God Bless the V-Step. It’s nice, easy, calm - like a place of rest. Wait, was I supposed to do syncopated splits there?! Those are like playing the floor is lava! How could anyone possibly confuse the two? Maybe because they are both  called using the same terminology. 👀 below.

V-Step

1 - R steps diagonally forward to the R
2 - L steps diagonally forward to the L
3 - R steps home where it began
4 - L steps home

This combo is often called “out-out-in-in”…
🔥 and that’s not a problem… UNTIL…

Syncopated Splits a.k.a. Syncopated Jacks

& - R foot steps side R
1 - L foot steps side L
& - R foot returns home
2 - L foot returns home

🧐 So how do you know which “out-out-in-in” they mean if you can’t see the instructor's feet?

✨ If the move fits 4 beats, you’re doing a V-step.
⚡️ If it fits 2 beats, you’re doing syncopated splits.

SIMPLE! ✔️ 

📣 And this, my friends, is why counts matter.

Without clear counts, you’re left discerning between:
“out_out_in_in” 🤔
or
“OUTOUTININ” 😳​

Your feet deserve clarity.
Your brain deserves peace.
Your dancing deserves counts + cues! 💃🕺

​During this holiday season, I couldn’t help but think of my line dance family. This season of gratitude always reminds me just how blessed I am to dance through life with such an amazing community. You bring joy into my world—whether it’s during the good times or those tougher days when we all need a little extra encouragement.
My heart genuinely lights up every time I spot one of your familiar faces on the dance floor. I love the eye rolls when that dance comes back around, the run to the floor when your favorite song starts, and the high-fives when you finally nail that tricky step at the Cotton Eyed Joe. These moments—our moments—are what make this community so special. Thank you for letting me share them with you.
I also want to give a warm, grateful shout-out to those who have purchased lessons, made donations on my YouTube channel, or even patiently sat through those YouTube ads. You may not realize it, but your support is what keeps all of this going.
Your contributions fund my newsletter, website hosting, domain fees, ASCAP/BMI/SESAC music licenses, Apple song purchases, K&K insurance, studio rental at the Senior Center and PSTCC, Canva for video editing, Virtual DJ (so we can slow those fast songs down!), upgraded microphones, iCloud storage, my desk chair, cables and equipment, and my ability to attend workshops so I can continue to improve as a dancer and instructor.
Every dollar you invest in me becomes something larger—a class, a resource, a tutorial, a video, a sense of community for dancers near and far. Your support stretches far beyond our local dance floor. It reaches dancers in rural areas, seniors who don’t have a nearby center, beginners who are learning from home, and seasoned dancers who just want to keep growing. You’re helping me teach, create, and spread joy in ways you may never fully see—but I do, and I’m deeply grateful.
Thank you for believing in the work I do. Thank you for allowing me to show up, create, and help you chase your line dance dreams. It’s an honor to be part of your journey.
From my family to yours, 
Merry Christmas and a season full of joy, warmth, and wonderful dancing.

​Let’s be honest: if you’ve ever line danced, you’ve grapevined right and left, weaved, rolled, and turned those vines. These combos are the bread and butter of line dancing! Because these moves are “beginner,” we can take them for granted and get sloppy with them.
So today, we’re going to get into the weeds🌿 — or should I say vines — and untangle these classic steps for smoother💃, safer, and ✨better-looking dancing! 
​
🍇 The Grapevine (a.k.a. “Vine”)
The grapevine is a three-count combination that travels sideways with three weight changes. Most instructors just call it a vine — because who has time for all those syllables while calling a dance?
Grapevine:
1️⃣ Step R foot to the right side.
2️⃣ Step the ball of your L foot behind the right.
3️⃣ Step R foot to the right side again.
 
👉 Pro tip: Keep that “behind” step on the ball of your foot — not flat!
 If you put your heel down, you’ll slow your momentum and risk stepping into the dancer behind you. The toes of the L should be near the heel of the R, keeping your steps small, and under your body.
 
Count 4 is usually a touch, but depending on the dance, it could also be a stomp, kick, scuff, brush, cross, or whatever the choreography calls for.

