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.'