How to Turn While Country Dancing for Ladies
Country dance is a broad term describing a variety of sixteenth-century European folk dances that have evolved by taking influence from ballroom dancing. With a variety of styles, from circle dancing to square dancing, some basic turns are common in all forms. With a few simple steps, you can begin practicing the toe-out, promenade and ladies’ turn today.
Instructions
1. Imagine yourself and your partner dancing together in an oblong circular pattern around the dance floor as you complete the basic country dancing turn. Your first eight steps should create one half of the circle, while the second eight steps and final movements should complete your circle, bringing you back to your beginning position. Begin in a basic dance position, facing one another.
2. Place your left hand on your partner’s shoulder as he places his right hand on your waist. Place your free hands together, palm to palm. Beginning with your right foot, take eight steps backward as your partner moves you forward, moving to the beat of the music.
3. Keep your hands connected as you turn out to your left on the ninth step. As you turn, slide your hand a little further onto your partner’s shoulder, as he moves his arm further around your waist, dancing now hip to hip.
4. Take another eight steps, coming close to the position where you started the basic country dancing turn. On the ninth step, release your left hand from your partner’s shoulder and lift your hands up together as he turns you in a full circle moving counterclockwise. You should now be in your starting position, ready to begin the next country dancing step.
