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Two Step—
4 beats/measure, 40 measures/minute
The Two Step grew out of the nineteenth century galop and
polka, social dances characterized by a variety of skipping and hopping
steps, and at first it was a vivacious marching dance with interpolated
skips. The Two Step became popular in the U.S. toward the end of the
1800s and in the early 1900s, pretty well pushing aside for a time the
quadrilles, waltzes, and polkas that had been dominant. The patriotic
music of John Phillip Sousa provided some of the stimulus for its
development. At one point, he said that his Washington Post March
"should make a man with a wooden leg step out."
In its simplest form, the Two Step is an easy, country dance in which
you take two skipping steps with the left foot and then two skipping
steps with the right: quick, quick, slow; quick, quick, slow; You might
say, wait a minute, that's three steps; why is it called a "Two Step?"
I'm not sure. I think you're supposed to ignore the little closing
step. You step forward, close, and step forward; that's two
forward steps. Anyway, take small steps, keeping your feet under your
body. There is no rise and fall, as in Waltz.
Figure Name, Roundalab Phase
Level, & Timing
q=quick, 1 beat
s=slow, 2 beats
&=1/2 beat; a=1/4 beat |
Steps and Actions That Make Up
the Figure
Each description focuses on the man,
with the woman's footwork in parenthesis. If a woman's step is not
given, it is the natural opposite or follow of the man's. Help: basic dance
positions and steps,
actions, directions, and abbreviations. Non-standard punctuation: a
comma separates two beats of music, a semi-colon marks the end of a
measure, and a slash (/) indicates a split beat, two things occurring
in a single beat.
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Here are some sequences to help
you visualize the figure in context.
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| Forward Two Step or Triple
phase I
qqs;
|
In closed position, step forward L (W back R),
close, fwd. In semi-closed or open position, both dance fwd, cl, fwd, -;
May be done in any position, with either foot.
|
In September In the Rain by Hichman, there is a traveling box;;;; 2 fwd two steps;; 2 turning two steps;;
|
| Back Two Step
phase I
qqs;
|
In any position and with either foot, the man dances
back, close, back, -;
In open position, both will dance bk, cl, bk, -;
|
In In the Mood by Parker, there is a fwd two step; rock fwd rec; bk two step; rock bk rec; hitch dbl;; fwd lock twice;
|
| Side Two Step
phase I
qqs;
|
In any position and with either foot, step
side, close, side, -; |
In Rock This Town by Oren, there
is an open vine 4;; side two step; thru side thru; to two turning two
steps;; |
| Together Step Step
phase II
qqs;
|
Step forward toward partner and then take
two steps in place; |
In Red, Red Robin by Rotscheid we dance a box;; back away 3; sd two step 2X;; tog 3 to BFLY; vine 3 tch;
|
| Two
Turning Two Steps
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, step side, close, and
turning right, step side and back to pivot 1/2 right to face center;
side, close, forward between her feet turning to face wall again, -; |
A common pattern is two forward two steps
and then two turning two steps. You can repeat this for as long as you
have the patience. |
| Left Turning Two Step
phase III
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, step side, close, side
pivoting 1/2 LF, -; Repeat: sd, cl, trn, -; |
|
| Quick Two Step
phase II
q&q
|
Usually in semi, step fwd/cl, fwd, May be
done backward. |
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| Forward
phase I
q or s
|
Step toward line of progression and take
weight. |
In I Need To Be In Love by the Lawsons, there is a fwd lock fwd; maneuver side close; pivot 2 to line; fwd run 2; fwd run 2; fwd manuv (2 slows);
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| Check (and Checking)
phase II
q or s
|
A "check" is a step followed by
progression in a different direction, but "checking" is only the action
of stopping our momentum and preparing to go in a different direction.
Check includes a weight change; checking does not. |
In I Need You by the Tanis, we
are in CP wall for a scissors to SCAR; scissors to BJO checking;
fishtail; walk & face; to 2 turning two steps;; |
| Walk
Two
phase I
ss;
|
In any position beginning with either
foot: fwd, -, fwd, -;
The cue can specify any number of steps.
|
In Full Speed Ahead by Speranzo,
part A begins with a progressive scissors to SCAR; walk out 2; prog
scis to BJO; walk & check; fishtail; walk & face; to 2 turning
two steps; |
| Cross Walk Two
phase I
ss;
|
Step forward and slightly across the
weighted leg, toe/heel, and with a bit of a swagger, -, again forward
and across, -;
The cuer may ask for any number of steps.
|
In the Collings' My Song, there
are two forward two-steps in semi;; hitch six;; cross walk four;; slow
basketball turn in four;; |
| Thru
phase I
q or s
|
Step forward between partners with a
reaching action. |
In Blue Suede Shoes Two Step by
the Kirschs, the intro begins with a side touch & hold; hold; side
touch & hold BFLY wall; 2 side closes; side & thru to SCP; to 2
fwd two steps;; |
| Face
phase I
q or s
|
Step and turn to face partner. One weight
change. |
In Movin' Out by the Parsons,
there is a traveling door twice;;;; limp 4; walk 2 to OP LOD; hitch 4;
walk & face to CP wall; to a strolling vine;;;; |
| Side
phase I
q or s
|
Step to the side and take weight. |
In Sweet Petite by the Seurers,
part B begins with 2 fwd two steps;; strut 4;; vine 8;; 4 side
touches;; to 2 turning two steps;; |
| Cross
phase I
q or s
|
With either foot, step forward, in front
of, and slightly beyond the weighted foot. Take weight.
One can also cross behind. The cue can be more specific:
e.g., cross left in front of right.
|
In Am I Blue
by Smith we begin with an apart point; tog tch BFLY; rock sd rec; cross
sd cross; rock sd rec; cross sd cross; trav box w/ twirl;;;; |
| Unwind
phase II
s
|
In a position in which the legs are
crossed and leaving the feet in place, rotate the body to uncross the
legs. For instance, if the left is crossed in front of the right, you
will rotate almost a full turn right face or clockwise.
A little trick is to cross the one foot in front of the
other and place its heel on the floor. Release the heel of the foot
that is now behind. If you unwind, pivoting on the heel of the front
foot and toe of the back foot, your feet will end up reasonably
parallel and side by side, ready for the next step.
