Bolero: How to Dance a Basic Step

The dance Bolero was originally invented in Spain in 1780. From there, it made its way across the Atlantic to Cuba and from there to America. Bolero is done on the social dance floor and in American-style ballroom dance competitions. It is not usually considered to be one of the main ballroom dances, and therefore it is not as common as Waltz or Swing. However, it is still fairly popular. Bolero is danced to slow, romantic music, giving dancers the opportunity to cling close to their partner and sway or make big, showy movements. When dancing Bolero, you can wear anything you like, as long as the clothes allow you to move freely and you are respecting the dance studio's dress code. I recommend that you wear dance shoes whether required by the studio or not, because they are designed to help your dancing; shoes that grip the floor can be very painful for your joints.

Tips for Bolero

1. Bolero is counted as slow, quick, quick. A slow lasts for two beats, and a quick lasts for one beat.
2. On each step, commit your full weight to the moving foot.
3. Closed dance position: the lady puts her right hand in the man's left, and the hands are held at about eye level. The man puts his right hand on the lady's left shoulder blade (under her left arm). The lady puts her left hand just behind the man's shoulder.
4. Consult your physician before starting any new physical activity.

Man's steps

Start in closed dance position, standing on your right foot and ready to step with your left foot.

Counts 1, 2 (or "slow"): With your left foot, take a long, sweeping step to the side.

Count 3 (or "quick"): step back with your right foot.

Count 4 (quick): replace weight onto your left foot.

Count 5, 6 (slow): With your right foot, take a long, sweeping step to the side.

Count 7 (quick): step forward with your left foot.

Count 8 (quick): replace weight onto your right foot.

Repeat.

Woman's steps

Start in closed dance position, standing on your left foot and ready to step with your right foot.

Counts 1, 2 (or "slow"): with your right foot, take a long, sweeping step to the side.

Count 3 (or "quick"): step forward with your left foot.

Count 4 (quick): replace weight onto your right foot.

Count 5, 6 (slow): with your left foot, take a long, sweeping step to the side.

Count 7 (quick): step back with your right foot.

Count 8 (quick): replace weight onto your left foot.

Repeat.