Ballroom Dance

J M (Mike) Nelson
Email:jmnelson@cloudnet.com
Phone: 612-810-0157

Box Step Variations: Ballroom Dance “Deconstructed”

There are many ways to categorize, taxonomize, and present variations on the basic step for any dance style. The following is neither definitive nor comprehensive; rather, it suggests some of the simple, easy, versatile variations of the ubiquitous box step to provide versatility, variety, and elegance to partner dancing with minimal stress and maximum variety. Note that the following are descriptive of movements they are not necessarily names of formal variations. Even so, if you can lead these or follow these, you could enjoy a lifetime of social dancing without learning much more.

Box forward
Box backward
Box turn right
Box turn left
Hesitation right
Hesitation left
Hesitation forward
Hesitation backward
Step in place
Twinkle close right
Twinkle close left
Cross body lead
Outside right forward
Outside left forward
Outside right backward
Push turn right
Push turn left
Pull turn left
Side break right
Side break left
Forward break
Backward break

These steps are applicable to Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba, Bolero, Night Club, Country, Zydeco music as well as almost any music in 3/4 or 4/4 time and at any danceable tempo, essentially applicable to any music you are likely to hear in a dance venue anywhere.