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In semi-closed position, do one forward
two step; cross the trail foot in front of the lead and unwind to face;
box;; |
| Hook and Unwind
ss;
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Cross the left foot in front of and close
to the right, -, rotate the body up to 7/8 RF and change weight, -;
One may hook in front or behind and with either foot.
The direction of rotation is that which will uncross the legs. Note
that this is an individual, not a couple, action.
|
In Butterfly II by the
Woodruffs, there is a fwd hitch in banjo position; hitch & scissor
thru both face LOD; vine 4 to BFLY; BFLY pivot 1/2 to face COH; hook
& unwind; sd draw cl; face to face; back to back; |
| Skate
phase II
s&s&;
|
In open position or perhaps facing but
somewhat apart, swivel to the left (woman right) and step forward on
the lead foot, swinging the arms to the left (W right). Swivel to the
right (W left) and step forward on the trail foot, swing the arms to
the right (W left). Mimic the pushing and the arm and body movements of
ice- or roller-skating. |
One way to begin a dance is to start a few
feet apart from one another and then skate together four to semi;; into
two forward two steps;;
In Oren's The Things You Do, part C begins in
facing position with a skate left & right; left side two-step;
skate right & left; right side two-step; back apart 3 & clap;
together 3 to butterfly; susie Q;;
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| Hop
phase II
& or q
|
Rise slightly from the floor and return to
the same supporting foot or feet.
Usually, only one foot is weighted, and a good technique
is to use the free foot to cause the hop. Simply raise the free knee
sharply, and that action will create a gentle hop on the other foot.
|
In Oh Babe, What Would You Say?
by Gomez, there is two forward two steps;; step hop twice; forward lock
twice; slow walk 4 checking;; slow fishtail;; |
| Skip
phase II
q or s
|
Progress with a small step/hop on one foot
and then the other. |
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| Run Four
phase I
qqqq;
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In any position beginning with either foot
fwd, fwd, fwd, fwd;
Any number of run steps can be cued.
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Or, you could begin in open facing and
skate two away from each other; and then run four back together; into a
basketball turn; and two turning two-steps;; |
| Step Swivel
phase II
s&
|
A solo action: step forward on the ball of
the foot, and then turn or pivot a little on that point of contact. |
|
| Back
Step
phase I
q or s
|
Step backwards and take weight.
You can do this in almost any position (maybe not in a
tight back-to-back position) and with either foot.
|
In Fooloose
by the Rumbles, there is a side touch twice; sd two step & tch; sd
tch twice; sd two step & tch; back away 4 with claps;; together 4
with claps;;
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| Behind
phase I
q or s
|
Cross the free foot in back of the
supporting foot and take weight.
You can do this in almost any position and with either
foot.
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| Dip
phase II
s or q
|
Step back or to the side with a little
twist to the left, relax knee, and leave the free leg extended and toe
pointed. |
Dip back slowly with a little twist to the
left, -, recover to closed, -; box;;
In Josephine by the Harrises, we dance 2
turning two steps;; twirl 2; walk face; dip twist; recover touch; apart
point;
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| Recover
phase I
s or q
|
Shift weight back to the free foot.
Normally, that free foot has not moved during the previous step. |
In Shiek of Araby by Roberts we start with a solo roll 4 to SCP;; rock fwd recover; rock back recover to SCP; 2 fwd two steps;;
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| Chug
phase I
q or s
|
Usually in a facing position, bend the
knees and straighten them quickly so that the feet slide a short
distance backwards. |
The very last cues in a dance might be two
forward two steps to face;; and chug apart; |
| Lunge
phase II
s
|
Step forward or to the side, flexing that
knee and checking your movement. |
|
| Close
phase I
q or s
|
Bring the free foot next to and parallel
to the supporting foot and take weight. |
|
| Stomp
phase I
q or s
|
Step in place with a definite sound. |
In Way Down Yonder by the
Nortons, there is a circle chase to face;;;; stomp & freeze;
scissors thru to open; hitch 4; |
| Strut
phase I
s
|
Step forward with upper-body sway.
Also called Stroll or Swagger.
|
In Goody Goody I by Watanabe,
part A begins with 2 forward two steps;; strut 4;; rock fwd rec; bk two
step; rock bk rec; fwd two step; |
| Rock Steps
phase II
timing varies: e.g., qqs; or qqqq;
|
In any position, step in the direction
indicated, recover, and repeat so that you take the number of steps
indicated. For instance, a forward rock three would be: fwd, rec, fwd,
-; A side rock four would be: sd, rec, sd, rec; |
In Unbelievable by Oren, there
is a traveling box to SCP LOD;;;; cut back twice; rock back, recover;
to 2 fwd two steps;; |
| Charleston
phase II
ss; ss;
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In open position, step forward, -, point
forward, -; step back, -, point back, -;
May be done in closed or butterfly, in which case the
woman's first step would be back.
This round dance description is greatly simplified from
what was done back in the 1920s. As you do your steps and points, you
can add swivels on the balls of the feet: heels out and in, out and in;
and a bounce in the knees: down and up, down and up. But this might
make it our first phase IV two step figure :-) Video from Sharon Davis
Kevin & Karen are good, too.
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In Bamboo Two Step by Watanabe,
there is a half box; scissors thru; half box; scissors thru to half
open position LOD; charleston;; 2 fwd two steps;; |
| Away
Step Step
qqs;
|
Step diagonally away from partner, step in
place, step in place, -; |
Do an away step step; together step step;
basketball turn;; |
| Balance Away and Together
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
From
closed or an open facing position, turn away from partner, man left
face and woman right face, stepping side and forward L (W sd & fwd
R). Close to a slight back to back position, and step L in place (W
step R). In the second
measure, turn back to face: back trng, close, close -;
Either measure may be danced separately. If begun with the trail feet, the initial turn would be RF (W LF).
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| Balance Together and Away
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In a facing position, step forward L (W
fwd R), close, step in place, -; step back (W bk), close, step in
place, -; |
|
| Change Sides
phase II
qqs;
|
In
butterfly, trail feet free, he dances fwd R, close L, fwd R, -;
describing a RF arc in front of the woman (W fwd L, cl R, fwd L, -;
trng LF), passing right shoulders, moving from the inside of the circle
to the outside (W toward COH) and ending in a position that will be
cued. It is something like a square-dance
california twirl.
