Quickstep Basic and Advanced Routine

The short answer: this lesson gives you two Quickstep routines to follow along with. The basic routine focuses on lightness, airiness and smooth movement, using the Quarter Turn to Right, Double Progressive Chasse, Forward and Back Locks, Natural Turn, Tipple Chasse and V6. The advanced routine adds a Double Reverse Spin, Cross Swivel, Fishtail, Step Hops, Scatter Chasses, a Pepperpot, Tipsy to Left and an Oversway. Each routine is danced in full, then named figure by figure and counted in slows and quicks.

What is in this Quickstep lesson?

Two routines in one video, which I dance with my student Zoe. The basic routine focuses on lightness, airiness and smooth movement. In the advanced routine we move it around with a bit more feeling, using the Pepperpot and Scatter Chasses to create more lightness and a change of rhythm.

For each one you see the routine danced in full, then every figure named, then the timing counted.

How do you count Quickstep?

In slows and quicks. A slow takes two beats and a quick takes one. I count both routines in the video, starting from "5, 6, 7, 8". In the advanced timing you'll also hear "quick and quick" counts.

What steps are in the basic Quickstep routine?

1. Preparation Step: take hold and step into the Quarter Turn.
2. Quarter Turn to Right
3. Double Progressive Chasse
4. Forward Lock
5. Natural Turn: steps 1 to 3.
6. Back Lock
7. Tipple Chasse to Right: steps 1 to 4.
8. LF Backward Walk: the right foot for the lady, which is a bit unusual.
9. V6: steps 2 to 6, then follow with any natural figure.

What steps are in the advanced Quickstep routine?

1. Double Reverse Spin
2. Cross Swivel
3. Fishtail (check)
4. 2 Step Hops
5. 3 Scatter Chasses: to the right, left and right.
6. Step Hop
7. Pepperpot
8. Tipsy to Left
9. Back, Contra Check: then close LF to RF.
10. Oversway: to finish.

Common mistakes

• Dancing the basic routine heavily. The focus is lightness, airiness and smooth movement.
• Giving every step the same count. A slow takes two beats and a quick takes one.
• Moving on to the advanced routine before you can dance the basic routine comfortably.

Try this in your next practice

Dance the basic routine with the timing section of the video, counting the slows and quicks out loud from "5, 6, 7, 8". Keep every step light, airy and smooth. When that feels comfortable, try the advanced routine and feel the change of rhythm in the Scatter Chasses and Pepperpot.

Frequently asked questions

How do you count Quickstep?

In slows and quicks. A slow takes two beats and a quick takes one. I count both routines in the video starting from "5, 6, 7, 8".

How fast is Quickstep music?

WDSF competition rules set Quickstep at 50 to 52 bars a minute.

Is this Quickstep routine for beginners?

The basic routine is. It uses core figures like the Quarter Turn to Right, Progressive Chasse, Locks and Natural Turn. The advanced routine adds hops, Scatter Chasses and a Pepperpot.

How do you make Quickstep look light?

In the basic routine my focus is lightness, airiness and smooth movement. In the advanced routine, the Pepperpot and Scatter Chasses add more lightness and a change of rhythm.

What can I dance after the V6?

Any natural figure. The basic routine finishes with steps 2 to 6 of the V6, then you can carry on with any natural figure.

Related lessons

• Quickstep forward and backward locks
• Advanced Quickstep demonstration
• Viennese Waltz basic and advanced routine
• Slow Foxtrot basic and advanced routine

Vaughan Liddicoat is a 4 time World Professional 10 Dance representative for Australia, an accredited coach and the founder of Ballroom Mastery. He has a passion for dance and wants to help you become the best dancer you can be and have an amazing time doing it.