The blues is one of the most expressive dances I know. When words fail and there’s so much to say, dance the blues.
When partners join hands, it’s a classic style of performance. However, more often than not, couples dance their own parts, reflecting each other’s movements. The tempo and music are distinctly sensual and tender. The fluidity of the movements draws from African American ritual dances. Dancing the blues is easy and enjoyable, but like no other dance, it requires a keen sense of trajectory. Everything matters—mood, gaze, smile.
The musical meter of the blues is four beats per measure. So, let’s learn the eight basic steps.
1. Starting position—facing each other, feet together, arms down.
On “one,” the man steps forward on the ball of his right foot. The woman steps back with her left foot. On the “and,” the man places his left foot on the ball next to his right, while the woman does the same with her right foot. The position of the arms is free. On “two,” the man steps forward again, while the woman steps back. On the “and,” he places his right foot on the ball next to his left, and she steps back with her left foot, also balancing on the ball. On “three and” and “four,” both perform a hip movement called the “figure eight”: the man moves from right to left, while the woman moves from left to right. Their arms are bent at the elbows.
2. On “one,” the man steps to the right, and the woman steps to the left. On “and” and “two,” he shifts his weight onto his right leg, bending it at the knee, while extending his left foot forward. His right arm should be raised to shoulder height. The woman does the same, starting with her left foot. On “and,” “three and,” and “four,” both return to the starting position.
3. The partners repeat the movements of the second step, this time starting with the opposite foot.
4. The man steps forward and crosses his right foot behind his left, while the woman steps forward and crosses her right foot in front of her left. On “and” and “two,” the partners turn away from each other. The man shifts his weight onto his bent right leg, balancing on the ball of his extended left foot, while the woman does the same on her left leg, balancing on the ball of her right foot. On “and,” “three and,” and “four,” the man squats, fully shifting his weight onto his left leg, while the woman does the same on her right. The man’s right hand and the woman’s left hand slowly rise above their heads.
5. On “one and” and “two,” they perform the “figure eight” again. On “and,” “three and,” and “four,” the man turns his head over his left shoulder, while the woman turns hers over her right, until their gazes meet. They return to the starting position.
6. On “one,” the man steps back, taking the woman’s left hand with his right. On “and,” “two and,” and “three,” she gently steps back, as if “winding” around his hand, softly shifting her weight from heel to toe. On “and” and “four,” the man and woman lightly touch their hips together.
7. On “one and,” “two and,” “three and,” and “four,” both rotate around their axis, smoothly swaying their hips.
8. On “one and” and “two and,” the man leans over the woman, arms extended to the sides. On “three and” and “four,” the woman does the same.
After this, the partners repeat the movements from the first six steps. I hope you’ve grasped the essence of the blues: step—bring the foot together, step—bring the foot together on the ball. While dancing, pay attention to the line of the arms, the movement of the hips, and your posture. The blues does not forgive any awkwardness!