Quickstep: Steps For The Leader

Step 1: Forward and back basics

Remember that once you've got the steps, you can start to move more around the floor. The quickstep is a dance which, as the name suggests, should move quickly, so try and stay light on your feet!

Start facing diagonally to any wall. From here, step forward onto your right foot, side onto the left, close the right in and step side onto the left again.

Then step back onto the right foot, side onto the left, close the right foot in and step side onto the left.

Now try the steps a little faster. Front right, side left, close right, side left. Back right, side left, close right and side left.

Step 2: Outside forward basic and back basic

This section is the same as the previous but when you dance it with a partner you'll need to start stepping outside of her rather than straight forwards.

Start with your weight on the left leg to the side - from here step outside onto the right, side onto the left, close the right foot in and step side onto the left.

Then step back onto the right, side onto the left, close in with the right and step side again onto the left.

Now try the steps a little faster. Outside right, side left, close right, side left. Back right, side left, close right, side left.

Step 3: The lock step and basic to finish

Start with your weight on the left foot to the side. From here step forward onto the right foot, then forward onto the left, cross the right behind the left and step forward onto the left.

Then step forwards onto your right foot, side onto the left, close the right foot in and step side onto the left. And you're ready to start again.

Now try the sequence a little faster. Front right, front left, cross right, front left. Front right, side left, close right and side left.

So, all that's left now is to find a willing partner and start putting these steps into practise!