How to Dance a Lock Step in Quickstep

Quickstep is a bright, lively dance, full of turns, kicks, hops and runs across the floor. It was first danced in New York during World War I, and it is still danced to music that is reminiscent of that time. Quickstep is fairly simple to dance at the lowest level, although it is quite fast. It is usually one of the first dances you learn when studying International style ballroom dancing. The lock step in Quickstep is performed throughout the dance to link steps together. The most common mistake most leaders make when dancing the lock step is not doing the lock itself properly, giving the follower no indication that that is what she should be doing. By following the steps below carefully, you will find it simple to lead the lady to do the lock.

The count for the Quickstep lock step is slow, quick, quick, slow. A slow counts for two beats and a quick counts for one beat. To take a closed dance position, place the lady's right hand in the man's left and hold them at about eye level. Place the man's right hand under the lady's left arm and on her left shoulder blade. Place the lady's left hand on the man's arm between his bicep and deltoid muscles. The lady dances slightly to the man's right side, even more so when in outside partner position.

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Man's steps

Start by standing in closed dance position, left side forward, ready to step outside partner with your right foot.
Counts 1, 2 ("slow" = two beats): step forward on your right foot, heel first with a bent knee, stepping just to the side of the lady's feet (called "outside partner").
Count 3 ("quick" = one beat): step forward and slightly to the side on the ball of your left foot.
Count 4 ("quick"): while moving slightly to the left, bring your right foot to lock loosely behind your left and change your weight to your right foot. Both legs should be fairly straight, on the balls of the feet with the knees slightly flexed.
Count 5, 6 ("slow"): step forward and slightly to the side on your left foot to unlock your feet. Step on the ball of your foot, and then sink softly onto the heel while bending your knee.

Woman's steps

Start by standing in closed dance position, right side back, left foot free and ready for the man to step outside partner.
Counts 1, 2 ("slow" = two beats): step back on your left foot, knee bent.
Count 3 ("quick" = one beat): step back and slightly to the side on the ball of your right foot.
Count 4 ("quick"): while moving slightly to the right, bring your left foot to lock loosely in front of your left and change your weight to your left foot. Both legs should be fairly straight, on the balls of the feet with the knees slightly flexed.
Count 5, 6 ("slow"): step back and slightly to the side on your right foot to unlock your feet. Step on the ball of your foot, and then sink softly onto the heel while bending your knee.