BASIC FOLKDANCE STEPS IN 2/4 & 3/4 TIME SIGNATURE

Summary

This instructional video teaches various dance steps and patterns with detailed counting. Starting with basic steps like the touch tab, blocking step, and close step, the video progresses through more complex moves such as the cross-change step, polka, mincing, and shuffling steps. It introduces traditional dance forms like the native waltz, mazurka, and sway balance with variations such as brushing and hopping. Each step is broken down with easy-to-follow instructions and rhythmic counting, making it ideal for learners to practice along.

Takeaways

• 👟 Basic dance steps and terms are introduced to the class.
• 🦶 The first step is the Touch Tab pattern, starting with the right foot and counting 'one two two two.'
• 🦵 The Blocking Step involves placing the heel in front and closing, with counting 'one two two.'
• 🕺 The Close Step is performed by stepping and closing either to the side or in front, with counting 'one two two two three two four two.'
• 🐇 The Hop Step involves stepping with the right foot and hopping, then repeating with the left, counting 'one two two two.'
• 🎿 The Slide Step is done by sliding the right foot to the side, closing, and repeating on the left, counting 'one two two two three two four two.'
• 🚶‍♂️ The Cross Change Step involves crossing the right foot in front of the left and stepping, with counting 'one and two two and two.'
• 🎶 Mincing Steps are tiny alternating steps, with the counting 'one and two and two and two.'
• 💃 The Polka Step and Native Waltz are introduced with steps, close steps, and pauses in a rhythm of 'one and two and two and two.'
• ✨ The Mazurka involves sliding, cutting, and hopping steps, repeated with counting 'one two three two two three.'

Q & A

What is the first dance step taught in the video?

The first dance step taught is the 'Touch Tab Pattern,' where you start by pointing your right foot in front, closing to the other side, and counting 'one two two two.'

How is the 'Blacking Step' performed?

The 'Blacking Step' is performed by placing the right heel in front, closing the left foot, placing the left heel in front, and then closing, with the counting 'one two two two.'

What is the 'Close Step' and how is it executed?

The 'Close Step' involves stepping to the side and closing your foot, repeating this movement on the other side. It can also be done in front. The counting is 'one two two two three two four two.'

What are the movements and counting for the 'Hop Step'?

The 'Hop Step' is performed by stepping on the right foot, hopping, then stepping on the left foot and hopping. The counting is 'one two two two.'

How do you perform the 'Slide Step'?

The 'Slide Step' is performed by sliding the right foot to the side, closing, then sliding the left foot and closing. The counting is 'one two two two three two four two.'

What is the step pattern and counting for the 'Heel and Toe Change Step'?

For the 'Heel and Toe Change Step,' place the right heel, point the toe, then step close, repeating with the left heel. The counting is 'one two two and two three two four and two.'

How do you execute the 'Contra Ganza Step'?

The 'Contra Ganza Step' is done by leaping to the side, crossing, and stepping, then repeating on the other side. The counting is 'one and two two and two three and two four and two.'

What is the counting pattern for the 'Polka Step'?

The counting pattern for the 'Polka Step' is 'one and two and two and two,' performed by stepping to the side, closing, stepping again, and pausing.

What are 'Mincing Steps' and how are they performed?

'Mincing Steps' are tiny alternating steps taken with both the left and right foot. They can be done in front, back, or to the side. The counting is 'one and two and two and two.'

How do you perform the 'Sway Balance with a Hop'?

The 'Sway Balance with a Hop' is performed by stepping forward, stepping back, and then hopping. The counting is 'one two three two two three.'

Outlines

00:00

💃 Dance Steps and Patterns

This paragraph introduces various basic dance steps and their counting patterns. It begins with the touch tab pattern, where participants start with their right foot pointed in front and close, counting 'one two two two'. The blacking step follows, starting with the right foot and placing the heel in front, counting 'one two two two'. The close step involves stepping and closing on each side, counted 'one two two two three two four two'. The hub step is a hopping motion on both feet, counted 'one two two two'. The slide step involves sliding the foot to the side and closing, counted 'one two two two three two four two'. The change step is performed by stepping to the side and closing, counted 'one and two two and two'. The heel and toe change step involves placing the heel and pointing the toe, counted 'one two two and two three two four and two'. The cross change step is performed by crossing the foot in front of the other and closing, counted 'one and two two and two'. The contra ganza and playing polka steps are also introduced with their respective counting patterns.

05:02

🎵 Advanced Dance Steps and Counting

The second paragraph delves into more complex dance patterns and their counting. It starts with the contra ganza step, where the right foot leads to the side, crosses, and steps, counted 'one and two two and two three and two four and two'. The playing polka step involves stepping on the side, closing, and pausing, counted similarly. The mincing steps are tiny steps alternately left and right, counted 'one and two and two and two' and so on. The shuffling step involves tiny slide steps alternately left and right, also counted in a similar pattern. Chasing steps are described as stepping close repeatedly, counted 'one and two and two and two'. Native walls involve stepping close with the left foot and repeating the pattern, counted 'one two three two two three three two three four two three'. Crosswalks are a combination of crossing, tapping, and stepping, counted 'one two three two two three three two three four two three'. The waltz balance is introduced with a step close and a heel erase down, counted 'one'.

