10 Line Dancing Moves Everyone Should Know: A Guide from a New Boots Line Dancing Instructor
Howdy y’all! As a line dancing instructor here at New Boots Line Dancing, I’ve had the pleasure of teachin’ folks from all walks of life the joy of hittin’ the floor and shufflin’ their way through some of the best line dance steps around. Whether you’re new to the game or just lookin' to brush up on your moves, there’s a handful of line dance steps you absolutely gotta know. These classic moves form the backbone of most routines, and once you’ve got ‘em down, you’ll be ready to dance like a pro. So, let’s get to it!
Before we jump into the step overviews, we’ve created some video tutorials for ya to watch below!
LET’S GO GIRLS!
Now that we’ve shown you some videos, lets do an overview of the different steps that you will learn when you begin to line dance…
1. The Basic Step
Well, shoot, every line dance starts with the Basic Step. It’s the foundation of just about every routine, and if you can master this one, you’ll be settin’ yourself up for success. It’s simple, but it’ll help ya get into the groove. Here’s how you do it:
Step forward with your right foot.
Step in place with your left foot.
Step back with your right foot.
Step in place with your left foot.
Once you get comfortable with this, you’ll find it in dances from "Electric Slide" to "Boot Scootin’ Boogie." It’s the heartbeat of line dancing, and you can’t go wrong with it.
2. The Grapevine
Now, if there’s one step that’ll get ya feelin’ fancy, it’s the Grapevine. This one is a favorite in both country and pop dances, and it’s great for smooth, fluid movement. Here’s how you do it:
Step to the right with your right foot.
Cross your left foot behind your right foot.
Step to the right again with your right foot.
Touch your left foot next to your right.
The Grapevine can be done slow or fast, but it always adds a little extra swagger to your dance. We use this move in everything from the "Electric Slide" to the "Cha Cha Slide" here at New Boots, so you’ll definitely want to get it down.
3. The Shuffle
Now, I’m sure you’ve seen this one before—The Shuffle. It’s a high-energy move that’s perfect for songs that get your feet tappin’. It’s a simple step, but it’ll get you movin’ in no time. Here’s how you do the basic forward Shuffle:
Step forward with your right foot.
Slide your left foot next to your right foot (don’t shift your weight yet).
Step forward again with your right foot.
Once you’ve got that down, practice shufflin’ backwards or sideways. You’ll see this move pop up in fast-paced songs like the "Cupid Shuffle" and "Cha Cha Slide." It’s all about keepin' that energy up!
4. The Box Step
Now, don’t let the name fool ya. The Box Step might sound fancy, but it’s a great move that’ll make you look smooth on the dance floor. It’s used in everything from country-western line dances to ballroom routines. Here’s how to do the Box Step:
Step forward with your left foot.
Step to the side with your right foot.
Close your left foot to your right foot.
Step back with your right foot.
Step to the side with your left foot.
Close your right foot to your left foot.
Once you get this down, you’ll be feelin’ elegant and fluid, like you’re glidin’ across the floor. It’s used in everything from "Waltz" to "Two-Step," so you’ll see it again and again.
5. The Chassé
The Chassé is a glidin’ step that’ll get ya movin’ side to side with some extra flair. It’s perfect for songs with a rhythm you just gotta follow. Here’s how you do it:
Step to the right with your right foot.
Bring your left foot toward your right foot.
Step to the right again with your right foot.
Once you’ve got it, do the same thing on the left side. The Chassé adds that fun, bouncy feel to your dancing, and you’ll see it in dances like the "Boot Scootin’ Boogie" and "Electric Slide."
6. The Rock Step
The Rock Step is one of those versatile moves that works in just about every line dance. It’s perfect for transitionin’ from one move to another and helps you switch directions smoothly. Here’s how you do it:
Step back with your right foot.
Shift your weight to your left foot.
Step forward with your right foot.
The Rock Step is used in everything from "Cha Cha Slide" to "Boot Scootin’ Boogie," and it helps give your routine some nice dynamic shifts. Practice it until it feels natural, and you’ll be rockin’ it in no time.
7. The Kick Ball Change
If you wanna add some sizzle to your line dancing, the Kick Ball Change is a move you’ll wanna learn. It’s fast, fun, and adds a little kick (literally!) to your dance. Here’s how you do it:
Kick your right foot forward.
Place your right foot down with a small step (ball).
Shift your weight onto your left foot, then quickly step with your right foot (change).
The Kick Ball Change is quick and energetic, and it shows up in dances like "Cotton Eyed Joe" and "Cha Cha Slide." It’s all about timing and rhythm, so practice it until you’re feelin' it!
8. The Pivot Turn
This one’s for when you wanna make a smooth 180-degree turn without breakin’ the beat. The Pivot Turn is great for transitioning between steps, and it’s easy to master once you get the hang of it. Here’s how to do it:
Step forward with your right foot.
Keep your right foot planted and rotate 180 degrees to the left on the ball of your foot.
Finish the turn by shifting your weight onto your left foot.
You’ll see this one pop up in routines like the "Electric Slide" and other fast-paced dances. It’s a simple move, but it makes a big impact when you use it!
9. The Kick and Point
The Kick and Point is a fun, upbeat move that’s perfect for adding some attitude to your line dancing. Whether you’re just getting started or you’re an old pro, this one’s always a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to do it:
Kick your right foot forward.
Point your right toe to the side.
Touch your right foot back to the floor.
Then, do the same thing on the left side. Kickin’ and pointin’ adds some extra fun to your routine, and it’s great for fast, lively dances.
10. The Step Touch
Last but not least, the Step Touch is the perfect move for when you need to slow things down and catch your breath. It’s easy, smooth, and helps you stay on rhythm while keepin’ things nice and simple. Here’s how you do it:
Step to the side with your right foot.
Touch your left foot beside your right foot.
Repeat on the left side, and you’ve got yourself a nice, easy move that’s great for slower songs or transitions between more complex steps.
GET IN LINE!
Well, there you have it, folks! These 10 line dance moves are the foundation of so many popular routines, and once you’ve got ‘em down, you’ll be ready to hit the floor and dance with the best of ‘em. Whether you’re a seasoned dancer or a first-timer, these steps will help you feel confident and have a blast at your next line dance party. So come on down to New Boots Line Dancing and join us for a class—you won’t regret it, and I promise you’ll leave with a smile on your face and some new moves to show off!