The hardest step in line dancing (2024)

We all know that line dancing is basically an amalgamation of different steps put together to match the tempo of a song (we all knew that, RIGHT?!?). So, in the many years I’ve been teaching, I’ve taught a lot of different steps.

Some of the harder steps I’ve taught include wizard step, sailor step, scissor step, vaudeville step, basic steps with odd turns, cross chasse, etc. However, I have finally nailed down the absolute hardest step that I’ve ever taught. It is… wait for it…. the pause!

Literally, I’ve found that having to hold for a beat in a dance is the Achilles heel to most dances. We are so used to making a move on every step (or even every half step) that the idea of just standing there for a beat is more than our bodies are willing to allow.

The following are some of our dances that have pauses in them (how many have you mastered??):

• Rockin’ The Wagon Wheel
• Teach Me How to Diffie
• The Bone Dance
• Bombshel Stomp
• Bartender Stomp
• Come Dance With Me
• Cowgirl Shuffle
• One Way Ticket

The best way to combat the pause problem is to count steps (literally). Pretty much all dances are done in 8 counts*, so as you’re doing the steps, count them off. For example:

1-2-3-PAUSE-5-6-7-8

Keep in mind that there are a lot of half counts in our dances too though, but it will still have the same 8 counts, so it may be more like this, but you still get your 8 counts:

1&2-3-4-PAUSE-6-7&8

So next time a dance looks easy, take a “pause” and see if you can stop your momentum once you get going! If not, come see me and we’ll work through that stinkin’ pause together!

*Disclaimer: In my experience, every line dance is done in 8 counts. I have yet to come across one that isn’t, but since anyone can choreograph a dance and there are no rules, technically someone could break this pattern and some probably have, so that’s the only reason I say “pretty much all” instead of “all”.

Published by LineDance4You

LineDance4You, LLC has been providing line dance lessons in Northern Virginia since 2005. We have taught at numerous locations in the DC Metro area and currently provide line dance classes in Northern Virginia. Lessons are primarily focused toward beginners to intermediate dancers.View more posts