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The 2-step -- great fun and a very easy dance that allows for variations.

This dance dates from the early days of the "Ragtime" era, and was called the "Ragtime" dance. Today, the dance is referred to simply as "Two Step" - very often with some sort of modifying adjective such as The Cowboy Two Step, The Cajun Two Step, and so forth. Many folks will use the 'Two-Step' in place of the 'Foxtrot'. It's called "Two Step" because the dancers step TWICE with their LEFT foot and then TWICE with their RIGHT Foot. The "BASIC 2-STEP PATTERN" is:       LEFT-Right - LEFT-(touch)       RIGHT-Left - RIGHT-(touch) TEMPO    The music has to be in either 2/4 or spirited 4/4 time. The Line of Dance    The direction of the 'Line of Dance' is the same as other dances, - the partners move around the floor in a counter-clockwise direction. Most dancers prefer to keep it fairly simple, usually with no turnouts, spins or other fancy moves. The Position    USUALLY the standard Basic Ballroom position is used... the man, facing the woman, is slightly offset to her Right, and as the man moves forward, his Left foot is more or less pointing in between the woman's feet. Man: Left hand shoulder high, palm facing forward. Right hand on partner's back. Woman: Right hand in partner's left hand. Left hand on partner's shoulder. A very popular variation, especially in the West (cowboy 2-step ), and in Cajun country, is Man: Left hand shoulder high, palm facing forward. Right hand on partner's waist. Woman: Right hand in partner's left hand. Left hand on partner's shoulder. THE MARK -A note to the Leader. As in other dances, the lady is totally dependent on her partner for clues as to how she should step. And, occasionally, the Lady may also find it necessary to indicate a direction. In the 2-Step, this "marking' can be indicated by - either partner (though usually by the Lead) - by either a mild Tension/pressure on their joined hands, or by a slight pressure on the shoulder, or a pull at the waist.

The Lead's Steps 1. LEFT foot Steps forward. 2. Right foot Steps forward, closing together with the Left foot. 3. LEFT foot Steps forward. 4. Right foot Steps forward, closing together with the Left- but ONLY touching the sole of your foot to the ground - without placing any weight on it, ---Because that's the foot that will lead off for the second part. 5. RIGHT foot steps forward. 6. Left foot steps forward, closing together with the Right foot. 7. RIGHT foot steps forward. 8. Left foot steps forward, closing together with the Right - but ONLY touching the sole of your foot to the ground - without placing any weight on it, - Because that's the foot that will lead off for the next part. (And then repeat from No. 1.) The Follow's Steps 1. RIGHT foot steps backward. 2. Left foot Steps back, closing together with the Right foot. 3. RIGHT foot steps backward. 4. Left foot steps backward closing with the Right, but only touching the floor with the sole of your foot, without plcing any weight on it, - because that's the foot that will lead off for the next part. 5. LEFT Foot steps backward. 6. Right foot steps back- closing together with the Left. 7. LEFT foot steps back. 8. Right foot steps backward, closing together with the Left - but ONLY touching the sole of your foot to the ground - without placing any weight on it, - because that's the foot that will lead off for the next part. (And then repeat from No. 1.)

As you see, this is a very simple dance - very easy. Perhaps that's the real beauty of it. The 2-Step can get one out onto the dance floor, stepping around to the sound of some great music, and having a wonderful time.