From
other positions, you might "change sides" in other
ways. In semi-closed position, you could step fwd L (woman
fwd R), close, fwd, -; the man turning to the right and passing behind
the woman and the woman turning to the left and passing in front of the
man under his lead hand. The man moves from the inside of the circle to
the outside. This move is also called a lace across.
Change sides can be an ambiguous term, and sometimes you just have to move to the other side of your partner in one measure as
gracefully as you can.
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For instance, you might vine 3 and touch; wrap; unwrap; and
change sides to face;
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| Lady
Under
phase I
qqs;
|
Both stepping fwd, cl, fwd, -; the lady
moves under the man and woman's joined hands. The cuer will tell you
which way to go and what position to end in. |
For instance, you might do two forward two
steps;; lady under and around to face;; In this case, she would step
fwd R, close L, fwd R, -; in a clockwise circle under lead hands and
then continue the circle fwd L, close R, fwd L, -; until she is facing
partner. |
| Lace (Lace Across)
phase II
qqs;
|
With lead hands joined, step fwd, cl, fwd,
-; the man turning to the right and passing on a diagonal path behind
the woman and the woman turning to the left and passing in front of the
man, under his lead arm. The man moves from the inside of the circle to
the outside. Note that this is one type of "lady under."
Also called Lace Across. When the man moves from the
outside of the circle under trail hands back to the inside, it is
called Lace Back.
|
In the Cunningham's Paint the Town and
Hang the Moon, part A, is choreographed: two forward two steps;;
lace across and two step to butterfly facing center of hall;; box;;
lace back and two step to face wall;; box to open position facing
line;; strut four;;
In Footloose by the Rumbles, there are 2 sd
closes; sd thru to semi; lace across; fwd two step; strut fwd 4;; lace
back; fwd two step; strut fwd 4 to butterfly;; broken box;;;;
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| Lace Up
qqs; qqs; qqs; qqs;
|
This is a combination figure that consists
of a lace across; a forward two step with trail feet and man on the
outside of the circle; lace back with trail hands joined; and a forward
two step with trail feet and man on the inside of the circle; |
In the Hiltons' Just A Little Talk
With Jesus, there is a face to face; back to back; basketball turn
to butterfly;; lace up to semi-closed;;;; to two forward two-steps;; |
| Man
Under
phase I
qqs;
|
Both stepping fwd, cl, fwd, -; the man
moves under the man and woman's joined hands. The cuer will tell you
which way to go and what position to end in. |
|
| Breakaway
phase II
qqs;
|
In a facing position, step to the side,
turning away from partner. Beginning with the lead foot, the turn would
be right face for the man and LF for the woman to left open position.
Beginning with the trail foot, the turn would be LF for the man and RF
for the woman to open position. On the second quick, step back, then
recover to face. |
Follow with a breakaway in the other
direction; |
| Balance
Forward or Back or Side
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, step forward (W bk),
close, step in place, -; back, close, step, -; Or reverse measures:
back (W fwd), close, step in place, -; forward, close, step, -; Or step
to the side, close, step in place, -;
The term "balance" has also been used for a one step figure: step in the
direction indicated, and then touch the free foot to the weighted foot,
If the cuer says "balance forward" normally you will take
three steps: fwd, cl, step, -; If the cuer wants a one-step balance,
the cue will normally be, e.g., "fwd, tch."
|
In Mae by the Hagers, there is a
box;; balance left and right;; 2 hip rocks; left two step; 2 hip rocks;
right two step; box;; |
Balance Forward and Back
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In CP step fwd (W back), close, step in place - ; back (W fwd), close, step in place - ;
May begin with either foot and in any facing direction. May be done in
other dance positions. In OP, the lady's steps will be the same as the
man's. Either half may be danced by itself.
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|
Balance Left and Right
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In CP step sd L (W sd R), close R, SIP L - ; side R (W sd L), close, SIP R - ;
Usually begins with lead feet free but may be danced with either foot
and cued appropriately. May be danced in other positions, in any facing
direction, and either half may be danced alone.
|
|
| Scissors
phase II
qqs;
|
From
a variety of positions we step side, close, and then take a crossing
step, -; The crossing step can be in front or behind, and the ending
position can vary. All these specifics will be cued. However, a common
pattern is a scissors that begins with the lead feet, has RF rotation,
and ends in sidecar; or begins with the trail feet, has LF rotation,
and ends in banjo. There is no progression.
|
In the Smiths' Houston, part A
begins with two forward two-steps;; box;; scissors to sidecar; scissors
to banjo; forward lock forward twice;; hitch 3; hitch scissors to semi;
and two turning two steps;; |
| Scissors Thru (Thru Scissors)
phase II
qqs;
|
In closed position, step sd with the lead foot turning RF (W LF), close, XIF, -;
Note that both cross in front. |
The Fialkos' Baby O' Mine contains
a scissors thru to left open reverse; walk two; scissors thru to open
position line; walk two; vine apart 3 and touch; vine together 3 and
touch; side close twice; walk and face; repeat;;;;;;;; |
| Progressive Scissors
phase II
qqs;
|
In closed position facing line of dance,
step side turning a little right-face, close, and cross in front (woman
in back) ending in sidecar position, -;
Note that the figure progresses. You may start with the trail foot, in
which case the body rotation is LF and the ending position is usually
banjo. This figure can begin in other positions and facing directions. |
In Scherrers' You Never Can Tell,
part A begins with two forward two-steps;; point fwd & bk twice;;
progressive scissors;; fishtail; walk & face;
In the Wolcotts' Games That Lovers Play, there is a forward
hitch in closed position line; back hitch; fwd, -, maneuver, -; pivot
2; progressive scissors;; to a fwd, lk, fwd, lk;
Notice that each of these examples uses a two-measure progressive
scissors. |
| Traveling Scissors
qqs; ss; qqs; ss;
|
In brief, this is a scissors to sidecar;
walk out two; scissors to banjo; walk in two;
In closed position facing line of dance, step side L (W
sd R) turning a little right face, close, cross in front (woman in
back) to sidecar position, -; step fwd R (W bk L) moving DLW, -, fwd L,
-; step sd R (W sd L) turning 1/4 LF, close, XRIF of L (W XLIB), -;
step fwd L (W bk R) moving DLC, -, fwd R, -;
|
In Goody Goody by the Rumbles,
there are 2 fwd two steps beginning with the trail feet;; rock fwd
recover; back hitch 3; traveling scissors;;;; 2 turning two steps;;
In What A Merry Christmas This Could Be by the
Hichmans, there is two fwd two steps;; traveling scissors checking;;;;
fishtail; walk face; slow open vine 4;;
|
| Hitch
Forward and Back (aka Hitch Six)
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, fwd, cl, bk, -; bk,
cl, fwd, -; (woman mirrors man) May be done in any other position; in
open, the woman's first step would be fwd, too.
