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Step descriptions6 minutes

Reading a Line Dance Stepsheet: From Text to 8 Counts

By Bernhard De LucaUpdated

In brief
  • First, read the dance name, version, counts, level and music information in the stepsheet heading.
  • R stands for your right foot, L for your left foot, regardless of where other dancers are.
  • Match each count to the corresponding foot action and direction of movement in the same row.
  • Turn a short section into your own cues and dance it slowly without music at first.

On paper, an entire dance fits on one page, but it still feels dense at first glance. Once you recognize which details belong together, you no longer have to decipher words and keep an eye on your feet at the same time.

What you need to translate

  • A clearly legible stepsheet with a complete header
  • Pen and paper for your own short version
  • Clear space to take small steps in all directions
  • Comfortable shoes with good support
  • A fixed starting direction in the room

Each line connects timing, foot, and movement

A stepsheet is written instructions for a specific choreography. At the top, you’ll usually find the dance name, choreographer, number of counts, number of walls, level, and music recommendation. Depending on the publisher, it may also include the date, version notes, and information about its use. Below that are sections with headings and numbered step lines. The section heading provides orientation, while the specific execution is described in the lines below.

A line can group several counts together. On the left, for example, it might say “1-2”, and on the right, “Step R forward, step L forward”. This means: on 1, you step forward with your right foot, and on 2, with your left. R and L refer to feet here; “forward” indicates the direction of movement. By contrast, “turn right” describes a turn to the right, not automatically a step with the right foot. So always read the whole phrase.

A brief translation is enough for your notes, as long as it doesn’t leave out any information. “Step” means a step with a transfer of weight; unfamiliar building blocks can initially stay as names. For example, a guide explains the Rock Step with a weight change. Notes about a tag or restart shouldn’t be included in a freely simplified version of the entire choreography.

The following practice example was created specifically for reading, it’s not a named dance. You can find a complete application in Cowboy Hustle and its step sequence.

A separate notes column leaves the original text unchanged and makes your own translation errors easier to spot.
A separate notes column leaves the original text unchanged and makes your own translation errors easier to spot.

From the page to a practice sequence in seven steps

  1. Label the header

    Note the dance name, choreographer, count, wall, and level; add the music and version if specified. These details describe the whole sheet, not the first step. Your note is properly labeled if you can clearly identify it as belonging to this stepsheet later.

  2. Focus on the First Section

    Mark only the first short section, for example counts 1 to 8. Read its heading and all associated lines together. Repetitions and special notes outside this excerpt remain visible, but are not performed yet; first, you practice only this clearly defined part.

  3. Spell out foot references

    Replace R with “right foot” and L with “left foot.” When “right” or “left” is spelled out, the associated word indicates whether it refers to a foot or a direction. Your note should show which foot is acting in each action, so you don’t have to mirror it.

  4. Attach directions to the actions

    Translate forward as forward, back as backward, side as sideways, and together as to the other foot. Keep any existing turn instructions, including the amount of turn, unchanged. Our practice sequence contains no turns: you keep facing the same direction, even when moving sideways.

  5. Write out eight counts in plain language

    Translate this reading example: “1-2 R forward, L forward; 3-4 R back, L back; 5-8 R side, L together, R side, L together”, each as a step. Write: 1 right forward, 2 left forward, 3 right back, 4 left back, 5 right side, 6 left together, 7 right side, 8 left together.

  6. The short version: walk slowly

    Start with your weight on your left foot and your right foot free. Say each count along with its brief cue and take exactly one small step; transfer your weight on all eight steps. After count 8, you’re standing on your left foot, with your right foot free again. Stop there deliberately.

  7. Combine Text and Movement

    Reread the original block and check each action against your summary. Then repeat without pausing to read, but still without music. Only when the sequence, footwork, and direction are correct, connect the section to the next block of your choreography that is actually described.

This is how your translation stays clear

Like this

  • Translate the verb together with the foot indication
  • Also break down combined lines count by count
  • Keep the turn size and direction in the note
  • Mark unknown terms in the summary

Not like this

  • Automatically treat every “right” as the right foot
  • Put multiple actions on the first number of the line
  • Write down a turn only as “turn”
  • Replace unknown terms with guessed steps

Your reading list to check off

Before translating

Assignment

After transcription

Reading version

After the Trial Run

Movement

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. You don't need a German version if you understand the recurring terms used in the description. A German translation makes it easier to get started, but it must be for the same dance and the same version. Keep all foot references, counts, and turn amounts intact; a heavily shortened summary is no substitute for the original.

Put step descriptions into practice together

On udansa, you can find people to practice with. Set up a short reading session: one person reads the cues while the other dances, then you switch.

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Put step descriptions into practice together

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