BASIC STEPS in Foreign Folk Dances
STEP NAME DESCRIPTION COUNTING
1. Shuffling Perform tiny steps using the balls of the feet 1, ah, 2, ah, ...
Step R foot sideward (ct. 1), swing the L foot across the R 1, 2 / 1, 2, 3
2. Step-Swing-Hop
in front and hop on the R at the same time (ct. 2).
3. Mazurka Slide R foot sideward (ct. 1), cut R sideward with the L foot 1, 2, 3
(ct. 2), hop on L and bring the R foot in front or in rear of
the L ankle (ct. 3).
4. Galop Step R sideward (ct. 1), Cut with L (ct. 2) continuously 1, ah, 2, ah …
5. Redoba Slide R diagonally forward (ct. 1), cut R with L (ct. 2) and 1, 2, 3
cut L with R (ct. 3).
6. Waltz Step R sideward (ct. 1) then close L to R (ct. 2) and step R 1, 2, 3
in place (ct. 3)
7. Cross Waltz Step R across L in front and raise slightly the L foot across 1, 2, 3
in rear (ct. 1), step L close to R in third in rear (ct. 2), step
R forward (ct. 3).
8. Waltz Turn Starting with R foot, perform 4 waltz step while turning 1, 2, 3
clockwise
9. Waltz Balance Step R foot forward (ct. 1), close L to R then raise both 1, 2, 3
heels (ct. 2), lower heels (ct. 3). Same goes with
backwards
10. Varsovienne Slide R foot diagonally forward R (ct. 1), step L close to R 1, 2, 3
in third in rear or in first position (ct. 2), step R sideward
(ct. 3). Point L foot in front (cts. 1, 2, 3). Bend the body
toward the pointing foot.
11. Dutch Step Step R sideward (ct1), brush L heel towards R (ct. 2), Hop 1, 2, 3
L (ct. 3)
12. Prysiadka Fold arms infront of chest with full-bended knees. Stretch 1, 2 / 1, 2, 3, 4
R Leg forward (ct. 1), stretch L Leg forward (ct. 2)
13. Waltz turn Perform waltz step while turning around. It is done in 4 1, 2, 3 (4 Measures)
Measures
14. Scottische Step R sideward (ct. 1), Close L to R (ct. 2), Step R 1, 2, 3, 4
sideward (ct. 3), Hop L (ct. 4)
15. Escotis Step R sideward (ct. 1), Close L to R (ct. 2), Step R 1, 2, 3, 4
sideward (ct. 3), Raise L (ct. 4)
16. Chotis Brush R diagonally forward (ct. 1), Raise R (ct. 2), Brush R 1, 2. 3, 4
diagonally forward (ct. 3), Raise R (ct. 4), 3 step-turn
starting with R foot (ct. 1, 2, 3) pause (ct. 4)
17. Paso Espanyol Starting with R foot, perform waltz balance forward 1, 2, 3 (4 Measures)
(ct.1,2,3), with R foot, perform waltz balance backward
(ct1,2,3), step R sideward (Ct.1) Swing R (Ct. 2,3), Step L
sideward (Ct.1) Swing L (ct. 2,3). It is done in 4 measures
18. Parallel Tortillier With feet together, Pivot heels sideward R, turn toes 1, 2
sideward R (ct. 1), Pivot toes sideward R, turn heels
sideward R (ct. 2) then continuously
19. Opposite With feet apart, put toes together (ct. 1), Heels together 1, 2
Tortillier (ct. 2) moving sidewards
20. Grapevine Step R sideward (ct. 1), Step L rear to R (ct. 2), Step R 1, 2, 3
sideward (ct. 3), cross L across R (ct. 1), Step R sideward
(ct. 2), Close L to R (ct. 3)
COMMON DANCE TERMS IN FOREIGN FOLK DANCES
1. Clockwise Circling with the R shoulder facing the center. A
2. Counterclockwise Circling with the L shoulder facing the center.
3. Free Foot The foot without the weight of the body.
4. Free Hand The hand not in used and holding nothing.
5. Curtsy Slightly bend the knee and the body with the head down as a sign of salute. The
weight of the body is only on one foot; the other foot is cross at the rear of the
other foot.
6. Folded Arms Raise the hands up in front of the chest shoulder level with the one arm over the
other.
7. Spin It is done by turning rapidly with the used of small steps.
8. Inside Foot The foot that is nearer to the partner.
9. Inside Hand The hand closer to the partner.
10. Honor partner Bow to partner.
11. Promenade Partners start side by side facing counterclockwise in the circle, R hands placed
above L hands and walk around the set.