Either half may be danced alone.
|
In the Gloodts' A Naughty Lady,
part A has a hitch 6;; scoot 4; walk & pickup; to two progressive
scissors;; fishtail; walk & face;
In Meat & Potato Man by the Bahrs, there
is a face to face; back to back; hitch back; scissors thru;
|
Hitch Apart
phase II
qqs;
|
In a facing position, step bk L (W bk R),
close R, fwd L, -; |
In Paint the Town & Hang the Moon
by the Cunninghams, there is a box;; hitch apart; scissors thru; 2 fwd
two steps;; |
| Hitch Four
phase II
qqqq;
|
In banjo position, step fwd L (W bk R), cl
R, bk L, cl R;
Often done in other positions. If done in open position,
woman would take her first step forward.
|
In Puttin' On the Ritz by the
Silvas, part B begins with side, close to sidecar, fwd two step; side,
close to banjo, fwd two step; fwd/lk fwd twice; quick hitch 4 walk 2;
Note that the hitch 4 is done here, fwd/cl, bk/cl, —
"quick time."
|
| Hitch Scissors
phase II
qqs;
|
Starting in semi, the man does a hitch:
fwd, cl, bk, -; while the woman does a scissors: fwd trn 1/4 LF, cl,
xif, -; ending in banjo. |
In the Scotts' A Little Bit of Two Step,
part A goes like this: broken box;;;; two side closes; sd thru to semi;
hitch 6;; lace up;;;; two turning two-steps;; vine 4; walk pick up; two
two-steps;; progressive scissors;; fwd lock fwd twice;; hitch; hitch
scissors to butterfly; and hitch scissors to semi; |
| Scissors Hitch
phase II
qqs;
|
Starting in semi, the man does a scissors:
forward L turning 1/4 RF, close R, cross L in front of R, -; while the
woman does a hitch: forward R, close L, back R, -; ending in sidecar |
|
| Roll
phase II
timing varies, eg qqs; or qqqq;
|
Progress in a designated direction,
turning individually or solo, using a designated number of steps. For
instance, a roll three down line might involve a forward L turning LF,
back R continuing the turn, and forward L facing line again, -;
Starting with the trail foot, you would roll in, man RF and woman LF. A
roll four would be a full turn in four steps. A roll six would probably
be a 1/2 turn qqs to face reverse; and then the other 1/2 turn qqs back
to line; |
In the Eddins' Fireman Two Step,
there is a hitch 6 in open position;; step, -, swing, -; face, -, close
to butterfly, -; knee swivel 4; side, -, close, -; slow solo roll 4 to
face;; half box fwd; scissors thru; to a slow rock the boat;; |
| Circle Four With Snaps
ss; ss;
|
In any position step away from partner
with the lead foot and continue walking forward in a complete circle in
four steps, man to center trng lf and woman toward wall trng rf. (step
on beat 1, snap fingers on 2, and so on) |
If to semi, walk two and a strolling vine;
if to closed, traveling door and two truning two-steps |
| Circle
Away and Together
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In any position, turn away from partner,
man LF and woman RF, and step fwd with the lead feet, cl, fwd, -;
turning 1/2. Return to partner: fwd, cl, fwd, -; completing a full
circle.
We often separate the two halves of the circle, maybe
circling away and then strutting back together or visa versa.
Variations in timing and distance are common. We might
circle away two and a two-step (ss; qqs;) or circle 4 (ss; ss;) or ircle away two two-steps.
|
The Wilders' Little White Moon has
two forward two-steps;; hitch six;; circle away and together;; hitch
apart; and scissors thru to open; |
| Circle Away Two and a Two-Step Together
Two and a Two-Step
ss; qqs; ss; qqs;
|
In semi-closed position, turn away from
each other and step fwd L (woman fwd R), -, fwd, -; fwd, cl, fwd, -;
lunge on trail feet turn LF (woman RF), -, fwd toward partner, -; fwd,
cl, fwd to closed position, -; |
|
| Circle Away Two Triples Strut Together
Four
qqs; qqs; ss; ss;
|
In semi, turn away from each other fwd,
cl, fwd, -; fwd, cl, fwd, -; lunge on trail feet turning LF (woman RF),
-, fwd back toward partner body erect shoulders back, -; fwd, -, fwd to
closed position, -; |
In the Woolcocks' All My Ex's Live In
Texas, part A begins with two forward two steps;; circle away two
two steps;; strut together 4;; twirl two; walk & pick up; |
| Circle Chase
phase II
qqs; qqs; qqs; qqs;
|
Release partner, man turns left face and
steps away: fwd L, cl, fwd, -; woman follows RLR to tandem M in front of W. Continue your
individual forward two-steps in a counter-clockwise circle to left open
position both facing reverse, no hands joined. During measure three,
continue turning LF to tandem wall, M chasing W. End in
designated position.
