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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.
Watch the lessonStep 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.
Watch the lessonStep 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.
Watch the demonstrationAlso 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.
Watch the lessonAlso 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.
Watch the lessonAlso 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.
Watch the lessonMore 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
Keep learning with the rest of my Ballroom lessons.
Explore all Ballroom lessons