Dance Moves and Steps

The building blocks of al dances are called dance moves or dance steps, which can be combined into more complex dance patterns, figures, movements and variations. Although dance was present during our entire modern human history (earliest proof of dance is dated to 7 millennia BC), the organized, documented and descriptive manuals of dance patterns became introduced only during the 16th century Renaissance era in Europe. During those early times, Elizabethan era dance masters printed their detailed dance manuals that described the basic moves and patterns of many famous and popular medieval court dances.

Modern dances are largely focused on one pair of dances, one who is leading and one who is following, and dance move descriptions emphasize those concepts of leading, following and connection. The vast majority of modern dances can be memorized in eight counts, with many dance moves being shared with several dance styles. In addition to foot movement, dancers also need to get accustomed to different handholds and body positions to enjoy the dance properly.

The basis of every modern dance and a source that defines its character is basic step (or movement, pattern and move). This basic step represents the default position in which dancer returns when he is finished with other moves, and many traditional dances consist only from one basic step which can be easily mastered. This enables wide array of dancers to enjoy them, from complete novices to professionals.

In addition to basic steps (Salsa Basic, Mambo Basic, Box Step which is used for many dances such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Rumba, and more) are reinforced with vast amounts of additional dance moves that can range in difficulty from very easy to very complicated (Grapevine, Heel turn, Inside partner step, Outside partner step, Lock Step, Reverse turn, Time Step and many, many more).

In addition to the traditional moves that are used in ballroom dances, many more moves were popularized by famous dance masters, musicians and films, and they are used frequently by people from all around the world. Some of those moves are famous Michael Jackson's Moonwalk, The Robot, dance routine from Quentin Tarantino's famous film Pulp Fiction, Village People "Y.M.C.A." choreography, "The Macarena", "The Running Man", "The Worm", and some choreography parts from Michael Jackson's famous music videos, such as "The Thriller".