May be done with either foot and with opposite or same
footwork. A Right Face Circle Chase curves RF.
|
In the Wolffs' Holly Jolly Xmas,
part C begins with two forward two-steps;; double hitch;; circle chase
to butterfly;;;; to two forward two-steps;; and a progressive box;;
In Kiss Me Quick by Tennant we dance a traveling box w/ 1 twirl;;;; lace up end in OP LOD;;;; circle chase end OP LOD;;;; hitch double;;
|
| Merengue
ss;
|
In closed position or butterfly, step side
with inside edge of foot then flat causing little hip roll. Then close
and roll hip back. |
Jave Two Step, by the Bonds,
begins in LOP both facing LOD with 2 merengues across to OP;;
charleston;; to a back scoot 8;; |
| Rock the Boat
ss;
|
In semi, step forward on lead with knee
straight and body bent forward, -, relax knee, close trail foot and
straighten body, -; |
In American Bandstand by the
Easterdays, there is a circle box;; slow rock the boat twice;; to two
turning two steps;;
In A Little Bit of Two Step by the Scotts, we
circle away 2 two steps;; strut together 4 to semi;; rock the boat 1
slow and 2 quick;; face to face; back to back;
|
| Side Close to Sidecar
ss;
|
In closed position, line of dance, step
side with the lead foot turning RF, -, close in sidecar, -; |
|
| Sand
Step
phase II
qqs;
|
In butterfly position, touch the toe of
the left foot to the floor at the R instep and swivel RF (W R toe
swiveling LF), touch the L heel to the floor at the R instep and swivel
LF, and cross the left in front of right taking weight, -; |
Often you will repeat the figure with the
trail foot. |
| Progressive Sand Step
qqs;
|
In open position facing LOD, touch the toe
of the left foot to the floor and swivel RF (W R toe swiveling LF),
touch the L heel (W R heel) to the floor and swivel LF, and cross the
left in front of right taking weight and progressing a little down LOD,
-; |
In Choo Choo II by Powell &
Brosie, there is a traveling box blending to open position facing
LOD;;;; 4 progressive sand steps;;;; vine apart clap; vine together to
face partner; to a slow roll 4 to open position facing LOD;; |
| Pivot
Right Face or Pivot Two
phase III
ss;
|
Usually in closed position, step back on
the lead foot. The woman steps forward between the man's feet. Turn in
place 1/2. Then step forward between her feet turning 1/2 again. |
In the Brownyards' Moon Over Naples,
there is a two step in closed position; maneuver; pivot two to face
wall; lunge down line and recover; |
| Spot Spin
phase II
qqs;
|
A solo full turn in place in three steps.
Turn in the direction of the free foot: swivel/step, swivel/step,
swivel/step, -; |
|
| Maneuver
phase II
s
|
In closed, banjo, or semi, the man steps
forward with his right foot and turns 1/2 RF to face reverse in closed
position. |
The classic dance, Butterfly,
begins with a walk, -, maneuver, -; pivot two to face wall; to a twisty
vine; |
| Pickup
phase II
s
|
In one step, the man leads the woman from
semi-closed position to closed position facing line. The man takes a
small step forward with his right, and the woman steps forward and
turns left face 1/2. |
In semi, lead feet free, try a walk, -,
pickup, -; side, touch, side, touch; run four; walk, -, face wall in
closed position, -; rock fwd, -, recover, -; rock side, -, recover to
open position, -; strut four;; |
| Circle Pickup
phase II
qqs;
|
From open position, lead feet free, man
steps forward, close, back, -; and leads woman to step fwd, fwd, fwd,
-; in a left face half circle to pickup position. |
|
| Fishtail
phase III
qqqq;
|
In banjo position facing line and center,
lead feet free, swivel a bit LF with R shoulder lead and cross left in
back of right (woman XR in front) such that you progress a little
toward line and wall. Begin to turn RF and step side and forward, again
toward line and wall. Step forward L (woman back R) turning, and lock
behind (woman in front) progressing a little toward line and center.
The body movement might suggest the side-to-side and the progressive
movement of a fish's tail as it swims or of a car as it skids on an icy
road.
There has long been discussion about how this figure
should progress on each of its four steps, but we are often sloppy
about that. If there was such a thing as a phase II fishtail, it might
begin with a simple check forward R (woman back L) and then cross
behind, side, forward, lock, such that only the third step progresses.
But if you use the diagonals and good upper-body rotation, you can get
progression on all steps and a nice "fishtail" swing to the lower body.
|
Start in closed position, line of dance.
Walk two to banjo; fishtail; walk, -, pick up, -; hitch four; |
| Whaletail
phase III
qqqq; qqqq;
|
In banjo, an extended fishtail: XIB
progressing, sd, fwd, lk; fwd and sd, cl, XIB, sd; |
In the Heinys' Let's Rock and Roll,
there are two forward two-steps;; progressive scissors checking;;
whaletail;; two forward locks (lady turns); walk pickup; |
| Lock
phase II
q or s
|
Cross
free foot in back of the supporting foot and take weight, if
progressing forward, and use opposite shoulder lead to make the action
easier and smoother; or cross in front of the supporting
foot and take weight, if progressing backward. Performed as the second
step in a measure, e.g., fwd lk fwd or bk lk bk. During a fwd lk fwd
with the lead foot, the man would use L-shoulder lead (L shoulder moved
forward). During a bk lk bk with the trail foot, the man would use
R-shoulder lead (R shoulder pulled back).
|
In Patricia, by Walkinshaw &
Goss, there is a fwd, lock, fwd, lock; run 3 down line twice;; run 3
and swing; bk 2 and a quick two-step; dip, -, recover, -; |
| Cut
phase II
q or s
|
Cross
free foot in front of supporting
foot and take weight a bit behind that foot so that the newly free foot
has to move back. We do not cut in back. Performed as the first step in
a measure, e.g., cut bk dip & recover. The step is rather sharp,
not gentle like a lock (see above). Notice that the step is simply "cut," not "cutback."
Usually we cut with the lead foot and then step back with the trail
foot for a "cut back," but that is two distinct steps.
