Line Dancing 101
New to line dancing? Start here with the counts, directions, foot positions, and everyday terms you’ll hear in class. For detailed step instructions, use our Line Dance Step Guide.
Directions on the Dance Floor
Dance floors have four walls. Imagine starting a dance facing 12:00. When the steps tell you to turn ¼ right, you turn your body to face 3:00 and continue dancing in that direction.
Foot Positions
Viewed from above, with toes pointing generally toward the top. These are the five traditional dance foot positions.
1
First position · Feet together
2
Second position · Feet apart
3
Third position · Heel to instep
4
Fourth position · One foot forward and slightly to the side
5
Fifth position · Heel to toe
Good to Know
- Step
- Place a foot on the floor and transfer your weight onto it.
- Touch or tap
- Touch the floor with your free foot without transferring weight.
- Weight change
- Move your body weight from one foot to the other.
- Close or together
- Bring one foot next to the other; the step sheet tells you whether to take weight.
- Hold
- Pause your footwork for the specified count.
- Count
- A beat or part of a beat used to time your movement.
- And count (&)
- A quicker movement between numbered counts, such as 1 & 2.
- Ball of the foot
- The padded area just behind your toes.
- Heel
- The back of your foot.
- Toe
- The front of your foot.
Ready for your next step? Explore our Line Dance Step Guide →