👉 Pro tip: Absolute beginners and older dancers can find vines and weaves tricky, there’s no shame in simplifying to “side-together-side.” Safety first, always! 💃❤️
 
🔄 Turning Vines
Ready to change direction? Let’s turn those vines!

¼ Turning Vine:
1️⃣ Step R to the side.
2️⃣ Step L ball of foot behind R.
3️⃣ Turn ¼ right on L ball and step R forward.
 
½ Turning Vine:
1️⃣ Step R to the side.
2️⃣ Step L ball of foot behind R.
3️⃣ Turn ¼ right, step R forward on the ball.
4️⃣ Turn another ¼ right, step L to the side.
 
👉 Remember: your heel is your brake! Stay on the balls of your feet to keep it smooth, stylish, and just enough turn to keep things interesting!
 
💫 Three-Step Turn (The Rolling Vine)
For dancers who love to twirl, you can often swap a grapevine for a Three-Step Turn. The 3-step turn is a progressive turn — not stationary — that travels down the line of dance (like a Chainé).

Three Step Turn:
1️⃣ Step R ¼ right on the ball of foot in the direction of the turn.
2️⃣ Draw the L foot under your body as you Step L ball of foot ¼ right.
3️⃣ Draw the R foot under your body as you turn ½ right stepping R to the side, completing the turn.
 
🕺 Tip: Match your turn speed to the music.
 Fast song? Fast turn. Slow song? Slow turn.
 If you finish your turn early and just stand there waiting for the beat… you’ve gone too fast!
 
🧵 The Weave (Vine’s red-headed step-Cousin)
Here’s where it gets interesting — and a little controversial!
According to the NTA Dance Terminology Booklet (p. 66), a weave is “a continuous grapevine pattern crossing behind and in front, taking at least 8 counts or beats of music.”
But… many instructors (myself included!) define it differently.
 
💡 My take:

• If the combination starts with a step to the side, it’s a grapevine.
• If it starts by crossing in front, it’s a weave.
• If it starts behind, we’ll often call it behind-side-cross. 

For example: 

• “Side-behind-side-cross” I would call “Vine-Cross” 
• “Cross-Side-Behind-Side” I would call “Weave -2-3-4”
• “Behind-Side-Cross” I would call “Behind-Side-Cross”  

So, if a new instructor calls a weave, be ready to cross both in front and behind, usually for at least four counts, maybe starting to the side or across. You will have to discern what this instructor means by “weave”.
 
💬 Your Turn!
 
How do you call these moves?
Have you heard other terms used for vines or weaves?
Which terminology makes the most sense to you?
 
Drop me a message — I’d love to know how your dance community talks about these classic line dance steps!

Ahoy, dancers!
🚢 The Sailor Step is one of those moves that brings swagger and personality to your dancing. Picture a happy, slightly drunk sailor weaving down the dock — that’s the feel we’re after! It’s got a smooth ball-ball-flat foot pattern and a gentle rotation.
The rhythm is 1 & 2, often called behind-side-side.
⚓ Common Pitfalls
Some dancers turn this move into a back rock or a sharp jab behind — yikes! If it looks like you’re stabbing the floor or rocking back, you’ve lost that smooth sailor groove. The trick? Stay light on the balls of your feet through counts 1 &, then flat foot it on 2.
✨ Pro Tip: Practice in front of a mirror and watch your hips and shoulders naturally twist open as your foot goes behind. Then let them square back up on the & step. 
Think smooth sailing, not stormy seas!

💃 Proper Sailor Step
Count 1: Step the ball of the L foot behind the R foot, allowing the upper body to turn slightly with it.
Count &: Step the ball of the R foot to the right side, squaring the body forward.
Count 2: Step the L foot flat to the side - near it’s place before count 1 (take full weight) facing forward.
I usually call this: behind-side-side, but it might be more helpful to call it a "behind- ball-change",
Smooth, anchored, and balanced — like a sailor who’s been here before!

🌊 1/4 Turning Sailor Step
Count 1: Step the L foot behind and turning 1/4 left, toes facing the new wall. Let your torso rotate with it.
Count &: Step the R ball to the right side, facing the new wall. Shoulders square up to new wall.
Count 2: Step the L foot flat to the left side, weighted, facing the new wall.
🌀 It’s a sailor with a new direction — smooth turn, same swagger!