|
In Boot Scoot Boogie by Gomez,
there is 2 fwd two steps;; cut back twice; rk bk recover to face; 2
turning two steps;; |
| Cut Back
phase II
qq
|
Cross free foot in front of supporting
foot and take weight a bit behind that foot, step back, |
In Goody Goody III by Watanabe,
part B begins with 2 fwd two steps;; cut back cut back; dip back
recover; scoot; walk pickup; |
| Forward Lock
phase II
qqs;
|
Step forward, cross the free foot behind
the supporting foot and take weight, |
|
| Forward Lock Forward
phase II
qqs;
|
Step forward, cross the free foot behind
the supporting foot and take weight, step forward again, -; |
In Ants On A Log by Lewis, there
is a face to face; back to back; basketball turn to open position LOD;;
forward lock forward; again; to a hitch 3; |
| Back
Lock
phase II
qq
|
Step back, cross free foot in front of
weighted foot and take weight, |
Often repeated to fill a measure. |
| Back Lock Back
phase II
qqs;
|
Step back, cross free foot in front of
weighted foot and take weight, step back again, -; |
|
| Box
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position lead feet free, step sd L (W sd R), cl, fwd, -;
sd, cl, bk, -;
May be done in any position. If you are in open position, both the lady and the man will step sd, cl, fwd, -; sd, cl, bk, -;
|
In the Maisch's Not Enough Indians,
part A starts with two forward two-steps to facing position;; a slow
open vine 4 to closed position wall;; box;; limp 4 to semi; walk &
pick up;
In Paper Moon II by the Rumbles, there is a
progressive scissors to sidecar; half box back; half box fwd; prog
scissors to banjo;
|
| Reverse Box
phase I
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position step sd, cl, bk, -; sd,
cl, fwd, -;
As in a box, may be done in any position. If you are in open position, both the lady and the man will step sd, cl, bk, -; sd, cl, fwd, -; |
In Cooper's New York, New York,
there is a box;; and then reverse the box;; vine four; walk two; vine
four; walk, -, pick up, -; |
| Progressive Box
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position step sd, cl, fwd, -;
sd, cl, fwd, -; |
In the Kerns' Maple Leaf Rag,
there is a progressive box that is interrupted by a scissors: In part
A, we do a half box toward the wall; scissors thru; another half box
forward; scissors thru; side, draw, close twice;; limp four; walk two
to semi; and two forward two-steps;; |
| Open
Box
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
Begin in open or in left open position.
Both step sd, cl, fwd, -; sd, cl, bk, -; |
|
| Open Reverse Box
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
Begin in open or in left open position.
Both step sd, cl, bk, -; sd, cl, fwd, -; |
|
| Broken Box
phase II
qqs; ss; qqs; ss;
|
In closed sd, cl, fwd, -; rock fwd, -,
rec, --; sd, cl, bk, -; rock bk, -, rec, -; |
In Juke Box Baby by the Gloodts,
the dance begins with a broken box;;;; hitch 4; side draw close; and
then goes into a little quickstep section with a quarter turn &
progressive chasse;;;; to a forward lock forward; maneuver side close;
pivot 3; dip & recover; |
| Traveling Box
phase II
qqs; ss; qqs; ss;
|
in closed sd, cl, fwd,_; walk two to
reverse in reverse semi; turn to face sd, cl, bk,_; walk two to line in
semi; |
In the Baldwins' Swingin' Gently,
there is a basketball turn;; traveling box;;;; fwd lk fwd twice;; hitch
fwd; walk bk 2; hitch bk; walk fwd 2; hitch 4; |
| Circle Box
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
The man does a box: sd, cl, fwd, -; sd,
cl, bk, -; and leads the woman to circle under his lead hand a full RF
turn: fwd, fwd, fwd, -; fwd, fwd, fwd, -; |
In Goody Goody II by Watanabe,
part A begins with 2 fwd two steps;; circle box to open LOD;;
charleston;; scoot;
In Just Wanna Dance - 3 by
Tennant we're facing partner and wall and dance cucaracha 2X to BFLY;;
circle box half; lariat 9 to CP Wall;;; half box fwd; scissors thru SCP;
|
| Left
Turning Box
phase II
qqs; qqs; qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, step side, close,
forward turning 1/4 LF, -; side, close, back turning 1/4 LF, -; side,
close, forward turning 1/4 LF, -; side, close, back turning 1/4 LF, -;
If you start facing line, you will do half a box to face center, then
to face reverse, then wall, then line again. |
In Buckmaster's Renegades Rebels and
Rogues, part B has a travelling door twice to closed position
wall;;;; left turning box;;;; side draw close; slow hover in 4;; two
forward two-steps;; |
| Right Turning Box
phase II
qqs; qqs; qqs; qqs;
|
In closed position, step side L (W sd R), close R, back L turning 1/4 RF, -; side, close, forward turning 1/4 RF, -; side,
close, back turning 1/4 RF, -; side, close, forward turning 1/4 RF, -;
If you start CP LOD, you will do half a box to face wall, then to
face reverse, then center, then line again. |
In 7 Lonely Days
by Woodruff we dance a box;; left turning box;;;; sd cl 2X; sd draw cl;
reverse box;; right turning box;;;; face to face; back to back;
|
| Solo Left Turning Box
phase II
qqs; qqs; qqs; qqs;
|
In a facing position, the man steps side
L, close R, forward L turning 1/4 LF, -; and the woman steps side R,
close L, back R turning 1/4 LF, -; Partners are right shoulder to right
shoulder, man facing line and woman reverse. In the second measure, he
steps sd, cl, bk turning 1/4 LF, and she steps sd, cl, fwd turning 1/4
LF, putting partners back to back, man facing center and woman facing
wall. In the third measure, the man steps side L, close R, forward L
turning 1/4 LF, -; and the woman steps side R, close L, back R turning
1/4 LF, -; Partners are left shoulder to left shoulder, man facing
reverse and woman line. Finally, he steps sd, cl, bk turning 1/4 LF,
and she steps sd, cl, fwd turning 1/4 LF, putting partners facing each
other again. |
|
| Slow
Hover
ss; ss;
|
In closed position facing wall, step fwd L
(woman bk R), -, rock side, -; recover, -, step thru with trail feet to
semi-closed position; |
In the Eddins' Good Ol' Girls,
part A begins with a slow hover to semi line;; two fwd two-step;; to a
slow open vine;; two turning two-step;; |
| Face
To Face
phase II
qqs;
|
In butterfly position perhaps facing wall,
step side on the lead foot (man's left and woman's right), close the
trail foot to the lead still facing partner, and then step side again
and turn away (man turns left and woman right), -;
According to the book, we're supposed to turn 1/2 so
that we are truly in a back-to-back position, man facing center and
woman facing wall. In practice, most dancers probably don't turn that
far, but do try to turn farther than simply to face line.
