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!

​A Paddle Turn is usually a 360 degree turn utilizing 7 weight changes on the ball of the foot while leaning in the direction of the turn. 
1 - Left foot steps 1/4L
& - Right foot side R
2 - L 1/4L
& - R side R 
3 - L 1/4L
& - R side R 
4 - L 1/4L
The Push Turn is a variation of the Paddle Turn with one definite weight change and six partial weight changes. Following the above pattern you step your left foot 1/4L on count 1 and the ball of that foot remains on the dance floor and the heel is elevated to allow the turn as you push yourself around on the & counts.
Do you differentiate between a Push Turn and a Paddle Turn in your danicng? I like a Push Turn, but if the floor is sticky; or, I'm dancing on a rough surface, I  substitute a Paddle Turn to protect my joints.
*NTA Dance Terminology Booklet and Study Guide 2019

If you’ve ever been line dancing, you’ve probably heard of the “jazz box.” But have you ever stopped to wonder why it's called that when, well, it doesn’t actually make a box? Let’s take a deeper look at this dance move, and how it relates to the often-forgotten term “jazz triangle.” Spoiler alert: It might change the way you think about this classic step!​
How do you perform the jazz box*?
The jazz box is created by stepping: 1 - forward, 2 - across, 3 - back, 4 - side. To hit the four corners we step: R foot to top L, L foot to top R, R foot to bottom R, L foot to bottom L. Notice your feet begin and end apart.
How do you perform the jazz triangle*?
The jazz triangle is created by stepping: 1 - across, 2 - back, 3 - side, 4 - together (close). To touch all three corners you step: R across L, L back L, R side R, L next to R. Notice your feet begin and end together.

Honestly, I don't use the term jazz triangle as I should. It is the most common dance move in line dancing but I am hard pressed to find the term jazz triangle on modern step sheets. I should say, "jazz triangle" because it's 4 syllables to match the 4 counts, but honestly, when I'm calling, I just say "jazz" because I want 3 counts to catch my breath!
What terminology do you use and how do you call the most common move in line dancing?

*Reference: NTA Dance Terminology Booklet and Study Guide 2019

What keeps you from improving? Is it lack of formal education or training? Lack of resources or opportunities in your area? Is it just not knowing what to do next? Consider asking someone to mentor you. Be specific in your request with what you hope to accomplish and a time frame. You may be surprised how many possible mentors would say yes. 

I recently became aware of my need for a mentor. September 20, 2019 I participated in the Vegas Dance Explosion Choreography Competition. I've been line dancing weekly for about 3 years now and really enjoying myself. I had a song stuck in my head and just needed to choreograph something to it. I went to enter the dance into the VDE competition, but the division for that dance was full!  Ugh. I wanted to see how the dance would do. It's one thing for friends to like your dance, but would strangers? I had a little over a week to create a new dance and I was stuck because I had poured out my heart and soul into this dance.

In college, I had a professor, who would say creating art is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. I would get so mad at him because he didn't seem to understand I couldn't do the 99% without the 1%! You can create good conditions for the 1%, but you can't force it. Also, 99% work that has 0% inspiration is just....uninspired! Fortunately, my husband had the 1% inspiration and came up with a great contra line dance idea. He also had a beginning and an end, I just had to come up with a middle and just like that we had a dance to submit for the competition.

You should know that I'm not really competitive. I don't like competition. It doesn't thrill me, it rather terrifies me because I put way too much pressure on myself. I try to relax and tell myself it doesn't matter but my body seems to have a mind of its own. So why compete? At some point, I need feedback on how I'm doing and where I can improve, so I have to put myself out there.

I survived the competition on 4 hours of sleep and a headache. I was a little disappointed in how everything went, but mostly, relieved that it was over and I somehow made it through. I came in third place with our dance. I think third was the best I could do on my own. I don't have a local person who is better trained in line dance than I am. The locals couldn't tell me how to set the level of the dance or properly write up the choreography. I had to teach myself. After receiving my competition results from the judges I shared my frustrations with the choreography competition coordinator. I told her that based on the judges scores I know I've done things wrong, but I don't know what I did wrong or how to improve. I don't have anyone to help me fix my mistakes. She was so kind to listen to my dilemma and then she offered to mentor me. She explained that's how she won the competition once upon a time, she had a mentor who helped her. I'm so glad she offered because I wouldn't even have thought to ask? The mentoring will have to be done via Skype because she lives in the Bay area and I'm in L.A., but I'm so glad to have a way forward in improving my skills as a well rounded line dance instructor.

Is there something you want to improve in your life? Some skill you'd like to take to the next level? My 1% inspiration for you is this: "Seek out a mentor." Now the 99% work is up to you. Good Luck!

Here is the third place dance  to "A Nightmare on My Street" by DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince. Enjoy it at your Halloween party this year. Find the video teach here: A Nightmare on my Street 

Saturday, July 20th at Christian Assembly Church in Los Angeles I taught for their Country Western Night.  The dances were:

Boots Do Boogie, Choreographed by Erin Hoxie to Boot Scootin' Boogie by Brooks & Dunn and Friday Night by Eric Paslay
Claire's Dance, Choreographed by Dianne Evans to Achy Breaky Heart by Billy Ray Cyrus and I Want Crazy by Hunter Hayes
A Little Sweet, Choreographed by Dan Albro to Roller Coaster by Luke Bryan
Electric Slide to Man I Feel Like a Woman by Shania Twain and Suds in the Bucket by Sara Evans

Friday July 12th at the Elk's Lodge in Pasadena, CA I taught the dances:
A Little Sweet, Choreographed by Dan Albro to the song Sugar by Maroon 5
Power Jam (San Diego Version), Choreographer unknown to the song Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson
Pitbull, Choreographed by Micaela Svensson Erlandsson to Echa Pa'lla by Pitbull
We also danced that night:
The Electric Slide to Elvira and New York, New York to the song of the same name.