🌪️ 1/2 Turning Sailor Step
Count 1: Step the L foot behind 1/4 left, rotating your torso with the foot.
Count &: Step the R ball to the side, turning another 1/4 left to face the new wall. 
Count 2: Step the L foot flat to the left side, weighted and shoulders square with the new wall.
⚓ Half a turn, double the style — make it seamless, not seasick!

🎶 Final Thought
Let your dance tell the story of that carefree sailor swaying home after a good night out! Embrace the gentle rocking motion of the sailor step. Watch this become your new favorite move!

Whether you're a brand new or seasoned dancer, a smooth night on the dance floor comes down to respect, rhythm and common courtesy. Here's how to keep the dance floor flowing and welcoming for everyone:
​
🧼 Wipe Your Feet - Protect the floor (and your spins) with clean shoes. Consider changing into dedicated dance shoes after you arrive at your venue.

✨ 1. Step Off If You’re Not Stepping In
Not dancing? That’s okay! But please take your chats, filming, and practice off the main floor so dancers have room to shine.

✨ 2. Keep Food & Drinks Off the Floor
Spills = slips. If you do spill, wipe it up right away so nobody’s two-step turns into a tumble.

✨ 3. Bumps Happen—Be Kind
If you bump someone, just smile and apologize. A quick “oops, sorry!” keeps the good vibes flowing.
✨ 4. Welcome New Faces
Visitors and newcomers may not know all the moves—be encouraging and help them feel at home to keep our community growing.

✨ 5. Respect the Flow
Think of the outside lane like a dance highway—those two stepping around it have the right of way. Don’t block their route!

✨ 6. Adjust for Crowds
More people = smaller steps. Help prevent pileups and keep the dance looking clean.
✨ 7. Pocket That Phone
No texting, scrolling, or filming from the middle of the floor. Dance first, updates later.

✨ 8. Enter & Exit Gracefully
Use the nearest exit, then circle around the outside to get back to your seat. And please—no cutting across the dance floor mid-dance.

✨ 9. Join Smoothly
If you’re hopping into a dance already in progress, take the nearest open spot instead of weaving through dancers.

✨ 10. No Road Rage
If someone breaks the “rules,” shrug it off. We’re here for fun, not floor feuds.

👏 Show Some Love​ - Clap to thank the DJ or instructor and let them know you enjoyed the dance.

A Lock Step is a triple step counted 1&2, where the foot in motion locks in front of, or behind, the weight bearing foot. All the action happens below the waist — your upper body remains upright and isolated.

The magic happens when your feet lock, like your legs are giving each other a quick little hug. This lock creates a tight cross in 1st position (feet together) — perfect for that crisp, clean line dancers love. Sometimes feet lock in 2nd position (feet parallel apart).

✨ Two Types of Locks:

• Cross Lock – foot crosses in front
• Hook Lock – foot crosses behind

▶️ How to Do a Forward Lock Step (1&2):

1-  Step R foot forward
&- Cross L foot behind R foot (tight lock!) 
2-  Step R foot forward again


◀️ How to Do a Back Lock Step (1&2):

1-  Step R foot back
&- Cross L foot in front of R foot (tight lock again!)
2-  Step R foot back again



🚫 What a Lock Step is Not:

• Crossing Shuffles and Crossing Triple steps aka: Cross-Side-Cross combos are not lock steps — those should be crossing in 5th position, not locking in 1st or 2nd position. (5th position-toes of back foot near heel of front foot in slight diagonal)
• The Wizard Step differs from a lock step because it locks on count 2, not the “&” like a true lock step.

Toe Struts: Can move forward or backward, counted 1-2
1️⃣ Touch that **toe** to the floor like you’re testing the water...
2️⃣ Then drop your foot flat and transfer your weight


👉 Heel Struts: Moving forward: counted 1-2
1️⃣ Plant your **heel** first like you mean it...
2️⃣ Then let the rest of your foot follow and shift that weight!


🚫 Not a Tap Dance, Y’all!
If you're tapping that toe or heel and *then* stepping in place, that's a **tap-step**, not a **strut**. Cute? Maybe. Correct? Nope!