|
In Speranzo's Cadillac Tears, part
B has a face to face; back to back; basketball turn to semi line;; two
fwd two steps;; and hitch four twice;; |
| Back To Back
phase II
qqs;
|
In a back-to-back position, usually with
the man facing COH and the woman facing wall, step side R (W sd L)
moving down line of dance. Close the lead to the trail foot, still
facing away from partner, and then dance side again, turning to face
partner (M turns right and W turns left). You end in butterfly position
with lead feet free. |
In Street Fair by the Merolas,
the ending begins with two fwd two steps;; two turning two steps;; and
then quick face to face and back to back 4 times;;;; (whew!)
and finally a side, behind (W twirl RF), apart, point; |
| Wheel
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
In banjo position, turn right face, full
turn, about a point between partners. Both step: fwd, cl, fwd, -; fwd,
cl, fwd, -; |
In Bliss' Roses For Elizabeth,
part A begins with two fwd two-steps;; vine 4 to line; scissors to
sidecar facing DRW; twisty vine to reverse; scissors to banjo DLW;
wheel to SCAR LOD;; |
Big Wheel
qqs; ss; qqs; ss
|
Where the wheel is
relatively compact, the big wheel is wide and broad. You might insert a
bit of a strut or other attitude appropriate to the music.
In a right-hand star position and beginning a full RF circle, step fwd
L, fwd R, fwd L, -; fwd R, -, fwd L, -; fwd R, fwd L, fwd R, -; fwd L,
-, fwd R, -;
|
In Sweet Home Alabama
by Eum & Hadley, we circle away 2 two steps;; strut together 4 to a
right hand star;; big wheel;;;; face to face; back to back to open;
rock fwd rec; rock back rec;
|
| Vine or Vine
Four
phase II
qqqq;
|
In a facing position: sd, both XIB, sd,
both XIF; |
Vine again for a vine 8;; turn and walk
away four;; turn and run back together four;
The Cantrells' This 2 Can't Be Love begins with
a side touch L & R; vine 4; walk & pickup; to two forward
two-steps;;
|
| Vine Apart and Together
phase II
qqs; qqs;
|
In open position, lead feet free, release
trail hands and step: sd away from partner, XIB, sd, -; sd toward
partner, XIB, xd, -; No progression. |
In the Kincaids' Rhythm 'N Blues,
part A begins with two forward two-steps;; hitch 6;; vine apart 3 and
touch; vine together 3 and touch; and circle strut with snaps;; |
| Vine Eight
phase II
qqqq; qqqq;
|
In a facing position, step side, both XIB,
sd, both XIF; step side, both XIB, sd, both XIF; |
In Rag Mop by the Prows, there
is a basketball turn;; vine 8;; to a strolling vine. |
| Vine Three
phase II
qqs;
|
In a facing position: sd, both XIB, sd, -; |
You can continue the movement with a XIF,
sd, XIB, -; (which would be a front vine three)
Or in open position, lead feet free, vine apart 3; vine
back together and face; sd close sd close; sd, -, thru, - to butterfly;
|
| Open Vine
phase II
ss; ss;
|
in bfly wall sd,_, xib turning to l open
rev,_; sd to line turning to face,_, xif turning to open position
line,_; |
In the Highburgers' Hot Lips, the
dance starts in semi with two forward two-steps;; open vine four to
semi;; repeat to butterfly;;;;
In Turn Out the Light by Knight, the dance
ends with a slide the door twice to butterfly;;;; open vine 8;;;; apt
pt;
|
| Twisty
Vine
phase II
qqqq; or
ss; ss;
|
In butterfly position man facing wall,
step sd L (W sd R) turning RF, XIB (W XIF), sd turning LF, XIF (W XIB); |
In the Rayes' Pop Goes the Movies,
there are two fwd two-steps;; slow twist vine four to banjo;;
whaletale; fwd, lk, fwd, lk;
In This 2 Can't Be Love by the Cantrells, the
end begins with 2 turning two steps;; twist vine 8;; pivot 2 twirl 2;
step and point thru;
|
| Strolling Vine
phase III
ss; qqs; ss; qqs;
|
In closed position facing line of dance,
step side L (W sd R) turning RF to sidecar diag wall, -, XRIB (woman
XLIF) turning LF back to line, -; sd L turning LF, cl, sd to diag cntr,
-; sd, -, XIB, -; sd, cl, sd turning back to diag wall, -;
This is one of the first phase III figures that we learn
in this rhythm, and it is a challenge, being relatively complex and
composed of parts. Notice that the first measure is simply a
twisty vine 2 (phase II; see above). The second measure is a turning
two step (again, phase II, although you need to turn it left in the
first half of the figure). If a left-turning two step causes you
trouble, you might steak up on the turn by practicing in a straight
line. Face the wall in closed position. Do your twisty vine 2 toward
LOD, and then do a simple side two step also toward LOD. Practice that
timing—ss; qqs;—with not turn. Do it with the trail feet toward RLOD.
When the steps and the timing are comfortable, then start introducing a
turn and then a sharper turn on the last step of that measure.
Another way to work up to this figure, is to relate it
to other figures that you know. We have already said that the first
measure is a twisty vine 2. Thinking of measures 1 and 2, you might
imagine that the man is sort-of dancing a vine 2; face to face. If you
can both stay in closed position during that (man's) face to face
(phase II), then you'll have something very like a strolling vine 1/2.
Another way to play with measure 2 is to make it a left-turning box 1/4
(phase III). If you have gotten comfortable with the 4-measure left
turning box, then doing the first measure only, after your twisty vine
2, can help you get comfortable with a strolling vine.
|
In Howland's Remember When, part B
begins with a strolling vine;;;; hitch 4; walk and face; slow
basketball turn;;
In Rag Mop by the Prows, there is a vine 8;;
strolling vine 1/2;; lunge side and recover to banjo reverse; strolling
vine 1/2;; lunge side and recover to banjo;; fwd two step; twirl vine
2; walk 2; vine 8;;
|
| Scoot
phase II
qqqq;
|
In semi, step fwd, cl, fwd, cl; |
In Sanders' Makin' Eyes, part B
begins in semi with two fwd two-steps;; hitch 6;; scoot 4; walk &
pickup; box;; |
| Limp
phase II
qqqq;
|
In semi, step side, XIB, sd, XIB; (same as
scoot except trail foot crosses behind instead of closing). In a Front
Limp, the trail foot crosses in front. |
In the Matthews' More Than You'll Ever
Know, part B begins with a face to face & back to back to open
position;; basketball turn to butterfly;; limp; walk two; and two
turning two-steps to face line;; |
| Basketball
Turn
phase II
ss; ss;
|
Usually begins in open position with lead
feet free. We lunge fwd on lead foot turning to face partner pat lead
hands, -, recover on trail foot turning to reverse, -; lunge to reverse
turning out, -, recover to open line, -; (does not travel; trail foot
stays in one spot). May begin in a facing position.
