (hold), 4) slide left to meet right foot and then step to the left, 5) step right foot to meet left, 6) step left forward (hold).
Sailor Step Series of three side steps to two counts of music, involving a cross behind. Example: 1) Step right behind left, 2) step left, 3) step right together. Also called Pas de Bourrée.
Shuffle Three steps (step ball step), in any direction, to two beats.
Step Sheet Written document that outlines the choreography of a line dance, providing a detailed breakdown of the steps, directions, and timing.
Tag Short, repeated sequence of steps between specific sections of choreography. Tags add variety to the dance and may be used to match specific musical elements. Dancers perform the tag before continuing with the main dance.
Twinkle Series of three side steps often used in waltzes, with weight on balls of feet. Example: 1) cross left over right, 2) step right, 3) step left to meet right.
Vine Series of four side-stepping movements. Example: 1) side step right, 2) step left behind right, 3) side step right, and 4) tap left next to right. Can end with a tap, stomp, kick, or hitch. Also called Grapevine.
Wall Direction in which participants face while dancing; line dancers typically rotate to face a new wall after completing a full or partial sequence of steps. Dances are choreographed for 1, 2, 3 or 4 walls.
Weave Series of four, five, or six sidestepping movements that include crossing in front AND in back. Example: 1) step left over right, 2) side step right, 3) step left behind right, 4) point right.