Two-Step

The music has 2 beats to the bar (or 6 in compound time) and about 48 bars per minute. Count 1, 2 (SS) or 1 a 2 (SaS) to a bar for most step groups or figures.

Walks / March

These are the usual forwards (or backwards) steps - opposite partner or side-by-side.

Walks Fwd (FP, CH) Walks Back (FP, CH)
Beat 1 2 1 2
Man LF RF LB RB
Lady RB LB RF LF

Walks Fwd (SRP, RLH) Walks Back (SRP, RLH)
Beat 1 2 1 2
Man LF RF LB RB
Lady LF RF LB RB

There may also be points forwards and backwards without weight being transferred.

Pas De Basque

This is a short jump step (jeté) to the side (2nd pos.) where the foot moves in a bit of an arc on the way (demi-rondé). Then the other foot is closed to it but slightly in front (3rd/5th pos.) and on the ball only while the heel of the first foot is released from the ground and the knees bend a little (plié). Weight is replaced on the heel of the first foot again and the second foot lifted to its toe ready for the next step.

Pas de Basque (SRP, RLH) Pas de Basque (SRP, RLH)
Beat 1 a 2 1 a 2
Man LS RCf LCb RS LCf RCb
Lady RS LCf RCb LS RCf LCb

Turns

Turns in a two-step are quite likely to be Polka or Old-Time Waltz ones.


© Susan Foord (sf@pedag.org) 2010-06-29
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