1️⃣ Touch that **toe** to the floor like you’re testing the water...
2️⃣ Then drop your foot flat and transfer your weight


👉 Heel Struts: Moving forward: counted 1-2
1️⃣ Plant your **heel** first like you mean it...
2️⃣ Then let the rest of your foot follow and shift that weight!


🚫 Not a Tap Dance, Y’all!
If you're tapping that toe or heel and *then* stepping in place, that's a **tap-step**, not a **strut**. Cute? Maybe. Correct? Nope!

You may have heard this move called the Dorothy Step, inspired by Dorothy skipping down the Yellow Brick Road to meet the Wizard of Oz. But in NTA, we call it the **💫 Wizard Step**.
🟢 It’s a diagonal forward locking triple step, counted “1-2&”.
1 - Step diagonally forward on the right foot, slightly pitched forward (think chest leading).  
2 -  Slide the left foot to lock behind the right.  
& - Step diagonally forward again with the right foot.
🚫 Two Common Mistakes
1. Doing a triple step (1&2) instead of a wizard (1-2&).  
2. Stepping to the side on count 1 instead of moving diagonally forward.
Am I doing it right?
Dance the triple step and the wizard step in front of a mirror. The Wizard Step should look and feel distinct.
✅ Wizard = count 1- step diagonal/pitched forward | count 2- slide into lock
❌ Triple = count 1- step forward/upright body posture | count & - step to close

🔧 Fix It With These Tips

• Be intentional: hold count 1 before shifting to the 2 count.  Use that time to slide.
• Say it out loud as you dance, “1 – 2 – &”,  “2 - &” are fast—move those feet like it’s hot!  

Why This Really Matters
My biggest concern? Mimic dancers stepping to the side on count 1 while trained dancers step diagonally forward. It’s a recipe for a floor collision.

Unfortunately, quality line dance technique isn’t always easy to find online. So, dancers copy what they see—and often, it’s incorrect. But together, we can do better. Let’s keep learning, practicing, and dancing with confidence and care. Stay sharp,  💃🕺

3️⃣ The Triple Step is a three step Polka Pattern. You will often hear instructors call it a Shuffle Step, Chassé or Cha Cha Step because in line dancing it’s all the same thing: “Step-together-step, counted 1&2”. Those steps can be taken, forward, sideward, backward, diagonal, or in place using 3 weight changes for 2 beats of music. The proper way to perform a triple forward is to: 1- step your R forward , &- the L comes behind into 3rd position, 2- the R steps forward. (1-Forward, &-beside, 2-forward = flat dancing in 4th position).
👯 In dance at large, a shuffle step is a basic tap dance movement that involves brushing the toe forward and back and then taking weight on that foot. This is a stationary combination counted 1&2.
As Country Western line dancing was taking off dancers were creating their own terminology like: buttermilks, limp step, swiggle, fancy feet…..and thus Shuffle step became the most commonly used term for a triple step. There even emerged Shuffle Dances that utilized triple steps. Not to be confused with modern shuffle dancing. Dance, like language, seems to be constantly evolving and changing meaning.
When calling dances, I prefer the term triple step because it is less ambiguous, Aaaand NTA makes me say it. 😂

The Rock Step consists of two weight changes in opposite directions to 2 beats of music. This dance move is typically called, “Rock Recover” and is useful for changing directions. Did you know that no matter which direction you rock (cross, side, back, front) your weight remains on the forward part of the foot-never the flat foot or heel.
Rock Steps forward and backward are the same as Break Step in Latin dances. The feet should remain beneath the body in 3rd or 5th position using a cuban motion. The magic of cuban motion is waiting until the last moment to shift your weight and straightening the knee as the weight is shifted.
 If you lower your heel performing a back rock, you should still keep your weight on the forward part of your foot. For your safety, do not lean back when dancing a back rock, keep an upright body posture with weight distributed between your feet. You may need to watch yourself do a back rock in the mirror to see if you are in the habit of leaning back. If you are leaning back, take the time to correct it to prevent future injury.
Side rocks are performed in 2nd position and the feet are kept close to the body so as not to throw the dancer off balance. The weight remains on the front part of the foot even when stepping to the side. Dancers will talk about rolling around the ball of the foot on a side rock. Try it out!