10:03

🕺 Dance Steps Variations and Conclusion

The final paragraph continues with more dance steps and their counting. It starts with the mazurka step pattern, which involves sliding, cutting, and hopping, counted 'one two three two two three three two three'. The varidova step pattern is similar, with sliding and cutting, counted 'one two three two two three three two three four two'. The sway balance with a point involves stepping, crossing, tapping, and pointing, counted 'one two three two two three three two three four two three five two three six two three seven two three eight two three'. The sway balance with a race and brush steps are also introduced, with detailed counting for each. The video concludes with a sway balance with a hop step pattern, counted 'one two three six two three seven two three eight two three'. The instructor expresses hope that the viewers have learned something from the video.

Keywords

💡Touch Tab Pattern

The 'Touch Tab Pattern' is a dance step described in the video script. It involves starting with the right foot, pointing it in front, and then closing it. This pattern is fundamental to the dance being taught, serving as a basic building block for the choreography. The term 'Touch Tab' refers to the footwork where one foot touches or points in a certain direction and then returns to the original position, creating a rhythmic pattern.

💡Blocking Step

The 'Blocking Step' is another dance move mentioned in the script. It begins with the right foot placing the heel in front and then closing it, followed by the same action with the left foot. This step is crucial for creating a solid foundation in dance as it emphasizes the placement and control of the feet. The term 'Blocking' suggests a more assertive or definitive movement, likely involving a stronger step or a more pronounced foot placement.

💡Close Step

The 'Close Step' is a dance move where a step is taken and then the foot is brought close to the other foot. This pattern is mentioned in the script as being performed on the side and in front, indicating versatility in its application within the dance routine. The term 'Close Step' implies a movement that brings the feet together, which can add fluidity and cohesion to the dance steps.

💡Hub Step

The 'Hub Step' involves stepping on one foot and then hopping on the other, as described in the script. This step is likely named for its central role in transitioning from one movement to another, much like a hub in a wheel. The term suggests a pivot or a central point of action, emphasizing the importance of balance and coordination in executing this step.

💡Slide Step

The 'Slide Step' is characterized by a gliding motion of the foot to the side and then closing it, as indicated in the script. This step adds a smooth and continuous flow to the dance, contrasting with more abrupt movements. The term 'Slide' implies a smooth, gliding motion, which is essential for maintaining the fluidity of the dance routine.

💡Change Step

The 'Change Step' involves stepping to the side and closing, as described in the script. This step might be called a 'Change Step' because it involves a change in direction or a shift in the dancer's position on the dance floor. The term suggests a transformative movement, indicating a change or adjustment in the dancer's steps.

💡Heel and Toe Change Step

The 'Heel and Toe Change Step' is a specific type of step where the heel is placed and then the toe points, as detailed in the script. This step requires precision and control, focusing on the details of foot placement. The term 'Heel and Toe Change' highlights the importance of footwork intricacy, where the heel and toe play distinct roles in the movement.

💡Cross Change Step

The 'Cross Change Step' is a dance move that involves crossing one foot in front of the other and then closing, as mentioned in the script. This step adds complexity to the dance with its crossing motion, which can create visual interest and challenge the dancer's coordination. The term 'Cross Change' suggests a crossing action that requires the dancer to manage both spatial awareness and timing.

💡Contra Ganuza

The 'Contra Ganuza' is a step pattern that involves leading to the side and crossing steps, as described in the script. This term likely originates from a specific dance style or region, indicating a cultural or traditional aspect to the dance being taught. The term suggests a particular sequence or style of dance step that is unique to a certain dance form.

💡Playing Polka

The 'Playing Polka' step pattern is a specific style of dance mentioned in the script, which involves stepping to the side, closing, and pausing. This step is named after the Polka, a popular folk dance that originated in Bohemia. The term 'Playing Polka' indicates that the steps are inspired by or mimic the lively and bouncy nature of the Polka dance.

💡Mincing Steps

The 'Mincing Steps' are tiny steps taken alternately left and right, as described in the script. This term suggests a delicate and precise style of footwork, often associated with a dainty or careful movement. The term 'Mincing' implies a small, careful step, which might be used to create a light and graceful appearance in the dance.

Highlights

Learning basic dance steps and terminology, including touch tab pattern and counting.

Introduction to the blocking step, with heel placement and counting.

Close step demonstrated with side and front movements and corresponding counts.

Hub step technique, involving hopping after each step with specific counting.

Slide step pattern with alternating sides and precise counting for rhythm.

