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Quickstep Lessons: Where to Start

If you're new to Quickstep, or you know a few figures and want a clear path, this page is for you. I've put my Quickstep lessons in a simple learning order: the basic and advanced routine first, then forward and backward locks, then an advanced demonstration, plus a few general Ballroom lessons that help. Work through them in order, and come back to any step whenever you need it.

Step 1 · The routine

Quickstep Basic and Advanced Routine

Two routines to follow along with: a basic one focused on lightness, airiness and smooth movement, then an advanced one with Scatter Chasses, a Pepperpot and an Oversway, all counted in slows and quicks.

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Step 2 · Technique

How to Dance Quickstep Forward and Backward Locks

Forward and backward locks for man and lady, travelling diagonally down the room and counted slow, quick, quick, slow, slow, with your alignment, feet positions and footwork made clear.

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Step 3 · Advanced demonstration

Advanced Quickstep Demonstration

An advanced Quickstep routine danced with my student Maddi, the one she uses for her Gold Star medals and Pro-Am, so you can see how the whole routine flows as one piece of dancing.

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Also helpful for Quickstep

General Ballroom lessons that apply to your Quickstep too.

Also helpful · Timing

3 Tips to Master Timing and Music in Ballroom and Latin

Good timing comes down to three things: master your balance, master your base time and then your phrase timing, and count the way you want to dance.

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Also helpful · Using your feet

How to Use Your Feet in Ballroom Dancing

In the swing dances, including Quickstep, every direction is measured off your supporting foot: forward is straight forward, side is in line with your standing leg and closed means toes and heels together.

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Also helpful · Footwork

Master Your Footwork and Foot Positions in Ballroom Dancing

Footwork is the part of your foot in contact with the floor, foot positions are where one foot goes in relation to the other, and mastering both gives you the foundation for balance, control and timing.

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More dances

Every dance has its own start-here page.

Ballroom: Waltz · Slow Foxtrot · Tango · Viennese Waltz

Latin: Cha Cha Cha · Samba · Rumba · Paso Doble · Jive

More: New Vogue · Practice · Mindset

Keep learning with the rest of my Ballroom lessons.

Explore all Ballroom lessons