PolkMusic

Dance steps

Waltz, schottische, mazurka and circle dance steps

At a polka or folk dance, the band rarely plays only polkas. These four basic steps will get you through most of the other dances you are likely to hear.

Waltz box step

The waltz is counted in three, with one step per count. The box step traces a small square on the floor. The lead steps forward on the left, to the side with the right, and closes the left foot to the right. Then back on the right, to the side with the left, and closes the right foot to the left. The follower dances the same pattern starting back on the right foot.

Waltz box step3/4Lead part. The follower starts back on the right foot.
  1. 1Lforward
  2. 2Rside
  3. 3Lclose
  4. 1Rback
  5. 2Lside
  6. 3Rclose

Many folk waltzes travel and turn instead of staying in a box. Once the box is comfortable, try turning a little on each forward and back step. Keep the steps smooth, and let the first beat of each bar be slightly longer and stronger.

Schottische

The schottische is calmer than the polka and suits beginners well. Couples often dance side by side, both starting on the left foot. The first part is three running steps and a hop, done twice, moving forward around the room.

Schottische4/4Both partners use the same feet when dancing side by side.
  1. 1Lstep
  2. 2Rstep
  3. 3Lstep
  4. 4Lhop
  5. 1Rstep
  6. 2Lstep
  7. 3Rstep
  8. 4Rhop
Schottische step-hops4/4The second half of the pattern, often used for turning.
  1. 1Lstep
  2. 2Lhop
  3. 3Rstep
  4. 4Rhop
  5. 1Lstep
  6. 2Lhop
  7. 3Rstep
  8. 4Rhop

The second part is four step-hops, during which couples often turn together in a closed hold, or separate and turn on their own before joining again. Local versions vary a lot, so watch the experienced dancers in the room.

Mazurka

The mazurka step uses the accent on the second or third beat. The basic version for beginners is: glide forward on the left foot on "one," bring the right foot up to close on "two," and hop on the right on "three," lifting the left foot ready to glide again. Unlike most steps, it repeats on the same lead foot.

Basic mazurka step3/4Repeats on the same lead foot, moving forward around the room.
  1. 1Lglide
  2. 2Rclose
  3. 3Rhop
  4. 1Lglide
  5. 2Rclose
  6. 3Rhop

Couples usually travel counterclockwise around the room. The hop should be light. Some traditions turn the hop into a heel click or a stamp, which you can add later.

The grapevine in circle and line dances

Many folk traditions have circle and line dances that need no partner. The grapevine is one of the most common moves. Moving to the right: step to the side on the right foot, cross the left foot behind, step to the side on the right again, and cross the left foot in front. Then repeat, or reverse it to the left.

Grapevine to the right4 countsCommon in circle and line dances. Everyone uses the same feet.
  1. 1Rside
  2. 2Lbehind
  3. 3Rside
  4. 4Lin front
  5. 1Rside
  6. 2Lbehind
  7. 3Rside
  8. 4Ltouch

In a circle dance, everyone usually holds hands or links little fingers, and the leader at one end of the line may call changes or add steps. Join at the end of the line, next to someone who looks confident, and copy them.

Dances with a caller

At square dances, contra dances and many mixers, a caller teaches the figures before the music and then calls them out as you dance. You do not need to learn the figures in advance. Listen, walk through the moves during the teaching, and follow the person beside you. The page on your first community dance covers what to expect.

How to practice

  • Practice each step alone, counting out loud, before trying it with music.
  • Use slow recordings first. Many folk tunes are recorded at different speeds.
  • Learn one dance at a time. The polka step and the waltz box cover most of a typical evening.
  • Go to a beginner class or a dance that starts with a lesson. The finding groups guide shows where to look.