Change step pattern with left and right foot movements, incorporating smooth transitions.

Heel and toe change step pattern, using heel taps and toe points for rhythm counting.

Cross change step introduced, with cross taps and front movements along with counts.

Contra ganza step demonstrated with leaps and cross steps, integrating smooth movement patterns.

Polka step pattern involving side steps, pauses, and counting, designed for rhythm and flow.

Mincing steps using tiny alternating movements front, back, or side with rhythmic counting.

Shuffling step pattern, incorporating alternating slide steps for fluid motion.

Chasing step technique with consistent close steps and counting for a coordinated rhythm.

Native walls step pattern, involving alternating steps and counts for a smooth flow.

Waltz balance step, combining smooth steps and heel placement with counting for timing control.

Transcripts

[Music]

so

[Music]

okay now we're going to learn the basic

steps or

terms that are commonly used in focus

ready let's start

hello class now we're going to learn the

touch tab

pattern

counting let's go

starting with your right foot point in

front

and close other side

point and close counting

one two two two

our next dance step is called

the blacking step step pattern

and our counting

okay this is the blocking step starting

with your right foot

heel place in front

and close left foot

heel place in front

close counting

one two two

two

now we're going to learn the close step

step pattern

and counting

[Music]

ready you can start by doing it on the

side

step and close other side

step and close you can also do it in

front

step close step

close counting one

two two two three

two four two

now we're going to learn the hub step

step pattern

and counting

ready step on the right and hop

step on the left and hop one two two

two

slide step step pattern

counting

ready starting with your right foot

slide on the side and close

left slide and close counting

one two two two three two

four two

change step step pattern

counting

ready starting with your right foot step

on the

side close and step

left foot step close

step let's do the counting

one and two two and two

heel and toe change step

step pattern

counting

ready heel place right toe point

step close step he'll place left

toe point step close tap

let's do it with the counting one

two two and two three two

four and two

okay now we're going to learn the cross

change step step pattern

counting

let's do it starting with your right

foot

cross tap in front of left close

and step in front other side cross tap

left close step

let's do it with the counting

one and two two and two

[Music]

contra ganza step pattern

counting

let's do it starting with your right

foot

lead to the side

cross step step other side

leap cross step and then step

let's do it with the counting

one and two two and two

three and two four and two

playing polka step pattern

counting ready

starting with your right foot step on

the side

close step pause left foot

step close step pause

let's do it through the counting one and

two

and two and two in

step pattern

counting let's do it

starting with your right top step close

step

pause left half step close step

pause counting one

and two and two

and two n

[Music]

now let's learn the mincing steps

step pattern

counting

ready take tiny steps alternately left

and right

in front or at the back or at the side

counting one and two and two and two

other side one and two and two and two

and three and two and four and two

and so on

shuffling step step pattern counting

let's go take

tiny slide steps alternately left and

right

counting one and two and two and two and

so on

other side one and two and two and two

and three and two and four and two

and so on

now let's have the chasing steps

step pattern pounding

let's go starting with the right foot

step close step close

step close tap close and so on

counting one and two and two

and two and so on

let's have the native walls

step pattern

and the counting

ready let's go missing your right foot

step close step the left step

close step step close step let's do the

counting

and one two three two two three

three two three four two three

this time we're going to learn the

crosswalks

step pattern and jumping

let's go starting with the right foot

cross tap in front close step left

cross step close step close step

close step go step close step

one two three two two three three two

three four two three

now we're going to learn the waltz

balance

step pattern

counting ready

starting with right foot step close

hillary says down step

close he'll erase heels down counting

one

two three two two three

three two three four

two three

let's get ready and learn the mazurka

step pattern

counting let's go

let's start with the right foot slide

cut hop slide cut hop

other side slide cut hop

slide cut pop now let's do the counting

one two three two two three three two

three other side one two three

two two three three two three

[Music]

now let's learn varidova

step pattern

counting let's go

starting with right foot slide cut

cut and other side slide cut

cut let's do it with the counting one

two three two two three three two three

four two

let's have the sway balance with a point

step pattern

counting starting with the right foot

step cross tap step point

other side step crosstab step

point let's do the counting one

two three two two three three two three

four two three five two three

six two three seven two three

eight two three

let's do the sway balance with a race

the pattern and counting

let's go starting with right foot

step cross tap step

race step cross tap

step raise counting one two

three two two three three two three

four two three five two three six

two three seven two three eight two

three

let's have the sway balance with the

brush

step pattern and

counting let's go

starting with the right foot step

cross step step brush step

cross step step brush

step cross tap step brush

and step cross tap step brush

let's do it with the counting one two

three two two three three two three

four two three five two three six

two three seven two three eight two

three

let's go with a sway balance with a hop

step pattern

counting let's go

starting with right foot step step

step hop step step

[Music]

five two three six two three seven two

three eight two three

and that's it for today's video i hope

you learned something

you