Basic Line Dance Step Definitions – This is a brief explanation of various line steps frequently used by choreographers for various dances. The combination of these steps make dances more or less difficult to do.
Line Dancing Steps and Variations – These explanations are a bit more extensive for the basic steps patterns beginners need for line dancing.
Instructional Videos for Steps – steps can be done in any direction
| Step Name | Step Count – based upon foot movements |
| Grapevines – right and left | 4 steps each direction |
| K-Step – make the letter “K” with steps | 8 steps – 2 for each section of the “K” |
| V-Step – make the letter “V” with steps | 4 steps – each step as one part of the “V” |
| Jazz Box – make a box shaped move with steps | 4 steps |
| Zig-Zag – series of step touches forward or backward | 4 or 8 counts – backward or forward |
| Lock steps – one foot blocks (lock) the other | 2 counts but often 2 locks are put together for 4 steps |
| Charleston – a back and forth alternating foot step | 4 counts |
| Rock step – rocking weight onto and off a foot | 2 moves (counts) without moving from location |
| Pivot turn – step and turn motion (soldier) | 2 counts |
| Paddle turn – step and push turn motion (boat oar) | 2 counts |
| Toe Strut – step on toe lightly then drop heel | 2 counts -can be done as “1 and a 2“ |
| Cha-Cha, Triple, or Shuffle steps – slide the foot | “1 and a 2” counts – for each foot slide move |
| Rumba box – use feet to make a full box | 2 counts for each side of the box |
| Lindy – a side to side shuffle with a rock back move | 4 counts – “1 and a 2” – 3 – 4 |
| Weave – modified vine patterns | Counts depend on the modification done |
| Coaster step – alternate feet back, back, forward | “1 and a 2” count |