May be danced with trail feet free in which case, the
first turn would be away from partner.
|
In the Baldwins' Ain't Got Nothin,
part a begins with two forward two-steps;; vine apart & together;;
hitch 6;; basketball turn;; to a left turning box;;;;
In Boot Scoot Boogie by Gomez, there is a face
to face; back to back; quick basketball turn (qqqq); quick hitch 4 ti
face; 2 turning two steps;;
|
| Door
phase II
qqs;
|
In butterfly, wall, rock side, recover,
cross left in front of right, -; |
In the Clarks' Istanbul (Not
Constantinople), there is a box;; sd two-step sleft & right;;
door twice;; and circle snap 4 to butterfly;; |
| Sliding Door
phase II
ss; qqs;
|
In open position, rock apart on the lead
foot, recover on the trail, and release trail hands. Both then cross in
front, side, corss in front; changing sides so that the man is on the
outside of the circle. End in left open position, trail feet free. No
progression. |
In Salty Dog Rag by the
Matthews, we are in open position facing LOD for a charleston;; 2 fwd
two steps;; sliding door twice;;;; circle away 2 two steps;; strut
together 4 to CP wall;; |
| Traveling Door
phase II
ss; qqs;
|
This is really a cha figure, but it is
often used in two-step. The second measure certainly has a two-step
feel.
In butterfly position, both rock side on the lead foot,
recover, XIF/sd, XIF remain facing;
|
In Dancin' Party by the
Francises, we begin in butterfly facing wall with a traveling door
twice;;;; to a basketball turn to semi;; and scoot twice; walk 2; |
| Stair
Forward
phase III
qqqq;
|
In closed pos fcg line, step fwd, close, side, close; |
May be repeated. |
| Stair Side
phase III
qqqq;
|
In closed pos fcg line, step side, close, fwd, close; |
In You Better Learn To Swing by Heiny we have side close 2X; side draw close; side stairs 4 to SCP; 2 fwd two steps;;
|
| Twirl
phase II
qqs;
|
In a facing position with lead hands
joined, turn to semi-closed and step fwd, cl, fwd, -; The woman steps
fwd and turns RF under lead hands, back L continuing to turn, and sd to
face, -;
Notice that the man is doing a Forward Two-Step down
line, and the woman is doing a Roll-Three under joined lead hands, also
down line. Some awkwardness to watch out for is veering away from your
partner. Especially during the "roll" the woman can lose track of
direction and veer toward the wall or even into her man. It is also
helpful if the man will keep his lead hand open so than the woman's
fingers can turn in his palm. If he grips her hand, it can hurt.
Some teachers will present the woman's twirl as a
forward step, a closing step with a spin, and then the side step. This
pattern is something like the Riff Turn in bolero and looks sharp and
elegant, but it is more advanced than the standard Twirl.
|
In Goody Goody by the Rumbles,
there are 2 turning two steps;; twirl two; walk pickup; 2 fwd two
steps;; |
| Reverse
Twirl
phase II
qqs;
|
In facing position, lead hands joined,
trail feet free, step side R, close, side, -; The woman steps side and
forward, turning 1/2 left face, side and back, continuing the turn, and
side to face again, -; |
In Do You Want To Dance by the
Prows, there is a half box fwd; rev twirl in 2; bk half broken box;;
hitch fwd; scissors thru; |
| Twirl Vine
phase II
qqs;
|
Like a twirl (just above) but the man
steps sd, XIB, sd, -; She turns under RF while he keeps up with her by
doing a vine down line. |
In This 2 Can't Be Love by the
Cantrells, there is a left turning box;;;; twirl vine 3; Wrap; Unwrap;
change sides; 2 fwd two steps to reverse;;
In the Kropfs' Down in the Boondocks, the ending
is two forward two-steps;; fwd lock fwd twice to face;; box;; twirl
vine 2; apt pt;
|
| Reverse Twirl Vine
phase II
qqs;
|
Like a reverse twirl (just above) but the
man steps sd, XIB, sd, -; She turns under LF while he keeps up with her
by doing a vine reverse line. |
|
| Twirl Two
ss;
|
In butterfly, walk two down line, raise
lead arms, and she turns a full turn RF. |
Try a twirl two; walk two; walk three and
face;; side close; side through to semi; |
| Susie Q
phase III
qqs; qqs;
|
Usually
in BFLY with lead feet free, swivel RF and XLIF of R (W swvl LF and
XRIF of L), swvl LF and step sd R (W mirror), swivel RF and XLIF of R,
flare R CCW; swvl LF and XRIF of L, swvl RF and step sd L, swvl LF and
XRIF of L; |
The Woodruffs have made wonderful use of
the Susie Q in The Ouah Ouah Song. Part A goes like this (I
loved it): in butterfly, step side draw close down line; 2 side closes;
side draw close; side two-step; susie Q twice;;;; side draw close
toward reverse; 2 side closes; side draw close; side two-step; susie Q
twice;;;;
In the Molitoris' Hawaiian Twostep, part B
begins with a face to face; rock side recover; back to back; rock side
recover to butterfly; limp 4; side close; butterfly box;; one traveling
door;; susie Q;; one traveling door;; and two turning two-steps to
semi;;
|
| Patticake
qqqq; qqs;
|
There are as many ways to do a Patticake
or Pattycake or Patty Cake as there are children (or choreographers) to
think of them. One pattern is to clap your own hands together, clap R-R
hands with your partner, clap your own hands together, clap L-L hands
with your partner; clap your own hands together, clap L-R and R-L
(both) hands with your partner, and then slap your own hands to your
own knees, -; |
In Do You Want To Dance by the
Prows, there is a hitch fwd; scissors thru; vine apart and together to
face;; patticake twice;;;; scoot apart 5 and point;; strut together 3
to butterfly; |
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