A good pair of dance shoes will prevent injury and reduce joint pain but you don't have to spend a lot of money for a shoe that will dance well.  Read on to learn from my experiences with synthetic soles, sandals, leather boots, dance sliders, split soled shoes, and more. 

The quick answer to what makes a good dance shoe is good support and a leather sole. Leather is long wearing and allows for beautiful turning without wrenching your knees. If you have a pair of leather soled shoes in your closet shine them up and start there. Start with what you already have so you can figure out what you like and dislike about dancing in that kind of shoe.  

I've seen dancers in everything from flip flops to work boots and instructors wearing everything from Tom's to high heel dance sport shoes. All I can say is, "Just because you can, doesn't mean you should." I have gone through many shoes in an attempt to live blister free and avoid joint pain while dancing for hours on end. 

Pro Tip: To avoid blisters, I now baby powder my feet before I put on moisture wicking, seamless toe socks that I slip into shoes that are well ventilated. Works Wonders!

When I first became serious about line dancing  I wore my super cute cowboy boots that had a synthetic sole and moved well on the dance floor. I loved these boots . . . until I started dancing in them. I had to buy a gel insert for the ball of my foot because there just wasn't enough padding there. The good news, I didn't blister. The bad news is it just doesn't feel great dancing in these shoes for more than one hour.  I still wear them when I want to look cute and will only be dancing for 90 minutes. Verdict: Okay Update: The synthetic sole moves well for me on the dance floor, I have attempted to insert cushion for ball of foot and heel, really I can dance no more than 90 minutes in these. I wear these when I’m hired to teach at a Country/Western event. (6/11/2024)

One week during the summer, when it was very hot,  I tried dancing in my orthopedic, leather sandals. While my feet didn't sweat, or blister, I totally stretched out my sandals because of all the side to side and forward and back motion. Verdict: Don't ruin a good pair of shoes with the wrong activity. Update: I have since learned that dancers with bunions or bone spurs like to dance in sandals. They often slip dance socks right over their favorite shoe. (6/11/2024)

I decided to invest in a nice pair of leather boots from Boot Barn before going to Montana's Country Night Club. While these boots move well on the dance floor they also rub one of my ankle bones to the point of bruising. The seam on these boots buckles in toward my ankle and it is painful. My body literally will not let me put these on again because it remembers the pain. Verdict: You cannot enjoy dancing in shoes that pain you. Shoes may feel fine dancing in the store but will rub you raw after a half hour of dancing. You can't know until you try.  Follow up: Because these are leather, I stuffed them with newspaper to try to pop out the part that rubs my ankle. I can now wear them, but I don't dance in them because doing stomps in boots can cause shin splints-no thank you. (1/13/2020) Update: I have given these boots to a friend because the last time I wore them I got a blister on my ankle bone. I have literally tried on every boot in my size at Boot Barn and French's Boots and cannot find a boot that doesn't rub. I need soft sided boots to come back in fashion because I can't get the stiff leather to work for me --even though they are so stylish.(10/15/2022) Still on the quest for the perfect leather boot :( (6/11/2024)

I wanted a pair of split soled shoes like I saw so many people wearing at line dance class so I went online and bought two pair for a great price. These shoes did not dance well at all. They stuck to the floor when I turned and had absolutely zero arch support because of the split sole. However, they received many compliments and envious glances for their cuteness. Verdict: You do not need split soled shoes for line dancing. Shoes that stick are no good even if they are cute. You can't dance on compliments.   Follow up: I bought a sheet of adhesive suede that I cut and put on the bottom of these shoes. They are now useable. The split arch doesn't provide enough support for me so I also include an orthotic. Update:  I have given away these shoes because they simply didn't offer enough support for hours of dancing. 

I recommend buying a sheet of adhesive suede to cut to fit the sole of your favorite shoes. I have friends who have put the suede on the bottom of their favorite trainers and dance in those each week as their go to dance shoe.  (6/11/24)

I have considered, but not yet tried, bowling shoes. My parents danced for years in their bowling shoes because they have a leather sole, are comfortable, and provide great support. One of my dance students wears bowling shoes to class and loves them. (6/11/24) Verdict: Good enough for Mom and Dad, I'm willing to try it, I just haven’t found a pair cute enough to tempt me.

May 13th I taught 3 beginner line dances as a guest instructor at Rita Turner's Wow! Dance on the Move class at Jackie Robinson Community Center, 1020 N Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 91103. They meet Monday nights 6-7:30pm where Rita teaches soul line dancing.
That night I taught the dances:
I'm Free
Choreographed May 2017 by Raymond Sarlemijn and Roy Verdonk from the Netherlands and Jill Babinec from USA 
To the song Love my Life (Adam Turner and James Hurr Remix) by Robbie Williams.

Tush Push
Choreopgraphed by Jim Ferrazzano
To the song Just a Gigilo by David Lee Roth

Power Jam (San Diego Version)
Choreographer unknown
To the song Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough by Michael Jackson